Hoosier R25B vs Goodyear D2696

[Shashi]

Hello all!

We were looking at 2 compound options for our next season. The Hoosier R25B and the Goodyear D2696.

From what I've gathered, the R25B has long life factor to it. Other than that, I could not find any other difference between the A and the B compounds. As for the Goodyears, the D2696 reaches its optimum operating temperature faster than the D2692.

Is there any other significant difference between the 2 compounds of the two makes?

Also, going through pictures of FSG 2009, I'm sure I saw teams running on R25B. But with the 4th round of testing at TTC being conducted in late September, how quantifiable a difference between the R25A and R25B did teams experience while designing?

I request comments, especially from teams who've used and tested these tires.

Thank you.

[Shashi]

Hello all!

We were looking at 2 compound options for our next season. The Hoosier R25B and the Goodyear D2696.

From what I've gathered, the R25B has long life factor to it. Other than that, I could not find any other difference between the A and the B compounds. As for the Goodyears, the D2696 reaches its optimum operating temperature faster than the D2692.

Is there any other significant difference between the 2 compounds of the two makes?

Also, going through pictures of FSG 2009, I'm sure I saw teams running on R25B. But with the 4th round of testing at TTC being conducted in late September, how quantifiable a difference between the R25A and R25B did teams experience while designing?

I request comments, especially from teams who've used and tested these tires.

Thank you.

[D Collins Jr]

I'll take the opportunity to respond to this before Tom dives in with his explanation that the 96's are magical.

In 2009, we ran R25B's at both Virginia and California. We had previously (in 2008) tested the Goodyear 91's, 92's and the Hoosier R25A's against each other back to back. After that testing, we decided to go with Goodyears due to more favorable grip and longer life characteristics than the Hoosiers. The 91's were even better than the 92's, but the 91's wore out faster. This year, those compunds were discontinued. Despite the claims that will be thrown around, the 96's were not available early in the year (at least they weren't to us). So, in preparation for FSAE-Virginia in April, we tested the new and available R25B from Hoosier against the old 2692 compound from Goodyear. The Hoosiers were noticably faster. We elected to do another round of side by side testing between Virginia and California. This time, the R25B was still better than the 2696 Goodyear, which was allegedly benchmarked off of the 25B. I have not heard of another team that is running Goodyears that tested the 96's vs the 25B's, but my knowledge is rather limited. The 2696 is definitely a better tire than the 2692, but I would still take the Hoosier R25B over it. Both companies have been fine to work with, IMO. Also, for what its worth, the Hoosier is less expensive, and if I remember my numbers right, wieghs less.

And your FSG observation is correct. As far as I'm aware, Stuttgart, Delft, Oregon State, and Michigan (all @ FSG and very fast) run Hoosiers.

[Jersey Tom]

'96 contains 13% more magic.

There are heaps of differences between the two tires and compounds. With regard to longevity, I'll say the '96 lasts a long time and is very resistant to tearing and graining.

Which will be best for you? Depends on a lot. Only way to really know is to test them back to back... with a shakedown to tweak pressure, camber, and/or setup... and then a couple "race" stints.

With the '96, be sure to sufficiently scuff it in first. Sticker tires are slow.

Also, the '91 is not discontinued... though it's generally not recommended in place of the 96 in the dry. Only for wet.

[bob.paasch]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by D Collins Jr:
And your FSG observation is correct. As far as I'm aware, Stuttgart, Delft, Oregon State, and Michigan (all @ FSG and very fast) run Hoosiers. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Good comparison information David, thanks.

For the record, one reason Delft, Michigan and Oregon State (and ETS and RMIT) run Hoosiers is because we all run 10" wheels and Goodyear chose to discontinue their 10" line a couple years ago. :^(

All the above teams (with the possible exception of RMIT, sorry I don't remember their tires) run Hoosier's softer LC0 compound, which seems to be better suited to these lightweight cars.

[Zac]

I know Duke tested on both the 96 and R25B and ended up going with the 96. Which tire is "faster" probably depends on track conditions, driver preference, and vehicle setup more than anything in my opinion.

From what I've seen though, the 96 does wear really well.

[Shashi]

Thank you for all that information guys.

This being the first time ever we'll be going for slicks,(we've been running on JK road tires for the last 3 years at FSG), I was trying to figure out, what considerations did you guys make the first time you ever decided to buy into a high performance tire.

The first one I considered,is statistics. Looking at the top teams when I was a newbie, I concluded that Hoosiers and Goodyears are the way to go. But now being a senior in my second year in FS, I ought to look for a more technically sound explanation. The second I considered was the cost. Here, the Hoosier came through. But then, it kind of dried up.

So could you guys share your experiences about what made you chose a particular compound/ brand.

Regards.

[exFSAE]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Shashi:
So could you guys share your experiences about what made you chose a particular compound/ brand. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Track test, man.

[Mike Cook]

There are plenty of teams that are fast on hoosiers and there are plenty of teams fast on goodyears. The TTC should give you a starting point for selecting tires. Since your not in the US I have to imagine that being able to source the tires is a big issue, so I'd probably go with whatever was available. On top of that, the best advice has already been given....test the tires on your car.

[RollingCamel]

Sorry to hijack your thread Shashi, but i have a question.

Road conditions in Egypt are quite poor. The tarmac is rough and dusty. Would using slick tires in such conditions be wise? I know that the aim is the competition but we can't afford excessive tire wearing.
What about tarmac rallye tires?

[TacoPete]

RollingCamel- Not quite sure of your situation but IMO cut costs in other areas (or fund raise more) and have a second set of tires. I think if you test on one set of tires and compete on another is too large of a risk. Possibly look around for some lightly used tires of the same kind. Definitely get some members out there to sweep the testing surface. Also look at investing in the TTC to get some theoretical values to run in a simulation.