Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Review: Ultra-High Performance All-Weather Warrior

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The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an ultra-high performance all-season tire designed for drivers seeking exceptional handling and traction in both dry and wet conditions. Positioned as a flagship model in Bridgestone’s Potenza lineup, this tire aims to deliver uncompromising performance for sports cars, high-performance sedans, and premium coupes.

Engineered with advanced technology and premium materials, the Potenza RE980AS is crafted to provide an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining year-round versatility. Its asymmetric tread pattern and optimized compound offer superior grip and responsiveness, allowing drivers to confidently push their vehicles to the limits on winding roads and during spirited driving scenarios.

While primarily geared towards performance enthusiasts, the Potenza RE980AS also caters to luxury vehicle owners seeking a comfortable and refined ride. Bridgestone’s engineers have carefully balanced the tire’s capabilities, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride quality without sacrificing its dynamic handling characteristics.

Design and Construction

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS features an advanced asymmetric tread pattern designed for high-performance driving. The outer shoulder blocks are solid and firmly connected, providing excellent cornering grip and stability at higher speeds. The inner tread features a more open pattern with wider grooves and lateral notches, enhancing hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.

This tire utilizes a silica-enhanced tread compound that promotes exceptional dry grip and precise handling characteristics. The silica also helps improve rolling resistance for better fuel efficiency. Bridgestone’s proprietary Nano Pro-Tech technology incorporates special reinforcing agents that strengthen the tread compound’s molecular bonds, enhancing wear resistance and extending treadlife.

The tire’s internal structure employs a twin-layer casing ply made from a hybrid of polyester and aramid fibers. This combination delivers high-strength reinforcement while maintaining flexibility for responsive steering feel. The sidewalls feature a spirally wrapped nylon cap ply that increases rigidity and improves handling precision during extreme cornering maneuvers.

Bridgestone’s advanced manufacturing process ensures precise construction and uniform quality control. Computer-optimized component materials and advanced building techniques result in a well-balanced, high-performance tire that delivers reliable performance mile after mile.

Performance in Dry Conditions

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is a high-performance all-season tire designed to deliver exceptional dry traction and handling. Its advanced tread compound and asymmetric tread pattern work together to provide superior grip and cornering stability on dry pavement.

During dry conditions, the Potenza RE980AS truly shines. The tire’s rigid outer shoulder blocks and continuous center rib enhance steering responsiveness and directional stability, allowing for precise handling and confident cornering at higher speeds. The wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches effectively evacuate water, ensuring maximum contact with the road surface for optimal traction.

Braking performance on dry roads is also impressive. The tire’s silica-enhanced compound and optimized tread design contribute to shorter braking distances, providing drivers with a reassuring sense of control during emergency stops or sudden maneuvers.

In terms of cornering grip, the Potenza RE980AS excels. Its asymmetric tread pattern features larger outer blocks on the outboard side, increasing the tire’s contact patch during aggressive cornering. This design enhances lateral grip and minimizes the risk of understeer, allowing drivers to navigate twisty roads with confidence and precision.

Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS delivers outstanding dry performance, offering exceptional handling, cornering stability, and braking capabilities. Whether navigating winding roads or engaging in spirited driving, this tire provides the necessary traction and control to ensure a thrilling and safe driving experience.

Performance in Wet Conditions

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS showcases impressive wet weather capabilities, thanks to its advanced tread design and specialized rubber compound. This tire excels in resisting hydroplaning, a crucial safety factor when driving on rain-soaked roads.

The tire’s directional tread pattern features wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that efficiently channel water away from the contact patch. This design helps prevent the buildup of water between the tire and the road surface, significantly reducing the risk of hydroplaning at higher speeds or in heavy downpours.

Additionally, the Potenza RE980AS’s silica-enriched tread compound enhances traction on wet surfaces. The silica particles in the rubber mixture increase the tire’s flexibility and grip, allowing it to maintain a firm hold on slippery roads. This translates to improved braking performance and enhanced cornering stability, even in rainy conditions.

During wet weather testing, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS consistently demonstrated superior traction and shorter braking distances compared to its competitors. Its ability to maintain grip on wet surfaces instills confidence in drivers, allowing them to navigate through adverse conditions with greater control and safety.

Snow and Ice Traction

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an all-season tire designed to provide year-round traction and performance. However, it’s important to note that like most all-season tires, its capabilities in deep snow and on ice are limited.

While the RE980AS features an advanced tread compound and design that helps maintain grip in light winter conditions, it is not recommended for use in severe winter weather or on icy roads. The tire’s tread pattern and rubber compound are optimized for dry and wet tarmac, rather than dedicated snow and ice performance.

For drivers who experience heavy snowfall or frequently encounter icy roads during the winter months, it is strongly recommended to use a dedicated set of winter tires. Winter tires are specifically engineered with softer tread compounds and more aggressive tread patterns to provide superior traction and braking performance on snow and ice.

Using the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS in these conditions could result in decreased traction, longer stopping distances, and an increased risk of losing control of the vehicle. It’s always advisable to prioritize safety and switch to winter tires when the temperatures drop and winter weather sets in.

Comfort and Noise Levels

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS delivers an impressive balance of comfort and quietness, making it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a refined driving experience. This tire’s advanced construction and specialized tread design work together to minimize road noise and vibrations, resulting in a smooth and serene ride quality.

One of the standout features of the RE980AS is its ability to absorb road imperfections effectively. The tire’s internal structure, combined with its optimized sidewall design, provides excellent shock absorption, ensuring that even rough surfaces feel remarkably smooth. This not only contributes to a more comfortable ride but also helps reduce fatigue during long journeys.

In terms of noise insulation, the Potenza RE980AS excels in keeping cabin noise levels to a minimum. The tire’s unique tread pattern and advanced noise-canceling technology work in tandem to minimize the transmission of road noise into the vehicle’s interior. This results in a quieter and more relaxing driving experience, allowing you to enjoy your music or conversations without being disrupted by excessive road noise.

Furthermore, the RE980AS’s advanced compound and tread design help reduce the occurrence of tread growl, a common issue with some tires that can create an unpleasant droning sound at higher speeds. This feature further enhances the overall quietness and refinement of the driving experience.

Whether you’re cruising on the highway or navigating city streets, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS delivers a level of comfort and noise insulation that is truly impressive for a high-performance tire. Its ability to provide a smooth and quiet ride, while still offering exceptional handling and grip, makes it a standout choice for drivers seeking the best of both worlds.

Treadwear and Durability

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is designed to provide excellent treadwear and durability, ensuring a long-lasting performance on the road. With its advanced tread compound and optimized tread design, this tire offers impressive treadlife, even under demanding driving conditions.

Expected Tread Life: Bridgestone has engineered the Potenza RE980AS with a long-wearing tread compound that resists excessive wear and tear. Depending on your driving habits and the conditions you encounter, you can expect this tire to deliver a tread life of around 50,000 to 60,000 miles, which is considered excellent for a high-performance all-season tire.

Resistance to Cuts and Punctures: The Potenza RE980AS features a robust and reinforced construction that enhances its resistance to cuts and punctures. The tire’s advanced casing and bead area design, along with the use of high-density steel belts, provide excellent protection against road hazards, reducing the risk of premature tire failure due to punctures or cuts.

Warranty Coverage: Bridgestone backs the Potenza RE980AS with a comprehensive warranty package, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your purchase. The tire comes with a limited treadwear warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period or mileage, whichever comes first. Additionally, Bridgestone offers a road hazard warranty that protects against non-repairable punctures or damages caused by potholes, nails, or other road debris.

With its exceptional treadwear and durability, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is designed to provide a long-lasting and reliable performance on the road, ensuring that you get the most value out of your investment.

Fuel Efficiency

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is designed with a low rolling resistance compound and an optimized tread pattern, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. This all-season tire’s low rolling resistance ratings help reduce the amount of energy required to keep the tires rolling, translating into better gas mileage and lower emissions.

Bridgestone’s advanced silica-enriched tread compound enhances the tire’s ability to maintain its shape and minimize energy loss as it rotates, resulting in reduced rolling resistance. Additionally, the asymmetric tread pattern features a continuous center rib and optimized tread block design, which further minimizes rolling resistance while maintaining excellent traction and handling.

Independent tests have consistently shown that the Potenza RE980AS offers superior fuel efficiency compared to many competitors in its class. This not only saves drivers money at the gas pump but also contributes to a lower environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, the Potenza RE980AS strikes an impressive balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a high-performance all-season tire that doesn’t compromise on fuel economy.

Vehicle Compatibility

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is designed for a wide range of vehicles, from sports cars and high-performance sedans to crossovers and SUVs. This ultra-high-performance all-season tire is available in a variety of sizes to fit most modern vehicles.

Recommended vehicle types for the Potenza RE980AS include:

• Sports Cars (e.g., Porsche, BMW M Series, Mercedes-AMG)
• High-Performance Sedans (e.g., BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS)
• Performance-Oriented Crossovers and SUVs (e.g., Porsche Macan, BMW X3, Acura RDX)

The Potenza RE980AS is offered in sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches in diameter, with a variety of width and aspect ratio options. Some popular fitments include:

• 225/45R17
• 245/40R18
• 275/35R19
• 285/30R20
• 295/25R22

It’s essential to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a professional tire installer to ensure you select the correct size and load rating for your specific make and model. Proper tire fitment is crucial for optimal performance, handling, and safety.

Pricing and Value

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS sits in the premium category of ultra-high-performance all-season tires, and its pricing reflects this positioning. Depending on the size, the RE980AS typically costs between $150 to $300 per tire, which places it at the higher end of the all-season tire market.

While the upfront cost may seem steep, it’s important to consider the value proposition offered by the RE980AS. Compared to many of its competitors, the RE980AS delivers a well-rounded performance package that excels in dry and wet conditions, while also providing respectable snow and ice traction for an all-season tire.

In terms of price-to-performance ratio, the RE980AS stands out as a compelling option. Its impressive dry and wet grip, responsive handling, and decent winter capabilities make it a versatile choice for performance-oriented drivers who want a single set of tires for all seasons. The tire’s durability and treadwear warranty also contribute to its long-term value.

When compared to similarly priced ultra-high-performance all-season tires from brands like Michelin, Continental, and Goodyear, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS holds its own in terms of overall performance and value. While it may not be the absolute best in any single category, its balanced performance across various conditions makes it a strong contender in its class.

Ultimately, the RE980AS represents a premium investment, but one that delivers a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and value for drivers seeking a high-quality all-season tire for their performance vehicles.

Competitor Comparison

When it comes to high-performance all-season tires, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS faces stiff competition from some of the top names in the industry. One of its closest rivals is the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+, which is renowned for its exceptional dry and wet traction, as well as its impressive handling capabilities. While the Michelin tire may have a slight edge in terms of outright grip and responsiveness, the Bridgestone RE980AS counters with a more comfortable ride and better treadwear ratings.

Another formidable competitor is the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06, which boasts impressive all-season performance and a reputation for durability. Like the Bridgestone, the Continental tire offers a good balance of dry and wet traction, while also delivering decent snow and ice capabilities. However, the RE980AS tends to be quieter on the highway and may offer slightly better fuel efficiency.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is another high-performance all-season tire that warrants consideration. While it excels in dry conditions, providing excellent handling and steering response, it may fall slightly behind the Bridgestone in terms of wet and winter traction. Additionally, the RE980AS generally receives higher marks for ride comfort and treadwear longevity.

Ultimately, while the competition in this segment is fierce, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS holds its own against the best in the business. Its well-rounded performance, combined with its impressive comfort and durability, make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a capable all-season tire that can handle a variety of driving conditions without compromising on the driving experience.

Professional Reviews and Ratings

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS has received widespread acclaim from professional reviewers and automotive experts. In independent tests conducted by leading tire review publications and organizations, the RE980AS consistently ranks among the top performers in its category.

TireRack, a respected authority on tires, awarded the Potenza RE980AS an impressive overall rating of 9.3 out of 10. Their experts praised the tire’s exceptional dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and impressive treadwear characteristics. They noted that the RE980AS delivers “outstanding grip and stability in both dry and wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for performance-oriented drivers.

Similarly, Tire Reviews and More, another reputable source for tire evaluations, gave the RE980AS a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Their team of testers commended the tire’s impressive braking distances on dry and wet surfaces, as well as its excellent cornering stability and steering responsiveness. They highlighted the RE980AS’s ability to inspire confidence in challenging driving conditions.

Consumer Reports, known for its rigorous and unbiased testing, also endorsed the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. In their comprehensive evaluation, the tire received top marks for its dry and wet grip, as well as its impressive treadwear performance. Consumer Reports noted that the RE980AS strikes an excellent balance between performance and longevity, making it a wise investment for drivers seeking a high-quality, all-season tire.

Beyond numerical ratings and test results, many professional reviewers have praised the RE980AS’s advanced construction and innovative technologies. The tire’s proprietary Hydro-Groove design, which features deep grooves and an optimized tread pattern, has been lauded for its exceptional water evacuation capabilities, ensuring reliable wet traction and hydroplaning resistance.

Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS has garnered widespread acclaim from trusted sources and industry experts, solidifying its reputation as a top-performing, all-season tire that delivers exceptional grip, handling, and durability across a wide range of driving conditions.

Owner Experiences and Feedback

Many owners have praised the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS for its impressive dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and overall performance on the road. Drivers report feeling confident and in control, even during spirited driving or in inclement weather conditions.

A common theme among positive reviews is the tire’s ability to provide a comfortable and quiet ride, with minimal road noise and vibrations. Owners appreciate the smooth and refined driving experience, especially on longer journeys.

On the flip side, some owners have expressed concerns about the tire’s treadwear and durability. While the RE980AS is designed for high-performance driving, some users have reported faster-than-expected tread wear, particularly if the tires are driven aggressively or in harsher conditions.

Another critique from a few owners is the tire’s lackluster performance in deep snow or on icy surfaces. While the RE980AS is an all-season tire, some drivers have found its winter traction to be less than ideal, especially when compared to dedicated winter tires.

Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS has received positive reviews from owners who value its impressive dry and wet performance, responsive handling, and comfortable ride. However, some owners have raised concerns about treadwear and winter traction, which should be considered based on individual driving needs and conditions.

Potenza RE980AS Video Review

Videos created by Tire Rack

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is an excellent ultra-high performance all-season tire that delivers exceptional dry and wet traction, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. Its advanced tread compound and design provide impressive grip and cornering stability, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking a dynamic driving experience.

However, while the tire performs well in light snow, its winter traction capabilities are limited, and dedicated winter tires are recommended for harsh winter conditions. Additionally, the RE980AS has a relatively short treadwear warranty, which may be a concern for some drivers.

Overall, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS is a top-tier ultra-high performance all-season tire that excels in most driving scenarios. Its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and it’s an excellent choice for performance-oriented drivers seeking a well-rounded tire that can handle various weather conditions while delivering an engaging driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of Other Bridgestone Tire Reviews

If you’re interested in exploring other Bridgestone tire options, check out our comprehensive reviews of their various offerings. Bridgestone’s commitment to quality and performance shines through in their diverse range of tires.

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