Torn between the Khumo XS and Falken RT-615

[schleppy]

I'm getting ready to replace the wheels/tires on my 09 Yaris, and I'm torn between two tires. They both costs the same shipped to my door (different vendors), and will both work well for street/track.

I either want the Khumo XS:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Ecsta+XS&partnum=05WR5EXS

or the Falken RT-615:
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/tires/falken/product/submitProductSize.do;jsessionid=4Zp2JyqB6znfbqJWvT bVSTJzpN9ngLGlnFpdh3gqrTfyKXp0cGw8J2LnljG6KSnQF2vG DbzqhGSgNfSR2xRsLJRpy7y5nn2dMLGlMFPsnZDkfZbHVG91dL rLJhlsykQM!-381640440!-59635046?pc=18501&typ=Passenger%2FPerformance&tmn=Azenis+RT-615

There is a lot of good data about the RT-615 out there, and it sounds like a great bang-for-the-buck tire. I used to run the older version of them on my Miata and they did get greasy on the track, but nothing horrible.

From what little I've read about the Khumo XS (on here and the web), they sound like they could be a better alternative to the RT-615s. After all Khumo developed the tire to directly compete with the RT-615.

Anyone want to share any thoughts? I know there is at least one person on here running the Khumo XS.

[cali yaris]

A current discussion that might help:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15748

[schleppy]

A current discussion that might help:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15748

Yeah, I've read that thread top to bottom :D Good opinions in there, but nothing really concrete about the Kumho XS.

[cali yaris]

I have experience with the 615's, they rock. I guess you have a choice to make -- whether to be the test subject or not? :biggrin: -- I know that feeling for sure!

[schleppy]

I hear ya. I'm not really worried about the XS being bad, I just want to see if anyone has discovered anything annoying about them.

[LtNoogie]

I'll let you know after May 3rd when I run an autox with them for the first time.

[schleppy]

I'll let you know after May 3rd when I run an autox with them for the first time.

Do you run them on the street as well, or just have them on a set of auto-x wheels? If you run them on the street what do you think so far?

[LtNoogie]

Yes, I run them all the time. They feel grippier but they are also a little noisier. They start a turn alot faster...I don't know what the term is. I haven't pushed them in the canyons yet due to traffic all the time. I hope to get a chance tomorrow afternoon.

[schleppy]

Definitely let me know what you think of them as soon as you get back from the Canyons!

[schleppy]

I ended up ordering the RT-615s. They ended up being cheaper than the XS, and I know they'll perform. Maybe I'll get the XS next time around.

[LtNoogie]

I'm sure you'll like them. Lots of autoxers are using them.

[dallas]

Hankook RS2 work over a wider temp range than the RT615, same 200 tread wear. What about the new Nitto 's with 100 tread wear tire?

[schleppy]

The Hankook's are $25+ more per tire, and I liked like old Azenis a lot. The nitto with 100 tread wear is too soft, I'd like the tire to last a little while :D