Does the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ get even better with more laps?

Is the new Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ the best Super 200 tire ever? Based on several months with the tire on track, it appears so.

Superior dry pace paired with strong durability means the RZ can win–and do so quite often. Here’s how we reached those conclusions, starting with a review of previous tests at full tread:

Comments

Poor_sh GRM+ Memberand New Reader
4/15/26 9:40 a.m.

Perfect! I just pulled the trigger on some after not being able to get the V730 right now. Can't wait to see how they do this season.

Hailwood GRM+ Memberand New Reader
4/15/26 10:27 a.m.

Thanks for the update, Andy! Super happy to see the RZ continues to do well, and especially great to see how well they are wearing - should make a lot of folks happy. We're already looking at expanded sizing, so hopefully more to come there.

MisterJA New Reader
4/15/26 12:04 p.m.

Interesting that my 3200 lb (with driver) Audi TTS shows the same tread depth for the RZ after 96 laps as on your graph. Much improved wear compared to the 71 RS that I have been running for HPDE's. (265/35-19)

goingnowherefast GRM+ Memberand Reader
4/15/26 12:29 p.m.

Great stuff. Just put in my order for 285/35/19 for the V6 1LE.

Ryan Otis GRM+ Member
4/15/26 12:55 p.m.

This is amazing to see, and perfect timing. I was just debating whether to wear down my RZs at an upcoming track day before some National-level AutoX events.

Tylerlieberman New Reader
4/15/26 1:39 p.m.

I love the RZs.

Went from V730s to the 71RS during the '25 season and it was a big difference. Then jumped to RZs at the end of last year and was able to do 3 days of driving the beginning of this year and noticed a good improvement over the RS. Felt a touch quicker, but definitely more consistent lap after lap.

So far the best tire I've driven on. I just wish they weighed a bit less lol

DaveC113 GRM+ Memberand New Reader
4/15/26 2:17 p.m.

Same with the RS ime, better after a couple 32nds have been worn off. I wonder how the RZ would do if it was shaved down to 5/32nds? The optimal tread depth may match the optimal heat cycles even better.

Mousse_Upset GRM+ Memberand New Reader
4/15/26 3:30 p.m.

Looking at this chart, I'm assuming the RZs handle heat cycles better than the RS? That's based on the extra work you had to put in to bring it to 4/32nds. . .

Andy Hollis
4/15/26 4:14 p.m.

Mousse_Upset said:
Looking at this chart, I'm assuming the RZs handle heat cycles better than the RS? That's based on the extra work you had to put in to bring it to 4/32nds. . .

More durable, yes. No idea yet on heat cycling of the rubber. We'll know more on that as they get down further.

That said, we were already nearing end of life on both cycles and tread depth on the RS last year when we got to this many laps.

Andy Hollis
4/15/26 4:17 p.m.

DaveC113 said:
Same with the RS ime, better after a couple 32nds have been worn off. I wonder how the RZ would do if it was shaved down to 5/32nds? The optimal tread depth may match the optimal heat cycles even better.

I have seen no evidence that there is an "optimal heat cycle" zone for the RZ -- or the RS for that matter. Other than when they eventually cycle out. It is possible that the RZ will cycle out before wearing out, though. If that ends up being the case (like an RT660), then shaving may be the ideal situation. Jury still out on that one.