For reference, here's where I read your comment:
https://forums.audiworld.com/wheel/msgs/83353.phtml
(or click link below)

Do you believe both the Exclaim and the Kumho Ecsta SPT are entry level tires in the UHP segment? What about the Sumitomo HTRZ II?

I have used RE040, SP Sport 9000, and HTRZ II on my modded S4 (big brakes, coilovers, full RS4 conversion = 450+hp). The best, oddly enough, have been the HTRZ II. I had tread separation with two tires, but, after I had them replaced under warranty, I was enormously pleased with their performance. I drove hard and often at high speed (several road rallies and one track day along with daily driving of 50/50 city/hwy use) with these tires and got 25K+ miles.... But I'm not here to discuss the HTRZ II.

I'm still VERY undecided between the Exclaim UHP and the Kumho Ecsta SPT. I have read over and over the ratings from TR's test and I have read ALL the user survey comments for each tire (although the Exclaim has very little consumer feedback). If you make the decision purely from an objective POV and count up the TR test points, then the Exclaim is best. However, if you decide from a subjective POV and read the user comments, the SPT seems to be favored. In fact, the Exclaim is often quoted as having a soft sidewall - I wish I could have some comparative data for the SPT and the HTRZ II to distinguish whether the sidewall comments are significant or not.

I am also concerned that (for a comparative test of these tires) the tread designs are significantly different. The Exclaim appears very well suited for rain (and even a light dusting of snow) while the SPT appears well suited for high speed dry tarmac. Yet the data appears to be very close.

So, what would you say as a final word on these two (apparently equally suitable) tires?

BTW: I don't think the UTQG Data is significant enough between these two tires - do you? How significant are the W vs Y ratings of each of these tires?

Thanks in advance.<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/wheel/msgs/83353.phtml">UHP is an entry level tire</a></li></ul>

 

I would consider all three of the tires you mentioned to be entry-level ultra high performance tires. They are a great bang for the buck, but not among the best that money can buy. There is nothing wrong with buying entry-level tires (even for cars that are not considered entry-level cars) since not everyone wants/needs the best handling tires on the market.

I've run the HTRZII tires on a Miata in the past and they are fairly good tires, but I would consider either of the other two superior in most driving conditions. We recently tested both the Kumho SPT and the General Exclaim UHP in the same test, and I felt that the Kumho was more better than the General in steering response and dry cornering, but the General had a bit softer ride. I'm posting a link to the test for any others viewing the thread. I'd say the Sumitomo falls between the two in ride and sidewall stiffness. UTQG wear ratings are not comparable between different manufacturers, so avoid using them for comparative purposes.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR4&amp;url=%2Ftires%2Ftests%2Fge_exclaim_ uhp.jsp">General Exclaim test</a></li></ul>