I've got a set of Rainsport 3s in the XL version. I bought them for use as an everyday road tyre, particularly in the winter and for use on wet trackdays. Before I bought I tried to do a bit of research on the "XL or Standard" version and I read the extremely helpful notes from 5 o'clock and Zoobeef on this forum on wet track experiences. I also found other views that were quite off-putting about lack of straight line stability, loads of understeer etc.
I also spoke to a VERY helpful chap in Uniroyal UK called Gwyn Fennell (telephone number if you pm me) who explained about the tyres construction and the difference in XL/Std.
Having tried to digest this I finally went for the XL's - cost more than the bandied about figure of £250 once fitted/balanced - more like £310 (205/45 R16 XL and 225/45 R17 XL) but I wanted them fitted by the chap I always use in Guildford 'cos he knows me and takes care.
I was only able to put about 70 road miles on before tracking them and naturally it was dry - which I was quite happy with as I wanted to heat cycle them before actually using in the wet. I put them on after a morning's worth of dry tyres and went out expecting possible horrible feel. I was in fact pleasantly surprised. A 20 minute session and took it carefully for about 4 laps, then ramped it up a bit and then cooled down for about 2 laps.
Yes they are "squidgy" (very technical!) but no problems at all with straight line stability or braking from high speed. In the corners they were slightly delayed on turn in and then seemed to bite - not what I would call understeer initially although that was there, accentuated on tight corners and lock to lock in the chicane was understeering, but not so's you'd worry about it.
Overall very pleasing but of course I have yet to try them in the wet! I am expecting them to be better than my AD08s which have had some ok outings in the wet but recently feel as though they've gone off (or maybe it's the driver).
I'm running 0.6deg negative on the front, Quantums, HR rack and 2.5x A/R bar. I ran the Rainsports at 26/27.5, seemed a good starting point.
Here's the note on Rainsports I have in the file:
The "XL" (extra load) tire can be ordered for a vehicle that had a standard load tire as its Original Equipment. This is accomplished in the manufacturing process by adding additional material to the shoulder of a tire for extra strength. These reinforcements (usually accomplished with polyamide belting found where the sidewall and tread meet) are designed to minimize any tire deflection and reduce potential damage due to road impact. These strong tires will be branded with an "XL" or "RF" in their descriptions.
Will the XL tire have an effect on my comfort?
"The "XL" tire will change the perception and feel of the vehicle. Tires that are engineered with reinforced sidewalls typically fall into the performance tire category. These tires have a rubber compound formulated to accentuate performance but not necessarily detract from the ride quality.
A driver should consider XL tire options when plus sizing any wheel packages or if more feedback from the tire is desired. Drivers seeking a firmer ride and enhanced car control would not need to be concerned with the XL warning when comparing different tires to match their driving expectations. As a matter of fact, this type tire will enhance the overall vehicle stability and handling. Also, the selection of a more aggressive tread compound will increase grip in the wet and dry.
For drivers desiring a softer feel and are willing to forgo the car’s stability in cornering, the standard load tire will be a more appropriate choice."
I've also linked to the brochure which explains the weird look you get with the asymmetric tread running backwards on 1 side. Can be worrying if you're not expecting it!
https://drive.google...iew?usp=sharing
I am sure 5 O'clock is correct and the std tyre would out-perform the XL under racing conditions but I hope the XL will allow the typical transition wet/damp/dry to be more enjoyable and on the road I don't really worry.
