Tire Make/Model: Falken Azenis RT-615 (bought from
Vulcan Tire)
Size: 225/45/17
Review: Bought these about 2 months ago as a replacement to the Avon's I reviewed earlier. Direct comparison isn't fair to either tire since they are not in the same class and have vastly different driving characteristics. The RT-615s show improved forward grip due to the large tread blocks and softer tread compound and dry cornering grip is better due to the large tread blocks, soft compound, and stiffer sidewall. On back to back testing I can now exit a certain corner at just over 50mph compared to just under 45 with the Avon's. This is a fairly tight right hander with a little bit of camber in the road to help mid-corner grip. The extra sidewall stiffness and large tread blocks communicate well and let me know when I'm close to the edge of adhesion. Once past that limit it is fairly easy to correct and get back in line, something the stock KDW2s didn't handle all that well but where the Avon's also shined due to it's stiff sidewall.
Wet grip is down a step or two from the Avon's, but then again the Avon's are one of the best wet weather tires on the market. Grip level is still high in damp conditions but with any standing water or wet paint you do need to be a little more cautious if you are driving aggressively. Tire noise is fairly well controlled but on certain road surfaces there is a distinct hum, not as bad as the KDW2 but not quite like the Avon's were. (I should note, the Avon's got pretty loud once worn down to the wear indicator, the RT-615s were quieter than the Avon's at this stage)
I did get a chance to autocross with these on a well maintained concrete pad. The car does handle differently than with the Avon's or the KDW2's. The KDW2 lacked rear end grip, the Avon's were fairly neutral, and the RT-615s tend to understeer a little bit. Even with the higher grip level the understeer isn't that bad and is easily controlled. Air pressure adjustments or at worst taking some camber out of the rear would help the overall balance but as it is these tires are going to be about 1.5-2 seconds faster than the Avon's and maybe 2.5-3 seconds faster than the stock KDW2's on the courses I run out here. Tire temp needs to be monitored and water sprayers should be used to keep tires below 120° or so. Once past 140° tires can become a tad greasy.
I know tire life is going to be considerably less than the Avon's but that's the price you pay for high grip levels.
Highs: dry traction, confident handling feel, price/grip ratio is unmatched.
Lows: tire life (price you pay for the grip), grip in anything other than dry/damp conditions, slight hum on certain road surfaces. Tire temp increases rapidly so if you autocross bring a garden sprayer with water to spray the tires down between runs.
Conclusion: Grip level is extremely high. You can crank in some steering, car will take a set, and you still have a reserve of grip for adjustments in line mid-corner. These tires LOVE camber, they don't roll over but will show slight outer edge wear/scuffing with heavy cornering. For someone looking for the best dry grip (cornering) on a streetable tire there is no better option than these tires.
