Rattler,
I have run both the Pilot Race 2 (H2 - hard) and the Pilot Race and Pilot Race Soft.
I prefer the Race 2 but it's usually more expensive. I ran a track day and then 800 miles out of a rear so it's pretty durable.
The original Pilot Race is good, but the soft is really a track day only tyre. I have just put a new pair of the original Pilot Race on my 996, £170 inc vat and next day delivery from
www.fwr.co.uk The other thing to remember is that the Pilot Race 2 have virtually no pattern to clear water. They really are a liability in the wet. I had to travel 150 miles in the wet on them last year and it is no fun !
Performance wise, the Race 2 provide very slightly more grip at maximum lean, but my main reason for liking the race 2 is the stability at max lean, which makes them feel grippier. In high speed corners (100 +) they feel less susseptable to road imperfections and let you push harder.
Foxy