Want a tire that combines sporty handling with year-round versatility? The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ might be just what you need. But how does it compare to other ultra high performance all-season options, and what compromises might you face?
With a Tire Grade of 8.5/10, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ delivers precise dry pavement control, dependable rain performance, refined ride comfort, and impressive longevity for drivers who want a dependable ultra high performance all-season option. Yet, modest snow grip may give some drivers pause.
This review dives deep into the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ to help you make an informed decision. You’ll see how it stacks up against the premium-tier Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, the moderately priced Sumitomo HTR A/S P03, and the economical Riken Raptor ZR A/S. We also cover known issues drivers have reported and break down the performance numbers that matter most.
Tire Owner Feedback
Side-by-Side Comparison
Below, we compare the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ against the top-rated alternatives in the Ultra High Performance All-Season category. For a deeper look at each alternative, see the Recommended Alternatives section further down.
Detailed Review
Our ratings are based on aggregated feedback from real-world drivers. Each tire’s Tire Grade reflects thousands of miles of owner-reported data — the more miles driven, the higher our confidence in the score.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Customer Ratings
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
7.4 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
Tread Wear
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 500
UTQG Traction Rating: A-AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
Contact manufacturer for warranty details
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.0 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.0 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.0 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is crafted for drivers who want sporty handling without giving up year-round versatility. It’s ideal for performance sedans and coupes that see spirited driving in all seasons. If you enjoy responsive steering and confident cornering, this tire delivers.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger dry traction and handling than most of the competition.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In wet conditions, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ provides reliable traction and good hydroplaning resistance. The tread design effectively evacuates water, giving you confidence during rainstorms. Most drivers will appreciate the predictable wet weather behavior. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance than most of the competition.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ offers a comfortable ride that most drivers will appreciate. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and noise levels remain subdued even at highway speeds. Long drives become more enjoyable with this level of refinement. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger ride comfort and noise control than most of the competition.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Winter performance is limited with this tire. While it can handle light dustings, it struggles in deeper snow and icy conditions. Drivers in areas with regular winter weather should consider dedicated snow tires or a more winter-capable all-season option. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger winter and snow traction than most of the competition.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ has a strong treadwear rating, which means it should last for many miles when maintained properly. Its durable design is built to handle varied conditions, and the warranty backs up the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger tread life and longevity than most of the competition.
Pros
- Strong dry road performance
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Durable treadwear for long-lasting use
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
Cons
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- May not suit all driving styles
- Some size availability limitations
- Requires proper maintenance for best results
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ delivers outstanding value in the mid-range segment. Its performance ratings consistently exceed what you’d expect at this price point, and solid tread life adds to the long-term return on investment. For drivers seeking reliable ultra high performance all-season performance, this tire punches well above its weight.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is a strong option if you value comfort and all-season versatility. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and durability and shows good durability. However, if you are sensitive to road noise or often drive in light snow and icy conditions, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire is a worthy pick for those who need a reliable tire that performs well across a range of everyday conditions.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Problems
While the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is a capable tire, some drivers have reported a few issues that might affect their overall experience. These include challenges in light snow, ice, or slush. It’s good to know that many of these problems are from isolated reports or can be helped with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Typical
The tire performs very well in deep snow, but some drivers have found that it does not grip as well in light snow, slush, or on icy roads. This can sometimes lead to slipping or less stable cornering in those conditions.
Balancing and Installation Issues
Typical
A few reports mention problems during mounting or balancing the tire. Some drivers experienced vibrations or a wobbling feeling when the tires were new, which might require extra adjustments to get a smooth ride.
The Bottomline
While the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Alternatives
While the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Overall: A premium ultra high performance all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the Potenza RE980AS+’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the Potenza RE980AS+’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the Potenza RE980AS+’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Potenza RE980AS+’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Offers a more comfortable and quieter ride than the Potenza RE980AS+, with comparable tread life.
Sumitomo HTR A/S P03
Sumitomo HTR A/S P03
Overall: The Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides solid wet traction and effective hydroplaning resistance, even though its ratings are slightly lower than the Potenza RE980AS+’s wet scores.
- Dry Weather: Offers strong dry traction and stable handling, performing comparably to the Potenza RE980AS+ on dry pavement.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the Potenza RE980AS+’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the Potenza RE980AS+ in day-to-day driving.
Riken Raptor ZR A/S
Riken Raptor ZR A/S
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Riken Raptor ZR A/S offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the Potenza RE980AS+ in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Delivers adequate wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, though it doesn’t quite match the Potenza RE980AS+’s exceptional wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Provides dependable dry traction and stable handling for everyday driving.
- Winter Performance: Offers adequate winter performance, though its snow and ice traction are lower than the Potenza RE980AS+’s ratings.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Delivers a comfortable ride with solid treadwear, performing similarly to the Potenza RE980AS+ in day-to-day driving.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Riken Raptor ZR A/S is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is a solid all-season tire that offers great value with its strong dry, wet traction, dependable treadwear, and comfortable ride. It is built for drivers who need a tire that performs well across varied conditions throughout the year.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ offers a balanced mix of performance and value. If you want dependable all-season performance, it is a strong choice. But if you are concerned about the issues mentioned above, you might want to look at alternatives like the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, Sumitomo HTR A/S P03, and the Riken Raptor ZR A/S. Your decision should reflect your driving style and priorities.
Good luck and happy motoring.
