The HTR Z tire is quite soft, but would need to be EXTREMELY hard on them to only get 6 months of wear. They should have quite a bit more grip than an NT555 based on treadwear rating, but these may be the model that gets soo much complaints on lack of grip, as I am just not sure. I have never run them or the NT555's, but the Nitto's seem to please most drivers in your situation.

This all comes down to the needs of you as a driver!

Generally speaking, a softer tire will give you improved grip, but wear faster and cost more. To me, this is an acceptable trade-off and worth the expense. I see it differently than SaddleUp, as I am hoping to get two Summers from my R888's, but the grip is worth every penny. This is certainly not the way to save investing money in my car, but to hold the line on a corner helps to maintain control of my car and very much improves my driving experience.

If you need more info, Choosing a new tire (sig) will get into much more detail and help to make a decision.

Jazzer

 

hey guys, the Sumitomos I'm talking about has the treadwear of 160 so the HTR Z may have a higher setting, I can't remember all the symbols and letters.

 

^ yup... the 160 UTQG rating would be the HTR Z

Jazzer

 

lol, yep that's the 6mo puppy! first time I had them, my frontend was snafu'd and got about 300mi out of the front set, the only way I found out was I hit a flooded portion on the road and had no steering, that was a lucky wake up call, they are so soft but I can smoke them through 3rd, they just didn't seem very "sticky"

also that's when I switched to the Nankang NS-1

 

The are appearantly NOT as sticky as they would seem based on the UTQG. I have heard NOTHING but complaints about Sumi's and think they are this model, but I just don't know for sure. I think this is also the model that has the exact same size tread blocks from 275's on up to 315's. It seems the gap between tread just gets wider as the tire gets wider (WTF!). This would give you the identical contact patch as a 275 in the same tire.... pretty sad!

Jazzer

 

NT555's

/thread