Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position

The Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position greatly impresses TireRack.com experts. It beats their former two-time favorite ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tire -- the Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season (*Est. $150) -- in a four-tire shootout. Although the Pirelli still beats it in lap time, slalom and cornering tests, testers say the new Bridgestone communicates better with the driver and rides more comfortably. The Bridgestone wins over TireRack.com customers, emerging as their new favorite UHP all-season tire. Owners award it the highest rating of "outstanding" for wet and dry performance, quietness, ride comfort and tread wear and the next-best "excellent" rating (the same as other top-rated tires in this class) for snow and ice grip. However, a few owners disagree, saying the tire slips on snow and ice.

Experts have not yet tested this new tire's winter performance, but the tire it replaces -- the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position -- is rated "good" for snow and ice driving in one major test, with no other performance weaknesses. The new RE970AS adds silica to its tread compound to boost traction in all road conditions, with an upgraded footprint shape to further enhance traction and tread life. If you're on a budget, experts recommend the Yokohama Avid Envigor (*Est. $140) UHP all-season tire, although owners say it's not as sure-footed as the Bridgestone in any road condition.

TireRack.com experts test the Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS Pole Position alongside three other UHP all-season tires. The retailer also hosts an expert blog post and owner reviews for this tire. ConsumerReports.org includes the preceding RE960AS in its UHP all-season tire rankings. SaferCar.gov lists government traction, tread wear and heat-resistance ratings for this and other tires.