Last Updated on February 18, 2025
Battle of High-Performance Tires- Falken FK460 A:S vs. Bridgestone Potenza AS vs. Continental DWS06
It’s a common misconception that performance tires are expensive. While some models, like semi-competition tires and exotic supercars, come with higher price tags, most drivers don’t need that level of aggression or grip. Instead, many find that a well-designed tire can enhance the car’s capabilities, including comfortable highway driving and confident braking that far exceed your standard summer tire – all at an affordable price point.
So, let’s explore what options are available in the high-performance all-season tire segment and what the best UHP tires are for spirited driving. Today, we will compare the three most standout products in this market: the Falken FK460 A/S, Bridgestone Potenza AS Plus, and the Continental DWS06 Plus.
What Is UHP And What You Should Know Before You Buy It?
The UHP stands for “ultra-high-performance” tires and designates a product whose characteristics are precision engineering, quality construction, and performance well above the average. Those tires are designed for powerful vehicles, sports coupes, and SUVs that need all-around tire solutions, safe handling, and high cornering capabilities. Of course, all-season tires will not be as capable in winter as proper winter tires. If you’re looking for high-performance tires for your sports car, we cover that topic here.
Best-Rated All-Season Performance Tires For 2025
Falken Azenis FK460 A/S
The Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is a new-generation ultra-high-performance all-season tire designed to deliver sporty handling with enhanced winter traction. It aims to compete with premium brands while maintaining affordability.
Key Features:
- 3D Canyon Sipe Technology – Increases tread block stiffness for enhanced handling.
- Asymmetric Tread Pattern – Provides superior grip in dry and wet conditions.
- Silica-Enriched Compound – Improves wet and snow traction.
- Advanced Noise Reduction Technology – Reduces road noise for a quieter ride.
- M+S Rated – Capable of light snow performance.
Specifications:
- Treadwear Warranty: 50,000 miles
- UTQG Rating: 540 AA A
- Available Sizes: 17″ – 22″
- Price Range: From $150 per tire (depending on size)
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Plus
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is engineered for enthusiasts who demand precise handling in an all-season tire. It offers a track-inspired grip with strong wet performance.
Key Features:
- 3D Full-Depth Sipes – Maintain consistent performance as the tire wears.
- Hydro-Grip Technology – Increases wet road traction and hydroplaning resistance.
- Rigid Sidewalls – Improves steering response and cornering stability.
- Cold-Weather Flexibility – Designed to stay soft in colder temperatures.
Specifications:
- Treadwear Warranty: 50,000 miles
- UTQG Rating: 500 AA A
- Available Sizes: 16″ – 20″
- Price Range: From $149 per tire
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is one of the most well-rounded ultra-high-performance all-season tires, offering excellent wet and winter traction without compromising sporty handling.
Key Features:
- SportPlus Technology – Enhances wet traction, handling, and tread life.
- Dynamic Temperature Control – Adjusts tread flexibility for different temperatures.
- Chamfered Edges & Shoulder Blocks – Improves cornering stability.
- QuickView Performance Indicators – Shows tread wear levels for dry, wet, and snow traction.
Specifications:
- Treadwear Warranty: 50,000 miles
- UTQG Rating: 560 AA A
- Available Sizes: 16″ – 22″
- Price Range: From $135 per tire
How They Stack Up Against Each Other
Dry Performance
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ has the best dry grip with precise steering.
- Falken Azenis FK460 A/S offers a good balance of grip and comfort.
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ is slightly behind but still responsive.
Wet Performance
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus dominates with excellent hydroplaning resistance.
- Falken Azenis FK460 A/S follows closely with solid wet traction.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Plus performs well but isn’t as confidence-inspiring in heavy rain.
Winter Performance
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is the best in light snow and slush.
- Falken Azenis FK460 A/S offers decent snow traction.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Plus struggles the most in snow.
Ride Comfort & Noise
- Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is the quietest and smoothest.
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is slightly firmer but still comfortable.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Plus has the stiffest ride but an excellent road feel.
Tread Life & Value
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus offers the best treadwear rating and lifespan.
- Falken Azenis FK460 A/S follows with good durability.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Plus wears faster due to its aggressive tread compound.
Why Tires Easy Is The Best Place For Shopping For UHP All-Season Tires
Besides being bonafide tire fans and experts, Tires Easy offers fantastic deals with the best prices and terms. This includes a 45-day return policy, free delivery, and a wide range of high-quality, high-performance, all-season rubber tires. What sets us apart is our vast network of 1000+ trusted tire installers, like Pep Boys and Monro, with free shipping to their locations. Tires Easy has almost 2000 installer locations in the U.S., and the number is constantly rising. If you opt for this service (free shipping and installation), you’ll get a fantastic deal that is tough to beat. With over 7 million tires sold, Tires Easy is the best choice on the market.
Conclusion: The Winner Is?
The winner of this comparison is Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS Plus. It has been chosen as the best choice because it offers the best wet and winter performance, the most extended tread life, solid all-around handling and comfort, and great value. However, this doesn’t mean that other tires are a bad choice. The remaining products are still sound UHP all-season tires, and if you want a comfortable and affordable alternative, the Falken Azenis FK460 A/S is also an excellent option.
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