Help me choose between 2 tires: Hankook vs. Falken

[MM BOOST]

Alright, got my 18x8.5 Rota SVN's back from the powdercoater this week, and this coming Friday, I am ordering my tires. Can I get some opinions from some of you tire gurus? I found 2 tires I am contemplating between...both are the exact same price of $560 shipped and both in the same size, 235/40/18.

-Falken RT-615's

or

-Hankook Ventus V12 Evo

I've been hearing a lot of good things about the Hankook's, but I also want a good performing/handling/gripping tire. Which is the best deal for the $560? My car is my daily driver, I keep my stock wheels with a separate set of tires on them for winter months, so I am not worried about snow/cold. Just spring/summer months. I want an excellent performing tire that will stick good and reduce the wheel spin somewhat. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[JCell]

these are both used as track tires, so either one is overkill for daily driving.

that said, i beleve falken made the 615s with the intention to last a lil longer, so i would go with that

 

[controlo]

these are both used as track tires, so either one is overkill for daily driving.

that said, i beleve falken made the 615s with the intention to last a lil longer, so i would go with that

could be "overkill" but the hankook is still one of the cheapest tires out.

+1 for the hankook.

 

[MM BOOST]

guys, I am not looking for my car to ride like a cadillac...I have BC coil overs set super stiff....I just want a GOOD traction tire. I want a tire that is gonna give me some great traction. I do drive it pretty aggressively. I am leaning towards the 615s because of the aggressive tread pattern, the good reviews I've seen about the handling characteristics and the fact it's a proven tire. Reviews are so subjective, and everyone has their own preferences. With that said, I have heard some great things about the hankooks as well. The only thing that I am kinda apprehensive about is the reviews I've read where they said the sidewalls are "soft/squishy" feeling. The thought of that doesn't sound too promising in my book. But I have a week to read reviews and get input, so my mind can definitely change. Just looking for as many reviews as I can.

 

[JCell]

get the 615

thats what most people run in the autox course i used to go to

 

[Remspeed3]

I just ordered Hankook's V12's myself.. but im still waiting for mine. These tires are street tires that are suppose to perform like a race tire..they're not a track tire as stated above.

 

[JCell]

they are if you want to run in a street class

 

[Remspeed3]

they are if you want to run in a street class

Key word is street.(wink)

 

[JCell]

there is nothing stock about a stock car...

there is nothing street about street class, some cars in SM (street modified) are towed to the track

 

[JCell]

To the OP

running the 615s on just upgraded springs is overkill. you are getting such a small amount of extra grip and adding cost to replace the tires in less than a year

 

[madvillian]

615's son, no question.

 

[Remspeed3]

there is nothing stock about a stock car...

there is nothing street about street class, some cars in SM (street modified) are towed to the track

Yeah, I've autocrossed several times through the years and have a clear understanding of the mods that are allowed in each class. I don't think the OP is looking to autocross tho..he pretty much wants the maximum amount of grip in everyway possible! I do remember that the tire has to be DOT street legal to run in a certain street class, R compounds will move you up to next class as well as suspension mods....most likely why the serious guys trailer there cars to avoid driving long distances on the super exspensive tires.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

R compound tires are DOT legal... but you have to be either rich or stupid to run them as daily tires.

Strait off of TireRack regarding the Hankook Ventus Z214 DOT rated track tire. The tread on this tire is literally 2 circumferential grooves and thats IT. No sane person would drive them on a street car.

NOTE: While Hankook Ventus Z214 radials meet DOT requirements, they are not appropriate for highway use. The Ventus Z214 radials are not recommended for driving in wet conditions where standing water is present and there is the risk of hydroplaning. Drivers should drive cautiously at reduced speeds in these conditions.

put my vote in for the 615s

 

[Remspeed3]

R compound tires are DOT legal... but you have to be either rich or stupid to run them as daily tires.

Strait off of TireRack regarding the Hankook Ventus Z214 DOT rated track tire. The tread on this tire is literally 2 circumferential grooves and thats IT. No sane person would drive them on a street car.



put my vote in for the 615s

Yeah, but the discussion is about the Hankook ventus v12's not the Z214 that you mention. totally different tire for sure.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

no argument there. my vote stays as it is. I just happened to pull that tire off their website in reference to the "DOT legal" means "street use" discussion.

 

[Hank3]

Hankook has a $50 rebate

 

[MM BOOST]

hank, falken has an 80 dollar rebate!

jcell...i dont have springs i have bc coils with rear fenders rolled, progress rear sway bar and awr end links. suspension definitely isn't stock.

keep personal reviews coming guys...falkens are still the front runner.

 

[MM BOOST]

hank, falken has an 80 dollar rebate.

jcell..i dont have just springs...i have bc coilovers, progress rear sway bar, awr endlinks, and rear fenders rolled. far from stock

keep the reviews coming guys. so far the falkens are the front runners.

 

[Remspeed3]

MM Boost, have you checked the difference in section width on the falkens yet..i know your rolled but the Azenis are alittle wider than your standard 235-40 tires..you might be cutting all of the lip out in the rear bro!

 

[MM BOOST]

that is a great point! my wheels are 18x8.5 +48 offset...I had 235/40/18 nexen n3000s on it before I switched them to my stock wheels to get the SVN's powdercoated and never had rub issues with them with the spacers removed. I just checked the website, the nexen n3000's are 9.5" section width, and the falken 615's are 9.6" section width, so a .1" difference. Wonder if this will make a noticeable difference??