Trying to replace my PS2 (N2) tires with Pilot Super sports and notice tread rating changed from 220 to 300 for the super sports, Many claim this could be indicator of less "dry pavement" traction. Literature seems to indicate little difference in dry traction between these tires with in some cases, some testers reported better dry traction with the SSs. Even Michelin seems to suggest that N2 will soon be history and SS will be flagship tire.
What is opinion out there, will I be losing dry traction if I switch from N2 to SS? Sure big difference in price.

 

SS is much better based on personal experience. SS has stiffer sidewalls which removes much of the typical PS2 rolls on cornering.

SS also performs much better in less ideal weathers such as cold, wet, and even freezing. what's amazing about the tire is that it also outshines ps2 on the track.

Lastly, it is cheaper. I am putting it on all my cars going forward.

 

Looked back in April on this same PSS vs PS2 issue. Good grief, looks like little added progress from Michelin or Porsche. Michelin data still seems to indicate PSS a better dry traction tire. than the old school PS2. Strange, Porsche is still sitting on behind with this issue and not saying a word about PSS.
Really tough to go with N2s because looks like will get faded out. And the rears get half the mileage of fronts, so down stream a couple N2s will always be needed
The extra 2-3 lbs per tire for PSS is major negative. I guess for the money and data out there, it seems a no-brainer to go PSS.

 

PSS are better. Toyo R888's are better than both of them though.

 

The only drawback of the PSS is that they tend to break down on the track in hot conditions.

While I just got my 997.2 and haven't tracked it yet (they came with PSS's thankfully) but I have some seat time in other cars (current 2013 M3 included) with PSS.

The only time it was an issue was the late-morning and early afternoon session in June at Big Willow. I was sliding around a bit on the late-morning session when temps were in the low 80's but in the early afternoon session when it was something like 95 degrees, it was downright dangerous. I couldn't keep the rear tires from spinning when I was accelerating and over a sustained period, that action disabled ABS and stability control. Actually slid off the track in a warm-down lap. Countersteering didn't work...it was like I was in snow. lol

I've done full track sessions (20-30 minutes) in the winter (sub 60 degrees) with the PSS with no issues. But like what anyone else would tell you...a dedicated track wheel/tire set up is a good idea.

 

Have driven them both, the PSS have by far superior traction than the PS2 - also don't forget that the PSS have dual compound, the inner part of the tire is a different compound than the outer part which helps in the longevity. From a tire perspective I'll take the PSS over the PS2 in any condition.

I run the PSS on my modified turbo and absolutely love them (5 track days on them too and no sign of wear so far).

 

PSS's on my TT (GREAT tire) and Michelin's on my other cars (drank the kool-aid), don't know about other brands.