Here's my take on the Federal 595 EVO after driving it for around 500 Km's. I'm a performance car enthusiast and I'm currently trying this set on my Honda Integra DC5 Type R. After reading reviews from this site and a few others, I decided to take a chance with Federal to replace my utterly horrible Achilles ATR Sport.
So far, I've had quite a few sets of rubber on my DC5 which I've owned for slightly over 3 years now. By far, the best set I've ever had are the Goodyear Eagle RS-Sport and it is in an entirely different league. A good benchmark for the Federal 595 EVO would be the Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 in which I'll make some comparisons below.
Car Setup.
Suspension: D2 Racing Street Sports Coilovers.
Camber Settings: Front -3.3, Rear -2.5
Strut Bars: Yes
Driving Impressions.
The sidewall is noticeable harder and firmer than that of the Eagle GSD3 or the Pirelli P7000. Thus, it's able to provide me good, ample feedback from the road and there's a good amount of grip in the corners. I'm able to take corners 10 - 15 KM/H faster than my previous setup with Achilles ATR Sport.
While the Eagle F1 GSD3 is more refined while on the move, the 595 Evo is more aggressive and demands commitment from the driver. Its a very progressive tire and will give you enough road information for you to gauge your next move.
Steering is much sharper and precise and because of the firm sidewall, quick and fast lane change is no issue here. Also can't comment on the wear rate as I've just run these in for 500 Km's.
Grip.
Dry grip is good and since I have 'run in' the tires, the grip becomes better. No complaints here. I managed to do 210 KM/H and speeds averaging 180 KM/H on the highway without breaking a sweat.
Wet grip is subject to the rain conditions. Do exercise some caution in a torrential downpour when visibility is limited up to two cars in front of you. Speeds of 80 - 90 km/h would be the optimum for the 595 Evo. For a damp road with drizzle, it can manage about 120 - 130 km/h comfortably. As I've mentioned, this tire will provide heaps of feedback from the road and more so in the rain. The Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 wins in this segment.
Conclusion.
For those who are expecting this to be a quiet, comfortable, 'green' tire, you will be disappointed. This is anything but. The 595 Evo invokes spirited driving, confidence and involvement. Can't complain for the price I paid for. There are some trade offs between the 595 EVO and the F1 GSD3. The EVO is less refined, more raw but in a good way. It creates a sense of excitement and renewed driving confidence. The GSD3 is a refined gentleman, predictable and safe. But once again, for the price, the performance and value it delivers is in spades.
Will I buy the 595 EVO again? Yes.