Hoosiers or Yokohamas

[fullup1]

So I need to get another set of tires before the Atlanta ProSolo, and Beyer Subaru is paying for them (so cost is not the issue). They'll buy me two sets of tires per year, but I only have one set of rims for them to go on. I'd like to be as competitive as possible, but it would be nice to not get screwed if it rains in Atlanta with a tire that has no grooves. So here are the choices:

Hoosier A3S04 205/45R16
-Better dry traction (I don't think anyone debates this)
-17 lbs a piece
-Smaller rolling diameter by 1.8"
-0.7" less tread width per tire
-Short tire life

Yokohama A032R 225/50R16
-Good for any condition between downpour and dry
-Not as much dry traction as Hoosier (based on reviews I've read)
-24 lbs a piece
-Larger rolling diameter
-Larger tread width
-Much better tire life

[DSPDA3]

It's a toss-up... You don't really have the means to transport 2 sets of wheels/tires, else I'd recommend both. Perhaps the wheel fairy would grant you with a cheap, lightweight set of wheels.

I would probably go with the Hoosier, and hope for the best as far as rain is concerned.

[glenthompson]

The Hoosiers will stick well enough unless it a real downpour with significant standing water. In that case, run your street tires, otherwise run the Hoosiers.

The A032s are a comprimise at best. Yes, they might be better in the rain but will be slower in the dry.

[FP144]

Don't forget the Kumho V710's.They are also a very good tire with excellent characteristics.I have run the Yoko's on the Zcar ,and they definitely do not have the dry traction of the other tires.I would have to agree with the grooved slicks and hope for no heavy downpours!
Chuck

[NoCones]

Hoosier A3S05 is coming out now:
http://www.hoosiertire.com/pb31805.HTM

Can you not fit a 225/50 Hoosier or Kumho V710? Conventional wisdom is that the V710 is the tire right now...but the A3S05 might change that.

I wouldn't choose based on weather possibilities...it's verrrry rare that an entire Pro gets washed out (although Atlanta did last year!)...you almost always get at least one set of dry runs...those end up being the ones that count. And Hoosiers are actually not as bad as you might think if it's just damp without much standing water (unless it's cold too.)

Bryan

[drum3]

Phillip,get the Hoosier's or V710's ,they will do fine in light rain as long as there is no standing water,if its a down pour just air up your street tires and run them !!!

[fullup1]

Thanks for the help, I just called the dealership to order some V710s.

I haven't heard the best reports about Hoosier tire longevity, and although I'd like to try the A3S05, I have to coordinate my tire order with when I'll get back to the dealership and NOVA.

Thanks again everyone, I really appreciate it.