I've seen these up close on cars at PCA DEs, but have never seen one raw (meaning unmounted). I was able to really inspect the insides, outsides, etc. and I really am impressed with the workmanship. They came with metal stems pre-installed - they look like the BBS units I've seen for sale online.

I'd been trying to discover the weight before ordering, after ordering, etc. but was unable to find anything. So, according to the old bathroom scale, which has proven to be very accurate based on all sorts of shipping I've done, the numbers are:

18x8.5 = 19 lbs
18x11 = 20 lbs

I'm in the process of ordering tires, and my pick for now is the RA1 for many reasons. Although the PSC, which I've run for years, might give me a slight edge on a warm and dry day, I believe the RA1 will be a better "all-around" tire for the cold and wet we typically have here in CT and NY where I DE. The RA1 also has the same rolling diameter as the 997S oem tires - so speedo / odometer will be basically correct. The only downside to the RA1 is the rear is very heavy compared with the PSC...

Fikse, especially Matt, was extremely good to deal with. The customer service is at a level I've not seen in a very long while. Kudos to Fikse!

Ron

 

Hey, Ron keep me updated on how these work out. Excuse my ignorance but what brand is a RA1 and PSC? I am signed up for another track day in a few weeks and just did an autoX this last weekend. I think I need to look into some track wheels a tires too.
Mike

 

I'd say that until you have 15-20 DEs under your belt, stick with street tires like PS2s. I've been in Black (advanced solo) for a couple of years and I'm still having fun on the PS2s on my 997S. I ran PSCs (Michelin Pilot Sport Cups) on my E46 M3 for 2 years after 2 years on PS2s on that car. RA1s are Toyo's DOT R-compound tire, which is more of a hybrid than even the PSC.

 

Those are some good looking wheels! Congrats on the purchase - can't wait for your reviews.

 

Ron, actually after my wife watched the AutoX she asked me why don;t you have extra tires and wheels so you do not wear out the normal (she means street) tires. I saw this as a very possible green light...ya know?

 

i use fikses on our track car as well...great wheels

 

Sure does sound like a green light to me If they arrive and she beefs, remind her it was her idea...

Process will be different than it was with the M3. Used to be able to take the track wheels / tires in the back seat, but now I'll have to swap pads and wheels / tires the night before and not have spares...

 

Beautiful choice Ron, what size of tires are you running??

Dave

 

RA1s in 245/40-18 and 305/35-18. If I remember correctly, front and rear tire diameters match oem at about 25.5 and 26.3" respectively. So no potential for PSM and / or ABS issues.