The car drift game originated in Japan and has rapidly spread across the globe over the past decade. It is an adventurous and fun-filled game for all ages if you can afford to drive a car.
To provide a tremendous drifting experience, you choose the best tires for yourself. It is better to have products with good traction to control the speed.
To make it easier for you, I will provide you with the best tires for drifting in this article. My collection will include both street and race-focused tires to be fair and objective.
The Best Tires For Drifting Reviews Of 2024
| Tires | Best for |
|---|---|
| Continental ContiSportContact 5 | Best for Overall |
| Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | Best for High-speed Stability |
| Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R | Best for Wet Conditions |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 | Best for Responsiveness |
| Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 | Best for High Performance |
| Falken Azenis RT615K | Best for Control |
| Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601 | Best for Budget |
| Kumho Ecsta PS31 | Best for Responsiveness |
Continental ContiSportContact 5
Best for Overall
Specification
- Size: 245/40R1897Y XL
- Maximum payload: 1609 lbs
- Weight: 26 lbs
As someone with deep experience in the automotive industry, I do not allow myself to be too lenient in evaluating product features. To convince me, those products have to be genuinely excellent.
The Continental ContiSportContact 5 is a great product overall that has perfectly received my full 5-star review. I rate this tire model on many different aspects; all of them are good, to my surprise.
The first test was in motion performance. This tire model has a superior maximum performance that is different from the outstanding performance when sliding in the conventional product line. They all come with an asymmetric tread pattern allowing for excellent handling improvement.
The overall character of the tire is also in the quality expressions from the production materials. Advanced compound tires enhance traction and provide the driver with outstanding control while drifting. Not only that, thanks to the durability of the outer tire shell, it effectively prolongs the life of the product.
You can check this video for details:
On the other hand, it’s also ideal for road trips. It possesses decent traction, and the wet brakes are excellent; it still works well even when you go in puddles. The comfort and no noise are also the outstanding highlights of the tire in attracting the user’s attention.
The biggest flaw of this model is the warranty. The product supplier was sketchy in not providing any security for the tires. That let me down.
Pros
- Best overall
- Outstanding responsiveness
- Easy to control
- Good traction and grip
- Peaceful
Cons
- No warranty
Bottom line
I recommend this type of tire because of its comprehensiveness. It will help you have many perfect experiences and even more.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Best for High-speed Stability
Specification
- Size: 245/40ZR18(97Y) XL
- Maximum payload: 1609 lbs
- Weight: 23 lbs
Owning stable high-speed tires is a great idea to help you have perfect skates. With this category, I recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
This tire is highly worldwide for its stability and high speed for the user’s movements, which is an outstanding advantage, formed and developed from the product’s unique model and high-grade materials.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stands out with a simple but attractive design, formatted by 4 deep parallel grooves.
In particular, including three large deep grooves and one groove located on the outer edge of the tire, they allow enhanced traction and perfect wet braking in the segment. From there, form meaningful movements at a stable and safe speed for you.
This tire is outstanding in design and impresses customers with the production material. Tires are made from a new generation of Le Mans-derived compounds to improve dry handling while also increasing wet braking performance.
The tire’s internal structure is attached by a double steel belt reinforced with a type of hybrid spiral wound reinforcement with the effect of preventing wear and prolonging the life of the product.
On the other hand, these tires have suitable limit control thanks to their superior responsiveness and sticky rubber. From there, ensure a steady pace, so you have plenty of finished skates.
However, their prices are not so reasonable. Too high a price is a barrier that makes customers unable to access it. The supplier needs to move to lower the cost and make it more suitable for consumers to buy the product quickly.
Pros
- High-speed stability
- Outstanding handling ability
- Impressive grip
- Peaceful
- Suitable warranty
Cons
- High price
Bottom line
Skip the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, and you will hardly have the perfect experience. This particular tire not only provides excellent stability at high speeds but also provides you with friendly traction.
Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R
Best for Wet Conditions
Specification
- Size: Various
- Weight: Various
Using tires that are not compatible with wet environments is a challenge for you because you will have many difficulties. My best recommendation for this category is the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R tire.
It’s a specialty tire made to do its best on wet surfaces. This product feature comes from the unique design itself with careful refinement compared to previous versions. This tire model has two parallel rear tracks and symmetrical treads that increase traction and handling for a practical and safe experience.
Fortunately, it is also Bridgestone’s strength when it comes to responsiveness. This innovative tire allows for an excellent, responsive all-around response to ensure a safe ride for the driver and those around him.
Tire traction is also a prominent feature that you cannot ignore. Thereby, it creates countless outstanding performances for the product’s excellent speed control feature. This feature will come in handy for you downhill.
Compared with other products, Bridgestone stands out above all for its ability to be used on the street. Reliable wet braking and high traction underpin the development of this feature.
The biggest drawback of this tire is its performance in inclement weather. Accordingly, they are not for cold or snowy winters.
Pros
- Excellent handling in wet conditions
- Best in class for drifting
- Excellent stable high speed
- Quiet and comfortable
- High traction
Cons
- Not suitable for use in inclement weather
Bottom line
I was really surprised by the features and performance of this tire. I recommend it to you in the hope that it can provide a more fulfilling experience. In addition to handling in wet conditions, it also helps to maximize your handling.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Best for Responsiveness
Specification
- Size: 205/55R1691W SL
- Maximum payload: 1356 lbs
- Weight: 21 lbs
From personal experience, I recommend you choose the most responsive tires in the segment because only it will satisfy you. And the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 results from a 10-month non-stop investigation.
Bringing this tire model, I hope to help share some of your expectations for quality from specialized tires. The responsiveness of a product to the user is in many different aspects, including materials, features, or experiences.
The aspect I prefer to consider is the material. A Goodyear with maximum performance can meet all user requirements thanks to an advanced tire compound with high-molecular-weight polymers.
On the other hand, this new material also plays a vital role in excellent driving speed control. The sturdy outer shoulder of the tire supports control with excellent traction and traction.
The participation of ActiveBraking technology helps to increase surface contact with the road and reduce the distance when braking sharply, bringing safety.
At the same time, it allows reasonable dispersion of water from the tire tracks and limits the influence of water on product quality.
I have experienced this tire line, and I like its performance on the street. Everything is so calm and peaceful. Comfort is also not an issue with this particular tire.
However, their main weakness lies in the warranty period. There is no warranty for the product, and this is a significant shortcoming. I hope the product developers will add this feature soon.
Pros
- Good responsiveness in the segment
- Advanced materials
- High level of traction
- Perfect traction
- Good control
Cons
- No warranty
Bottom line
Goodyear is the perfect tire for you for many unique features. The intelligence in the performance and performance of the tires will surely make you satisfied.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
Best for High Performance
Specification
- Size: 235/40R1895Y XL
- Maximum payload: 1521 lbs
- Weight: 25 lbs
The Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is the perfect solution for those looking for high-performance tires. It has an intelligent design with four deep parallel grooves and asymmetrical treads to create a driver-friendly and responsive model.
It also exhibits excellent grip and traction, further enhancing the speed and movement control. Moreover, they are durable to give you long drifting phases.
On the road, tires are beneficial. It provides outstanding water resistance, precise traction, and wet braking. This feature thrives on advanced tire compounding.
Tire compound with traction resin to create a dry grip to optimize tire stiffness. Along with that is the ideal internal structure to best prepare for all your trips.
It consists of two spirally wound polyamide steel belts to enhance tread stability for more stable high speeds. The relatively light construction of the tire complements the user’s precise handling.
The quiet comfort for each trip is known as an essential feature that attracts customers’ attention. It can deliver the most valuable and meaningful experiences.
I regret most about this product’s ability to work in winter or inclement weather. You will not be able to operate them during winter or snowfall.
Pros
- High performance
- Rapid response
- Great grip and traction
- Great value
- Quiet, comfortable
Cons
- Not compatible with extreme weather conditions
Bottom line
Your experience will be many times more complete if you decide to own this tire model. Its high performance and control of motion and speed will leave you satisfied.
Falken Azenis RT615K
Best for Control
Specification
- Size: 245/40R1897W RF
- Maximum payload: 1609 lbs
- Weight: 27 lbs
The Falken Azenis RT615K+ is the hot topic of smooth drift control that you need to care about. Owning it, you will have attractive and memorable races. That impressive controllability is mainly due to the materials used.
It’s with a super-durable 4D Nano Design summer tire compound, which is resistant to abrasion and punctures by aggressive environmental agents.
On the other hand, they give you outstanding responsiveness, precise steering input, and great speed control.
In addition to the superiority in building materials, design is the next aspect I want to introduce. Tires have a novel design with long-running deep grooves and asymmetrical treads that create the perfect grip for warm weather. If you operate them in wet conditions, the results will not be what you want.
This tire model is also quite popular for use on the road. They’re perfect for giving you experiences that are more enjoyable than you’d expect.
However, it is not very waterproof, so you should avoid putting them in puddles. If you soak them in water, their quality will decrease significantly.
Pros
- Control while drifting
- Excellent responsiveness
- High traction and traction
- Comfortable and quiet
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Poor performance on wet surfaces
Bottom line
The Falken Azenis RT615K+ is a good tire with easy control while drifting. On the other hand, they also offer excellent responsiveness and perfect traction.
Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601
Best for Budget
Specification
- Size: 245/40R1897Y XL
- Maximum payload: 1609 lbs
- Weight: 25 lbs
The most significant barrier for consumers today is the budget of the product.
The price is too high, and they can’t own their favorite tire models with perfect quality. But now, with the presence of Yokohama ADVAN Apex V601, your budget problem will be solved.
Compared with other product lines on the market, the tire is affordable and suitable for the user’s pocket. So what will we get from this cheap tire model?
Excellent responsiveness and reliable traction are the first features you can expect from this particular tire. They evolved from the model with 3 deep parallel grooves and asymmetrical treads. What’s more, it also provides excellent waterproofing for your ride.
Besides, quietness and comfort are also developing in this particular tire. They form thanks to a new generation of tire compounds. Good abrasion resistance and external forces are also from this same feature.
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the warranty of the product. Yokohama offers a 25,000-mile tire warranty. The duration of this rating is appropriate for the characteristics and features it provides.
The biggest weakness of this tire model is its operation in the snow. I was not satisfied when I saw its performance.
Pros
- Reasonable budget
- Great handling
- Great traction and grip
- Works well for dry and wet conditions
- Warranty
Cons
- Poor performance in the snow
Bottom line
Yokohama was born to allow users to access and own it easily. The features it offers are highly diverse and practical, and I think that’s what you need.
Kumho Ecsta PS31
Best for Responsiveness
Specification
- Size: 245/40ZR1897W XL
- Maximum payload: 1609 lbs
- Weight: 24 lbs
I love the responsiveness of the Kumho Ecsta PS31 tires, and I wanted to spread this to you. The sturdy tire pattern provides this capability with 4 parallel grooves and directional treads that allow for excellent traction response and water resistance.
The friendliness of the product is also cleverly expressed through the finished building materials. They are from a high-tech summer compound featuring highly dispersed Micro Silica for enhanced wet and dry traction.
The compound has a unique tire texture with a 3D dimple design that minimizes heat build-up in the tread blocks.
At the same time, they are contributing to increased product durability to resist abrasion better. The tire shoulder has a broader design so that you can handle braking or corner accurately and quickly.
In addition, the tire also gives you unbelievable quietness and lightness. The tire works, and you won’t feel the noise when it’s in motion. From there, help you focus more and minimize unwanted risks.
That’s excellent, but there are still some weaknesses even in this product. The most typical is their warranty, and there is no maintenance for this product. This feature makes me disappointed in them.
Pros
- Ability to meet
- Great traction
- The right budget
- Control ability
- Lasting
Cons
- No warranty
Bottom line
Kumho Ecsta PS31 is a good tire model that you should consider using. It can give you perfect responsiveness and a long-term lifespan for every extra meaningful experience.
Choosing tires for drifting: Buying Guide
Please refer to the guidelines to choose the tire model for your requirements!
Material
Ensure that the rubber that produces the drift tires can withstand the heat. Tire temperature depends on the driver’s movement on the track or road surface.
Summer tires are resistant to high temperatures, but that’s heat from the environment. Therefore, you need to pay close attention to this. You need a tire that can withstand the heat caused by the contact between the tires and the road surface.
If you haven’t found such a tire yet, you can browse through our previous collection.
Efficiency
It would help if you bought tires with highly high performance to have a lot of practical experience. Many people purchase high-performance tires, but they don’t work well while drifting.
Drift utility is what you need to aim for when choosing tires. Ideally, you should read my previous review to understand this issue better.
Size
The tire size is also an important point you need to pay attention to when choosing the right tire. You need to carefully find out the wheel’s size before making a final decision. If you are not sure, it is possible to track the parameters from previous sets of tires or seek the advice of industry experts.
Works in wet conditions
Weather is inherently erratic, so you need a tire model compatible with both wet and dry surfaces. Therefore, a tire that can work in wet conditions is the perfect proposal for you. On the other hand, brakes or traction also need to work well to ensure your safety and those around you.
FAQs
To help you understand this topic, we have gathered some of the frequently asked questions. I hope all of them are helpful for your selection!
Is it better to have wider tires for drifting?
Any size that best fits your vehicle will work. But for a high-quality gliding experience, wider tires and a lower profile are best. Drift riders need wider tires, promising better grip and more surface area.
Are drag tires good for drifting?
Sports tires, but it is more likely to malfunction if your goal is just to “drift points” with drag tires. If you want to compete, use sports tires if you’re going to be at the slip point, drag or race. I win 95% of the time in the drift hopper. Depending on its sports car or street, it never pulls or races.
What is wheel size best for drifting?
10 inches is ideal. Some advocates were stretching the tire to drift, forming a stiff side, and not bending. But it’s not necessary when you’re just starting. I hope that helps you.
Conclusion
The information about the best tires for drifting above will hopefully help you choose the suitable tire model for your needs soon.
To float, you need to care about the tires’ performance, traction, and handling. These features are all in my collection. Try it out, and don’t forget to leave feedback! Thank you for reading!