Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS Pole Position Tire Review & Rating

The Potenza RE960 AS Pole Position is Bridgestone’s highest performing all-season tire. Engineered to provide maximum traction and handling, the RE960 AS is designed for drivers of sport coupes and sedans who want the most out of their tires.

A premium tread compound utilizes Bridgestone’s Uni-T AQII technology for consistent year-round traction throughout its treadlife. This technology provides a dual-layer tread compound along with a directional tread pattern for increased handling and cornering grip on both dry and wet pavement, as well as enhancing steering response and overall tire stability.

The tire’s V-shaped lateral grooves and three circumferential grooves evacuate water from under the tire in wet weather, while also reducing the risk of hydroplaning and providing added traction. Multi-sipes and scalloped lateral grooves enhance winter weather traction on snow and ice by providing biting edges for added grip, although this is not a strong area for this tire.

Inside the tire you will find two steel belts with spirally wrapped nylon for added reinforcement and durability throughout the speed range. Polyester cord plies further increase ride comfort and increase tire stability at higher speeds in the corners. Bridgestone includes a 40,000 mile tread guarantee on the RE960 AS, and this model comes with up to a W-speed rating.

Pros

• Outstanding handling is among best in class   
• Steering is quick and provides good feel   
• Excellent ride comfort with minimal road noise   
• Treadlife is exceptional   

Cons

• Handling in deep snow could be better   

Overall Thoughts

Note: Since this review was written, Bridgestone has replaced the non run-flat version of this tire with the RE970 AS Pole Position. You can read our review of that tire here.

While the RE960 AS is being replaced by the RE970 AS, make no mistake about it, this is the original model that has risen to become one of the top performing high performance all-season tires available today. The traction and handling this tire provides is outstanding, and we say that without hyping this tire in any way. Handling in deep snow is about the only thing that could be improved upon, and even that is not all that bad.

Cornering grip and stability are excellent. The steering is quick and provides a nice feel at all speeds. You feel in total control, especially at higher speeds. Beyond that, ride comfort is another area where this tire excels. Finally, the treadlife is long lasting for a tire like this. Better still, Bridgestone backs it up with a 40,000 mile warranty.

Overall, this tire performs very well. If you demand great performance from your tires, this is one that will be hard to beat.

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What Vehicles Will The RE960 AS Fit?

(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)

• Acura TSX, 3.2TL   
• BMW 530i, 330i, Z4   
• Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu   
• Dodge Daytona   
• Ford Crown Victoria, Contour   
• Honda S2000, Civic, Accord   
• Hyundai Elantra, Genesis   
• Infiniti G35, G37x, M35, I35   
• Lexus SC300, SC430, GS300, LS430, GS350, IS350   
• Lincoln LS   
• Mazda3, Mazda MX-6, Miata, RX-7, Mazda6   
• Nissan Maxima, Sentra, Altima   
• Pontiac Grand Am, G8, GTO, Grand Prix   
• Saturn L200, Aura   
• Scion tC   
• Toyota Camry, Corolla, Celica GT   
• Volkswagen GTi, Jetta, Passat   
• Volvo S60, V40, S80, 850, V50   

Tire Sizes

15″

195/60R15 88H BW
195/65R15 91H BW
205/65R15 94H BW

16″

205/55R16 91H RF BW

17″

205/40R17 84W BW
205/45R17 84W RF BW
225/45R17 91W RF BW
235/50R17 96W BW
255/40R17 94W BW

19″

225/40R19 89W BW
235/35R19 91W BW
245/35R19 93W BW

20″

275/30R20 97W BW
285/30R20 99W BW

Price Range

Prices on the Bridgestone RE960 AS range from approximately $94 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.

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Warranty

Bridgestone provides a 5-year or 40,000 mile warranty on the RE960 AS. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for the first 1/32 inch of wear.

Materials and workmanship are warranted for 5-years and include free replacement during the first 3-years. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth. You will also find a 30-day buy and try guarantee.

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