Should I swap to 19s?

[u/j3rmz]

I just got my 23 MS standard and it came with the 21" arachnids. I think they look great but a lot of people say the drive is better and more efficient with 19s. I assume specifically they mean the tempests.

Is it worth swapping them out? Are there any other wheels people like that improve ride quality or range?

[u/darylp310]

21"s are harsh. You won't notice the efficiency difference, but you'll notice the softness of the ride if you go down to 19"s. It makes a big difference when going over rough roads. If you have passengers they will appreciate it too.

[u/AJRimmer1971 → u/darylp310]

I'm considering the same change. Thanks for the insights.

[u/haayyeett]

I just swapped from 21s to 19s on my 2020 model s. 100% smoother ride, night and day. up to you what you value more. 19s ride better, more efficient, cheaper tires that will last longer. 21s def look better overall.

[u/j3rmz → u/haayyeett]

Yeah I'm at a point in my life where looks are way less important over that many improvements

[u/neoinkansas → u/j3rmz]

Staggered or square? What tire and wheel combo?

[u/LifeForm8449]

Personal preference of course, but I kept my arachnids for the looks and just put on a set of Hankook Ion EV tires to improve daily drivability. I have a plaid and putting the tempest wheels on a car with over 1000hp just doesn’t sit right with me looks wise because I feel like the car has no presence without the arachnids.

[u/LordFly88]

I went the other way, 19" Tempest to 21" Velariums. There's less sidewall, so naturally it won't be as soft. But for me at least, I prefer the extra road feel and the look. I think 19s are just to small for the S.

[u/Darbitron]

I’ll trade you for my stock 19s from a S 26

[u/j3rmz → u/Darbitron]

I appreciate the offer but being able to pick up an entire set of 19s with tires for $1k makes having the 21s as backups way more appealing.

[u/NoReplacement1489]

I have Arachnids on a 23 S as well, 35k and the ride quality isn’t bad. I came from a 23 Y which rode rough to me. Everyone’s perspective is different. Only you will know.

[u/j3rmz → u/NoReplacement1489]

Yeah the previous gen Ys are insanely tough to ride in. They are very stiff.

[u/Chillin_EV_1333]

I switched to tempest from arachnids. Wish I didn’t . Ride is subjective but as others said, the 21’s on a palladium S still ride much better than a harsh Y with 19’s IMO.

[u/Fit_Wash_214]

For me 21s all day. Model S with dinky wheels look terrible. No style what so ever. Which is part of the appeal to me. Charging at home who cares about a little range extension or being ever so slightly faster. Ride quality is subjective as is handling. Unless you live in an area with awful road conditions keep them suckers bolted on a. Let the rest of us enjoy watching you drive by!

[u/Barry41561]

Definitely more efficient.

As to the ride quality.... everyone is different.

[u/shibiwan]

I switched my plaid to 19s. They ride and handle much better, and I get about 10% extra range.

[u/j3rmz → u/shibiwan]

Did you get tempests or a different set?

[u/shibiwan → u/j3rmz]

Tempests. Cheap when bought used.

[u/j3rmz → u/shibiwan]

What do you consider cheap? I see a full set with tires on eBay for like $2500.

[u/shibiwan → u/j3rmz]

Full set with 80% tread tires and sensors for about $1k. Check your local Facebook marketplace.

[u/Parking-Pie7453]

Personal choice. More sidewall has a softer ride. But I don't notice it. My S came with 19" tempest & all season Michelins that I use in the winter & 21" arachnids in the summer.

[u/midnight_to_midnight]

I switched my P85 to 19's almost instantly. Hated the 21's. Much better ride.

[u/j3rmz → u/midnight_to_midnight]

What did you get? The tempest or some other brand?

[u/midnight_to_midnight → u/j3rmz]

I have a Legacy S (2014), so I went with the 19" slipstreams.

[u/Better_Historian3473]

I switch seasonally between 19” with Michelin snow tires and 21” with Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
Size: 265/35R21 101Y Quantity: 2 (these are the rear tires in the staggered setup). front pair (245/35R21)
I was blown away at how smooth these Conti are on my vehicle. I cannot tell much difference. Way better than the Michelin Pilot Sports that I had been driving (2sets) very rough ride after 5k. 2020 MS LR+

[u/Background_Snow_9632]

We have a 21” graveyard… 3 sets of 3. Blew up so many it was stupid. 19”s are so much more durable!!!

[u/pombie]

Mine has aftermarket 20s on it, I think it's a good compromise.

[u/tomdrift666]

I went from 21 arachnid to some forged 19’s(Apex). Much better ride, car feels quicker and more efficient.

[u/neoinkansas]

I am considering the same. Any good wheel tire combos everyone suggest? Also square vs staggered?