Falken zeix ze960

[Turbonic]

Got some new tires installed recently, Falken zeix ze960. There isn't any reviews on them as they are new tires so I'll provide my input. My initial impressions: they have a much stiffer sidewall than the extremecontact dws06 I previously had on. I went from 215/50-17 to 225/45, although its a bit wider the steering feels much lighter. They are probably the most quiet tires I've owned at highway speeds. I feel like they aren't as grippy as the contis were however they do provide very good feedback and you can feel when they are at the limit of their grip. Braking grip feels good. I had the opportunity to try them out in the twisted sisters yesterday since I was in the area already. I can't speak for wet traction yet and hydroplaning resistance.

On a side note, these sonic hatchbacks are pretty well balanced in the twisties, I was pleasantly impressed! I'm on stock, original suspension with 142k miles on it, the only other suspension/handling mod I have is a solid rear torsion beam (welded ddm brace). The long gearing separation between 2nd and 3rd gear kill your fun in the twisties of the Texas hill country

 

[ChicksHateMe]

Just wondering how you are liking the Falken Zeix's now that you'd had them a while?

I was looking at the Falken Zeix, but the 950's, not the 960's. Always heard Of Falkens, and how they were good for drifting, not that I'd do that, but seems like a reason for stiffer sidewalls... But that's just old hearsay.

I have a 2013 1.4L Hatch and STILL have the original Hankooks on the car. Only 22K miles on them though and plenty of tread left, but the dry rot is amazingly artistic throughout the tires

Time to hang them up. They have always sucked in the snow, and I always thought it was the car, until I read the threads here.

While looking for new tires I was really considering the Altimax RT43's because of the reviews and ratings, and from posts here. They did sound like the best bang for the buck. That is until I came upon the Falkin/Sumitomo's.

Then I did some reasearch on the Falken Zeix 950's, as well as the Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 195/65R15 91 H Tire. Wally World has them for a cheap $61.00 each. Ziex's $66.00. Both also had good ratings, especially in traction, at a price even lower than the Altimax's and WAY lower than the Big Buck, Name Brands.

After doing some research I saw that the Sumitomo's and Falken's are BOTH made by Sumitomo Rubber USA, LLC (Formerly Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America, Ltd.) out of Buffalo, NY. Both had decent ratings and reviews too.

When I looked at the tread design, I thought they'd probably be great in the snow, and they're very similar. So much so in fact, I wondered if the Sumitomo HTR is made out of a mold, and when that mold wore down, they simply retooled it, adding a few extra grooves and reshaping some spots, and used it to make the Falkin's. I mean, if you look at the similarities, they are REALLY close.

Any way, I plan on getting the Sumitomo's next Credit Card Cycle, where I get a 5% discount off Walmart purchases on my Chase Freedom card starting 10/1.

I'm sure they'll make a big difference compared to the crappy stock Hankooks. I do love how it currently drives, so I'm sure they'll be an adjustment to NEW tires. I'll probably get better grip, but lose a little in MPG.

What do you think? And how have your's been for you so far?