Hey guys, America's Tire Co just notified me that the Falken ST-115 are on national back order and that I don't have a good chance of getting a set for my car. Now they recommend that I go with another brand, the Kumho Ecsta AST. How good are these tires and how reliable is the brand?

Also, in comparison to the Falken ST-115 and Nitto Neo Gen, would you buy the Kumho?

 

If you were really interested in the ST-115, why not get Falken's newest Azenis, the RT-615? I've seen that a couple peeps here that have them, and appear thrilled with the performance. As for the ST-115 "back order", it's my understanding that Falken stopped production of them some time ago, because the RT-615 is intended to be their higher performing replacement for the ST-115.

 

how much for the RT-615?

Maybe I'll just go with the Kumho cause America's tire co has it in stock and can mount and balance it instantly. I won't have to wait for them to order the Falkens.

 

Well i know that sport compact a couple months back had a nice review, although im also very satisfied with my neo gens

 

So, thumbs up or thumbs down on this brand and tire?

 

I have been pleased with my Kumhos on my xB. Here you can read up on Kumho tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...t=All&x=79&y=3

 

I expected more responses about this brand tires. It's kinda hard to make my decision.

 

i have those on my tC right now on the EMX super 7's (optional 18 inch rims). I gotta say they're pretty nice, I haven't really pushed them to the limit yet though. But at about $350 for all 4, they were a good deal.

 

bump for more opinions.

 

I have the ecsta ast on the stock rims, size 225/45/17. They're much better than the potenzas and cheaper too. I haven't really pushed it THAT hard but from what i've seen, they have decent grip (for what you pay for). I say go for it. I paid 350 for all 4 and i mounted them.

 

So the grip is nothing compared with the Falken ST-115/FK 452 or the Nitto Neo Gen?

 

A heads up that they stopped making ST-115's.

 

Yeah I know that. That is why America's Tire Co can't order a set for me. Now they recommend the Kumho Ecsta AST. Which is why I'm trying to get as many inputs on this brand as I can.

 

Okay. So is it even worth buying the Kumho Ecsta as an upgrade to the Potenzas? My Potenza's only got 8000 miles on them, if the Kumhos are just ehh tires then I may not even want to waste money on them and stick with my Potenzas.

I'm looking for a set of tires that will allow me to feel the difference in handling. C'mon guys, are the Kumhos really that bad since no so many people are responding?

 

America's Tire has the Falken Azenis RT-615 in stock. For 225/45/17, they're listed at $175.88, or $142.00 for 215/40/17, being the two closest sizes to our stock tires. If the price seems high, remember they're the stickiest street tires currently produced by Falken for the US market, so if you want Falken, that's the one to get.

 

well, my Kuhmos are wider cause of the rims, and i can feel a difference. I feel more planted to the ground as opposed to the stock potenzas, especially in the rain. It feels more solid.

 

I have wider tires on the stock rims and yeah you do feel a difference over the craptenzas. It's a big improvement but alls i'm saying is dont expect amazing amounts of grip. The Azenis RT615 will most definitely be your best choice if you're looking for maximum grip, but be ready to replace them in a short time because the treadwear is only 200. Thats what pushed me away and the price too.

 

Oh yeah, the wider tire looks a lot better from the back, and the tread pattern is sick.

 

Okay thanks to those who posted. I went with the Kumho SPT. They are Z-rated and are Ultra High Performance Tires in wet and dry conditions. 320 Treadwear.