I'm looking for help with my tire decision. On one hand there is the Falken Azenis RT-615 (215-45R16), and on the other is the Hankook RS2 (225-45R16). Does anyone have any information to buy one over the other?
I've also wondered how the 225-50R16 Azenis would work, or even the 225-50R15, if it is made.
These tires will go on 7.5 inch wide wheels, and replace a tired set of 215-45R16 215s, if it matters.
Thanks in advance, and a picture to whore out for more views:
Last edited by luciferino; 04-02-2006 at 10:23 PM.
The word is that the Falkens are the "best" tire for Autox. The hankook is a NICE tire but softer, and a cheaper.
So depending on your skill level, wallet level, and time dedicated to Autox. Personally i would get the Rt-615.
I have the 215's in 215-45-16 and i LOVE them.
__________________
"Racing improves the breed."-Soichiro Honda
"Without racing, there is no Honda."-Soichiro Honda
"Honda is racing."-Hirotoshi Honda, President of Mugen
The word is that the Falkens are the "best" tire for Autox. The hankook is a NICE tire but softer, and a cheaper.
So depending on your skill level, wallet level, and time dedicated to Autox. Personally i would get the Rt-615.
I have the 215's in 215-45-16 and i LOVE them.
Every year the best tire changes, this year it actually sounds like it'll be the Yoko Advan Neova, be prepared to open your wallet though.
IMO, from 2 yrs of running a STS 92 Si 4ws: stick with the kooks. I ran them for a year and they were a great performer considering the price.
No offense to your driving skill: you are not going to be competitive beyond your regional level. After a few years when you get serious or when you move to a class where you and the car are more competitive, then switch tires (CARS)
Every year the best tire changes, this year it actually sounds like it'll be the Yoko Advan Neova, be prepared to open your wallet though.
The AD07s are not availible in any Prelude friendly sizes anyway.
It's probably a toss-up between the 215/45/16 Falken and 225/45/16 Hankook. I think you would have to test them back to back to know which one is really better. There have been numerous RT-615 vs. R-S2 debates on sccaforums.com. And I know a decent number of nationals level autocrossers have tested both. But I think most were on Civic Si's and WRXs. Not exactly a direct comparasin to the extra front heavy FWD Prelude.
A couple of data points:
In one sccaforums thread I was suggesting the 225/45/16 Hankook to someone looking into tires for an Accord. A 215/40/17 was suggested also, but I reasoned that even though the Hankook doesn't offer as much grip as the Falken size-for-size, it might be just as good due to the wider contact patch with a wider tire. Andy Holis made a reply to my post that "the Falkens were better in every situation" or something to that effect. I wasn't able to get him to clarify and I don't know what tests he was invloved in. It seems like the top guys hold the details/results of any tests like that close to the vest for competitive advantage. He was an Si driver but may have helped a WRX driver do testing. Zack? Drew? Do you guys know?
There is a very good 2.5RS driver in ou region named Corey Ridgick. He tried out the 225/45/16 R-S2s and quickly decided he didn't like them and went back to the 215/45/16 RT-215. When I was talking to him about them he commented that they weren't nessecarily slower than the Falkens, but that they would not work with his setup and he was not willing to spend the development time to try and get them to work better. He was also attepting to sell them at the time so he *could* have been giving me a load of BS too. I dunno.
I for one am confused about what tire would be best. My current set of 225/45/16 R-S2s should be toast about 1/2 way through this summer. I'm at the point where my driving is pretty decent. Every instructor has very little advice for me. There are several regular competitors that are always a second or less quicker than me so a better tire would definitly help me catch them. I've been pretty happy with my Hankooks and would get them again but if a Falken will be quicker I'm all over that. I've considered the 215/45/16 and 215/40/17 as I have a set of 17" wheels that are not being used right now.
__________________ Paul
2009 Mazdaspeed3 | 1995 Miata | 1999 Crystal Blue Base - bought 6/13/02, sold 3/11/09
The word is that the Falkens are the "best" tire for Autox. The hankook is a NICE tire but softer, and a cheaper.
This is true; however, now that Vulcan Tire is selling the Falkens really cheap, I'm not so sure they're still the pricier option.
I went with Hankook R-S2s this winter (205/50/15) because they're cheaper, and because they don't fade when they get really hot. This is a concern for me because I'm starting to do track days. However, I've been driving them on the street recently, including through POURING rain, and they perform beautifully as an all-weather tire. I tested them in every way during a recent hours-long downpour and it almost felt like driving in the dry. They also make great street tires in general, since they're comfortable and relatively quiet.
In conclusion, the Falkens would be a better dedicated competition tire, but the Hankooks have some great qualities of their own.
__________________
"The only thing that needs adjusting is the nut behind the wheel."
FWIW Andy recently did a weekends worth of tire testing. He, and most of the National Level Autocrossers have abandoned Hankooks, apparently the it gives too much up to the RT615s. Heavier FWD/AWD cars perform best with the Neovas, but like I said up there, be prepared to open your wallet: R-comps are cheaper.
I have no idea where it gives it up. I still think for the money, Hankook is the best option. Alot of the development these guys have done favors one tire over the other, so while it is faster on their car, it may vary for others. If you are happy with a tire, stick with it.
I'm going to need new street tires for the miata, and may, myself go for the Kooks, or FK451s. Something sporty, yet a little more durable.
Have you guys seen the prices that Vulcan is selling the Falken's for? I didn't believe it when I hit the buy/quote button. Anyone have any buying experiences with them?
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by ExodusFX
It doesn't matter what kind of icecream you get in Mochi. Why? Because Mochi is icecream wrapped in awesome.
Paul I would go with the 215/45-16 before the 215/40-17, the 17 has a pretty narrow section width, narrower than that of the 215/45-16 in the old RT-215, although I would wait to see specs on the section width of the new size before making a complete determination.
The Hankooks are plenty good for regional competition, most of the "old school" ST competitors didnt like them because of how different they felt from the old Falkens. From everything I've seen they likely have better overall lateral adhesion, but the "wobblyness" in the sidewall combined with the treadsquirm and poor longitudinal grip made most search elsewhere. That doesnt mean you cant go fast on them, they just dont feel as nice.
The only Yok option is trying to make the 225/45 or 235/40(if you are in STX) fit. I know the second is doable, and the first is probably doable as well with the right wheel/ride height, but would hamper gearing pretty badly.
Having been on the Kooks, if I was campaining an Prelude in STS I would go for the 215/45-16 Falken first to see if it was any better. Its certainly not any worse.
Have you guys seen the prices that Vulcan is selling the Falken's for? I didn't believe it when I hit the buy/quote button. Anyone have any buying experiences with them?
I have bought 2 sets thru them. And i have been nothing but completly happy! FAST shipping! I think that they were on my doorstep in 2 days?
Buy with conifdance
__________________
"Racing improves the breed."-Soichiro Honda
"Without racing, there is no Honda."-Soichiro Honda
"Honda is racing."-Hirotoshi Honda, President of Mugen
Have you guys seen the prices that Vulcan is selling the Falken's for? I didn't believe it when I hit the buy/quote button. Anyone have any buying experiences with them?
I never understood why people uy from Vulcan tire when Discount Tire Direct is consistantly cheaper. A set of 205/50r15s from DDD is $348 shipped. Same tires shipped from Vulcan Tire is $366.
I never understood why people uy from Vulcan tire when Discount Tire Direct is consistantly cheaper. A set of 205/50r15s from DDD is $348 shipped. Same tires shipped from Vulcan Tire is $366.
I dunno how consistently you are referring to, but RT-615's for the S2k(225/45-17 front 255/40-17 rear) are $540 shipped from Vulcan and $560 from Discount Direct. Maybe you dont have sales tax from DTD in LA, I dunno. They are $537 shipped from EdgeRacing btw.
I would agree that its best to check at least those 3 for your specific application to get the best price.
Thanks for all the responses. I'm leaning towards the azenis over the wider hankooks. I want to see what people show up with at this Sunday's event.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbprelude
No offense to your driving skill: you are not going to be competitive beyond your regional level. After a few years when you get serious or when you move to a class where you and the car are more competitive, then switch tires (CARS)
I realize this, but if I'm going to buy tires, I might as well buy the fastest tires. Also, I don't expect the car to be super competitve, but I want to get it around the course as fast as possible.
I realize this, but if I'm going to buy tires, I might as well buy the fastest tires. Also, I don't expect the car to be super competitve, but I want to get it around the course as fast as possible.
Sounds like solid reasoning to me. You don't have to aim to win to wanna have fun.
More fast = more fun.
__________________
"The only thing that needs adjusting is the nut behind the wheel."
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
They also make great street tires in general, since they're comfortable and relatively quiet.
Linear Mode
