Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Tire Review and Rating

The main component that provides performance in multiple weather conditions is the compound. Bridgestone used an advanced rubber that should be capable of providing superb performance in multiple weather conditions. 

Bridgestone went with an asymmetric design of the Potenza RE980AS which should help provide better performance in dry and wet conditions. Despite being an ultra-high-performance tire, Bridgestone also paid some attention to the refinement. The tread design is also optimized to reduce tire noise, something we usually see in touring tires.

In terms of handling, the Potenza RE980AS features chamfered lateral slots and interlocking sipes throughout the tread. The result of these should be excellent grip and handling characteristics. Another area that should help with responsiveness is the stiffer sidewall. The sipes are denser than some of its competitors, which should provide better aquaplaning resistance. In addition to that, the sipes are designed with special biting edges to deliver increased traction in wet and snow.

Bridgestone claims that the Potenza RE980AS has some significant improvements over the RE970AS, meaning that on paper, it should be a better tire.

How does it behave on dry tarmac?

It’s an ultra-high-performance tire, and the Potenza RE980AS lives up to its name. The performance in dry conditions is marvelous, putting it near the top.

Bridgestone’s idea of stiffening up the sidewall greatly improves the handling, and the tire has almost no sidewall flex when cornering hard. Responsiveness is also as good as it gets. The tire changes direction quickly, and with plenty of feedback through the steering wheel, you’ll be in full control of your car.

Grip and traction levels are among the best you’ll find in this category. You might say that it’s on a similar level as Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4. There’s plenty of both to ensure that the tire remains planted. You can push it into a corner much harder than you would with other tires, and it won’t even flinch.

Throw in the short braking distances into the mix, and you get the best performing all-season tire on the market.

How does it behave over wet and slippery roads?

Wet performance with the Potenza RE980AS was excellent, again, one of the best in this class. You can easily compare it with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06, which is considered the best.

The Potenza RE980AS provides plenty of grip and traction, more than enough for whatever you need. Regardless if you’re cornering hard or accelerating aggressively, the tire won’t let go of the road. In addition to this, the braking distances are excellent, and the tire stops in a very short distance.

In rainy conditions, the tire manages to retain its handling characteristics, meaning that you can push it even on wet roads. Responsiveness is almost the same as on dry tarmac, while the feedback remains more or less the same as on dry toads.

Thanks to the grooves and sipes, the Potenza RE980AS has excellent aquaplaning resistance and doesn’t get upset when you drive through a puddle.

How is it over snow?

Bridgestone promised improvements over the previous model, and it delivered. The Potenza RE980AS has a noticeably better winter performance than the RE970AS.

In light snow conditions, the Potenza RE980AS performs excellently. There’s a decent amount of traction and grip, and in these cases, you may not even need a winter tire. You’ll get proper handling and short braking distances for an all-season tire. The lower temperatures don’t pose a problem, and the tire can deliver on its performance even in freezing temperatures.

Is it comfortable and refined?

This is where we start to see some compromises, and the true nature of the ultra-high-performance tire is revealed.

Going for the stiffed sidewall improved the handling but made the ride not very comfortable. The Potenza RE980AS will feel harsh, especially when you compare it to the DWS06 from Continental. Even though it’s not a touring tire, there are better performers in this regard.

As for the noise, Bridgestone’s tweak to the tread design paid off and managed to develop a decently quiet tire. You won’t be comparing it with a touring one, but for a UHP tire, it’s not terrible.

Is it good for off-roading?

Not really; the Potenza RE980AS isn’t designed for non-paved roads, so the tire won’t perform as you’d need it to. Driving on a dirt road will be with limited performance, but it’s doable. A similar story is with mud, but at the end of the day, don’t expect wonders.

Also, keep in mind that road-going tires are not designed with chip and cut resistant compounds, so you can damage them quite easily.

Is the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS ideal for sporty driving?

Yes, it is, and it’s one of the best all-season tires for that. With the grip and traction and the way the Potenza RE980AS drives, I doubt that you’ll find a better all-season tire for sporty driving.

The handling dynamics of the tire are among the best in its class, meaning that you can drive it on a twisty road and have fun. Track days are also on the table as the tire will have plenty of performance.

Grip and traction levels are also excellent, which puts the Potenza RE980AS at the top of the all-season UHP tires. It takes a slot for the tire to break traction, which most drivers won’t manage to do. 

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Warranty

When it comes to warranty, the Potenza RE980AS is on par with the Continental DSW06. You’ll get a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which isn’t too bad for a tire of this category.

It’s slightly better than the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S4, which has a 45,000-mile warranty.

Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Pricing: Is it worth the money?

Yes, even though these types of tires aren’t cheap, the Potenza RE980AS is worth it. The price starts from a little under $130, which puts this model between the one from Continental and Michelin. Naturally, the Michelin is the more expensive option, and the Congenital is cheaper. 

Should I buy the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS?