Overall Rating
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Tire
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
Do you drive a Sport Coupe or Sedan? The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is a perfect fit for you. This tire is an upgrade of the old version of the Potenza RE980AS. It has an improved durability and longevity.
With its quick and crisp response to inputs, you can enjoy next level of handling. The tire is designed to deliver precise speed control on dry pavement and other surfaces. Its comfort in all weather conditions is another advantage. However, the comfort level is not enough for luxury seekers and family vehicles.
Lastly, it is built to handle light snow and deliver impressive stopping distances on snow.
If you have some extra cash in your pocket, you can go with the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires that offer better overall performance. However, the price and tread life of Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is hard to beat. So, you will not go wrong if you choose RE980AS+.
Suitable for
Not Suitable for
What Do Drivers Say About Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Tire?
The tire selection based on user reviews is vital. From some reliable users’ feedback, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ competes well with many other top-notch all-season tires. It ranks well among the Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 Plus and the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4.
They are satisfied with the improvement of the RE980AS+ over its previous version RE970AS. Some have also said that the tires are generally quiet in passenger cars. However, they emit some noise at high-speed rides.
Lastly, they also greatly appreciate the tire’s superior aesthetics. They expressed likeness for the tire’s sidewall.
Some users also mention its slightly stiff ride.
Pricing and Availability
The RE980AS+ sells at approximately the same amount as the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus tire. In any case, this tire’s price is commensurate with the value it offers. You can get the RE980AS+ tire in 55 sizes. The sizes range between 16-inch and 20-inch wheel diameter.
Specifications of Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Tires
- Category: Ultra-High Performance
- UTQG: 500AA A
- Maximum Speed: 168 MPH
- Treadwear Warranty: 5 Years / 50,000 Miles
- Workmanship & Materials Warranty: 5 Years / Free replacement first 3 years, then prorated until 2/32″ remaining depth.
- Manufacturer’s Road Hazard Warranty: No
- Maximum Inflation Pressure: 50 or 51 psi depending on tire sizes
- Tread Depth: 10/32″
- Rim Width Range: Rim width comes in different sizes with a minimum of 5.5 inches and a maximum of 11.5″ inches.
- Load Range: SL or XL
- Tire sizes: This tire is designed for 16-20-inch wheels, offering 55 sizes.
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Rating: No
Key Features of Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Tire
- The asymmetric tread style contributes to balanced handling, road comfort, and reduced noise while driving.
- Full-depth 3D interlocking sipes and grooves enhance traction and also play a role in noise reduction.
- A new compound for winter braking power adds to the tire’s effectiveness during winter, enhancing braking capabilities.
- Densely arranged tread blocks with biting edges enhance the grip across various seasons.
- The tire is constructed to reduce the noise generated while driving, providing a quieter ride.
Detailed Performance Analysis of Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Treadwear and Tread Life
Undoubtedly, the Bridgestone’s RE980AS offers a commendable wear performance. The manufacturer improved the new RE980AS+ tire’s tread wear performance far beyond expectations. The treadwear warranty of the RE980AS+ is i.e. 50,000 miles. Besides, it comes with a 90-day buy-and-try guarantee.
Despite being an ultra-high performance tire, it wins the hearts of its customers by offering a long tread life.
It is important to note that the mileage would be halved if the front and rear tires were of different sizes. Nonetheless, this is one of the most durable UHP all-season tires with exceptional longevity. The RE980AS+ treadwear is graded 500 which definitely lasts longer than that of a tire-graded 100.
Dry Grip and Traction
When it comes to dry grip and traction, the RE980AS+ delivers direct and responsive steering. The exceptional grip and dry braking on dry tarmac are second to none.
The tire feels somewhat like a regular max-performance summer tire. With the new RE980AS+ tire, you can enjoy immense lateral grip even in cold weather conditions. The effort required to break them loose is an indicator of the tire’s strong traction.
What more? The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ tire provides top-notch sporty handling, making it suitable for spirited driving. One last thing I like about the RE980AS+ is its compatibility with all temperature conditions.
Wet Grip and Hydroplaning
Most users praised the previous RE980AS version as a leader in wet traction in its category. The RE980AS+ seems to have a little decline in wet traction in its class. However, it still delivers acceptable grip and traction on wet roads.
The tire is built with large circumferential grooves and asymmetrical treads. This design offers an ideal hydroplaning resistance for the tire. You will feel very secure at highway speeds in heavy rain or standing water. However, it has less traction on wet roads. Regardless of the sophistication invested in the manufacturing process, the tire’s wet grip is less than some major competitors.
Finally, if the driver fails to respect its lower grip threshold, the tire could push at the front axle.
Stopping Distance
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ provides a shorter stopping distance. This is mostly on dry surfaces. It also delivers more acceleration traction beyond a vehicle’s needs on public roads.
When it comes to wet conditions, the tire offers a shorter stopping distance. This is due to its traction grade AA. Generally, AA represents the highest, and C is the lowest traction grade. This is in alignment with its traction grade. The traction grade is based on braking straight ahead traction test and does not include peak traction. Grade C corresponds typically to a performance level that virtually all passenger vehicles are required to meet.
The RE980AS+ also delivers higher cornering speeds on highways. Additionally, you will also enjoy good acceleration traction with this tire.
Noise and Comfort
Among tires in its class, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is one of the quietest. Although Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a little better in this area, the Potenza RE980AS+ still delivers an efficient and comfortable ride.
The Potenza RE980AS+ emits a slight tread growl when engaging in excessive speed. You may experience some minor noise from the tread as you go over smooth asphalt. However, you will enjoy a firm ride. Overall, the ride quality is satisfactory.
Winter Performance
Bridgestone produced Potenza RE980AS+ tires as a response to the ever-increasing demand for tires with high performance in all seasons. This tire offers exceptional handling in light snow. The tire provides improved braking on ice surfaces due to the presence of the new compound.
Some users have also praised the tire’s performance in snow. The improvement covers snow traction, acceleration, light handling, and braking.
Although specialized winter tires are outstanding, the RE980AS+ shows an improvement in ice traction. This is because of the interaction between the silica compound and the thin water layer on icy surfaces.
Comparison with Competitors
Despite the sophistication of the RE980AS, the 1st and 2nd generations of the Continental DWS offer a better ride quality. However, their less precise steering feel is a drawback.
Furthermore, the Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 offers a little bit more comfort. Conversely, it is more expensive than RE980AS. The Potenza RE980AS also produces a little more noise compared to the other two counterparts. The tire’s handling is well improved beyond that of the Toyo Extensa HP and Dunlop WinterMaxx.
When it comes to snow traction, this tire offers around 50% greater efficiency compared to its competitors. In dry traction, the Bridgestone RE980AS+ is no less than its competitors.
In wet traction, it falls a little behind its closest premium rivals i.e. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus. However, the hydroplaning resistance is awesome.
Some Notable Alternatives
1st Alternative
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 has commendable performance in all areas i.e. dry &wet traction, high-speed handling & snow traction.
Read our full Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 Review
2nd Alternative
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
This tire is also a close contender to Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+. Offers similar performance.
3rd Alternative
Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+
Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+ is cheaper than its counterparts and offers a strong grip in various seasons.
How We Review the Tires?
There is a lot of work behind our detailed tire reviews. We adopt a multi-dimensional approach rather than just a ‘single person experience’. Our reviews are a collective wisdom of many users rather than a single user.
Before reviewing, we undertake extensive market research, meticulously examine the specifications of each tire, and carry out a very thorough analysis of user reviews from top retailers. Finally, our keen tire experts apply their experience and expertise and provide a well-rounded assessment of tires. Read our detailed review process.
