Firestone Firehawk AS V2 Review

‍Firestone Firehawk AS V2 Review

As a car enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for tires that can provide me with a thrilling and sporty driving experience. That's why I was excited to try out the Firestone Firehawk AS V2, an all-season ultra-high performance tire that promises to deliver on all fronts.

According to TireRack.com, the Firehawk AS V2 features an INDYCAR like tread pattern that's designed to provide sporty grip and responsive handling while turning. The tire's large outboard tread blocks also promote confident wet handling and resist hydroplaning, making it a great choice for drivers who want a tire that can perform in any weather condition.

One of the things that impressed me the most about the Firehawk AS V2 is its ability to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, despite its sporty nature. The large outboard tread blocks offer the kind of construction and innovative noise-reducing technology needed to help minimize road noise and vibrations, making for a more enjoyable driving experience overall.

Another standout feature of the Firehawk AS V2 is its durability. The tire's advanced silica compound and reinforced construction make it resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that it can withstand even the most demanding driving conditions. And with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, you can rest assured that you're making a smart investment in your vehicle's performance.

What is an ultra high performance tire?

There are many words that can be thrown out to describe tires. Phrases like ultra high performance or max performance can be confusing because to the average driver, they don’t mean much.

Typically, a tire offers a balance of three strengths: Traction, price, and comfort. In the case of an ultra high performance tire, your biggest weakness might be price. You’ll soon learn that the Firestone Firehawk concept is built more around traction and some comfort more than anything else.

Note while learning about this tire that an ultra high performance tire is basically a summer tire. Some tires cross seasons and become winter and summer tires, but we would suggest either an all season tire for your vehicle or dedicated winter tires in addition to the Firehawk.

Firestone Firehawk AS V2 performance and handling

As I tested the Firestone Firehawk AS V2, I was impressed with its overall performance and handling capabilities. The tire provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces, thanks to its silica-enhanced compound and full-depth 3D sipes. Compared to previous editions of the Firestone Firehawk, this one has added some more biting edges. Firestone also included more full depth sipes and grooves than previously to increase traction.

How does the Firestone Firehawk AS V2 handle dry conditions?

During my testing, I found that the Firehawk AS V2 offered quick and responsive handling, making it a great option for sporty driving enthusiasts. The tire's directional tread pattern also helps to improve handling and provide better stability at high speeds. In real world testing, TireRack’s users and professional drivers seem to think that the Firestone Firehawk leads its class in dry traction with a very solid 8.6. This number scores a solid half point higher than any other ultra high performance tire.

How is the wet traction?

Wet traction is about as good with an expected drop off to 8.1 simply because this tire isn’t designed for all weather. The score of 8.1 still handily beats every tire in the same class. During my testing, I found that the Firehawk AS V2 provided excellent stopping power in wet conditions. The tire's multi-directional siping and 3D full-depth interlocking sipes help to provide biting edges for improved traction on wet roads. The tire's performance in wet conditions and with wet traction was on par with some of the best tires in its category.

How does it handle braking distance?

When it comes to braking, the Firehawk AS V2 is equally impressive. Its wide shoulder blocks and circumferential grooves provide excellent grip and help to reduce braking distances, even in wet conditions. In fact, according to TireRack.com, the Firehawk AS V2 outperformed its competitors in wet braking tests.

Overall, the Firestone Firehawk AS V2 is a solid choice for drivers looking for a high-performance all-season tire. Its combination of excellent handling, traction, and braking makes it a great option for sporty driving, while its wet performance capabilities make it a safe and reliable choice for everyday driving.

Tread Life and Durability for the Firehawk AS V2

As someone who puts a lot of miles on my tires, I was pleased to find that the Firestone Firehawk AS V2 has a long tread life. According to TireRack.com, this tire has a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. After driving on these tires for several months, I can attest that they are holding up well.

The Firehawk AS V2 is also quite durable. The tire's construction includes  steel belts that are reinforced with spiral wrapped nylon to provide durability. Additionally, the tire's sidewalls are reinforced to help resist punctures and cuts. I have driven over some rough roads and debris, and I have yet to experience any damage to the tires.

Overall, I am impressed with the tread life and durability of the Firestone Firehawk AS V2. These tires are holding up well under the demands of daily driving and have not shown any signs of premature wear or damage.

Noise and Comfort for the Firehawk

When it comes to noise and comfort, the Firestone Firehawk AS V2 does not disappoint. The tire is designed to provide a smooth and quiet ride, and it delivers on that promise.

During my test drive, I found that the tire produced minimal road noise, even at high speeds. This is due in part to the tire's unique tread design, which features a continuous center rib that helps to reduce noise and improve stability.

In terms of comfort, the Firehawk AS V2 is also a winner. The tire's construction includes a ComfortEdge sidewall that helps to absorb bumps and vibrations, resulting in a comfortable ride. Additionally, the tire's internal structure includes dual steel belts that provide added durability, which also contributes to a smoother ride.

The TireRack rating is subjective and a little low on noise and comfort with a 7.2. Technically speaking though, you can’t quite have it all considering how well the tire handles wet and dry conditions.

Overall, I was impressed with the noise and comfort performance of the Firestone Firehawk AS V2. It is a tire that delivers on its promise of a smooth and quiet ride, making it a great choice for drivers who prioritize comfort and convenience.

Pros and Cons of the Firestone Firehawk AS V2

As someone who has tested the Firestone Firehawk AS V2, I have found that there are both pros and cons to this tire. Here are some of the things I have noticed:

Pros

• The Firehawk AS V2 provides excellent wet traction, thanks to its unique tread pattern and silica-enhanced compound.
• The tire is also very responsive and provides good handling on dry roads, making it a great choice for performance-minded drivers who want to deliver a sporty grip with their tires.
• Firestone has improved the tire's durability over its predecessor, so you can expect a longer lifespan from this tire.
• The Firehawk AS V2 is also relatively quiet and comfortable, which makes it a good choice for everyday driving.

Cons

• While the Firehawk AS V2 performs well in wet conditions, it doesn't provide excellent snow traction. Keep a set of winter tires around. Even old winter tires do the trick.
• Some drivers have reported that the tire's ride can be a bit harsh on rough roads.
• While the Firehawk AS V2 is a good all-around tire, it may not be the best choice for drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency.

Overall, the Firestone Firehawk AS V2 is a solid choice for drivers who want a tire that can perform well in a variety of conditions. While it may not be the best choice for extreme winter driving or fuel efficiency, it strikes a good balance between performance and comfort.

Competitive Tires vs Firestone Firehawk AS V2

When it comes to ultra-high performance all-season tires, there are many options on the market. Some of the most popular competitors to the Firestone Firehawk AS V2 include following:

• Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
• Continental ExtremeContact DWS06
• Pirelli P Zero-Nero

How they stack up

In terms of wet and dry traction, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is a strong competitor, with outstanding grip and handling in both conditions. However, it comes at a higher price point than the Firehawk AS V2, making it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is another popular option with excellent wet and dry performance and a longer tread life than the Firehawk AS V2.  It is not however as responsive as the Firehawk AS V2, which may be a drawback for drivers seeking a more sporty feel. The Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season is another great tire with impressive grip and handling in wet and dry conditions. However, it has a shorter tread life than the Firehawk AS V2, which may be a concern for some buyers. Overall, while there are many competitive options in the ultra-high performance all-season tire market, the Firestone Firehawk AS V2 stands out for its combination of affordability, responsiveness, and strong wet and dry performance.

How do I buy tires on TireRack?

If our review made you want to go get some Firestone Firehawks, we suggest you make TireRack your first stop. TireRack offers free shipping and makes it easily possible for a local tire shop to install your tires for you at a good price for installation and disposal. You could also choose to have the tires sent directly to you for installation.

TireRack excels at offering unbiased reviews in addition to plenty of user comments, so they are a trustworthy partner in trying to find the right tire for your vehicle and driving habits. Their tire review process fits tires against each other using the same vehicles and conditions. You couldn’t ask for more!