I'm considering purchasing these. I just got quoted ~$500 mounted/balanced/installed.

After a little internet research I found that alot of people generally like them. I thought I'd go further and ask the i-club crowd.

A few specifics:

How do they feel when they're at the limits of traction? Predictable break-away? What about noise? I thought the RE92s squealed quite loud when drifting a bit, but the ContiExtremeContacts I have now howl to the MOON!

How is the road noise level? (ie. normal driving, louder/quieter than the RE92's?)

What kind of mileage do you get out of them?

How are they in rain? Hydroplaning?



I was going to buy some Pilot Sports but it seems hard to justify the additional $300 or so over then Falken 451's.

So, lets hear your input!

PS. I don't care about snow ability; I just want something that's excellent in the rain and dry. I'm buying some snow tires come winter.

 

to me, the breakaway is pretty predictable, but its a little squirmy. they talk to you, but not too much.

road noise is alright, although i have seen reports of lots of noise at the end of its treadlife. quiter than re-92's imo.

mileage is pretty good. some say 20k some say 30k, i guess it depends on how you drive.

they are freakin awesome in the wet! no hydroplaning whatsoever. i really think the FK451's as more of a wet specific tire, after trying the Kumho MX and Hankook RS2 also. the FK451's dont really compare to the other two tires in the dry, but in the wet, they pwn.

 

i had them... they were ok, not much grip, had alot of sidewall flex..., but really nice in rain. i got quite a few miles out of them, more then azenis, or s-03

 

I was going to say, I drove a friend's WRX with Michelin Pilot Sports and was AMAZED! They were quiet, made nearly no noise at the limits of adhesion and had incredible dry grip. Needless to say, this tire is the only performance tire I can relate to, so I'm kinda using it as a benchmark.

 

i had the 451's on my wrx in the OEM size. they were a huge improvement over the stock tires. the road noise wasn't bad at all, they had decent limits, and they lasted about 20k. they're great in the rain.

 

OK! I decided to go with G-Force Sports instead. Similar price points, similar characteristics. I'm getting them for $108 each in 225/45/17 and NO TAX (Oregon, suckers!) Hopefully it will be a big improvement over the stock tires.

Thanks everyone. When I get them installed I'll report back!

 

return those. get MX's or RS2's

 

lol. even re-92's in that size would be a big improvement over the stock tires.

the michelin pilot sports and PS2's are top of the line tires, but they also have top of the line prices. i had some 235/40/17's Falken ST-115's on my car when i got rid of it and they were pretty good for a cheaper performance tire, while still being good in the rain. others to look at are the kuhmo MX's, pirelli P Zero Nero, and of course the falken 451's you mentioned earlier.

 

Yeah, I heard a few sketch things about the MX's and the P Zero Neros that made me decide against them; I'm forgetting what they were at the moment.... (treadwear, wet traction? hmm)

Last week I was certain the PS2's were my ticket. Costco has a deal where you can get 'em for $700 flat, out the door.

At $432 installed, OUT THE DOOR, for the G-Force Sports, along with all the glowing reviews I read on them, seem hard to beat for the price. There are compromises for sure, but I was looking for a good all around tire that's competent in wet and dry, has a good useful life, firm sidewall, good feedback and quiet ride---the G-Force seemed to be the optimal choice.

We'll see. You pays your monies and you takes yer chances.

With the extra $$$ cash I save over the fancy French tires, I'll be able to buy a set of **snow** tires come winter. WOO!

Recommendations anyone? I'm thinking Graspics or Blizzaks!

Here's to scandie flicks in the snow!

 

I upgraded from ES100's to FK451's a few thousand miles ago. I say upgraded because even though the price is about the same, the Falkens are better in every way.

Good dry grip.. as Yin said, they feel a little squirmy at the limit, but after a couple thousand miles, I've either gotten used to it, or it's gone away with break in.

They don't squeal much until you really lean on them, they will let you know when you're pushing them hard.

451's kick *** in the rain. I've never had a tire that felt so planted on wet roads.

Road noise is about average. ST-115's are much quieter, but don't grip quite as well.

About the only place I've ever felt vulnerable was on dirt.

Hope the G-Force tires work good for you though. If not, maybe get the 451's next time around. For an inexpensive tire, they're going to be tough to beat.

 

Yeah, I think it's pretty impressive what you can buy for $500. There seems to be some damn good tires at that price point (albeit narrowly focused) giving the more expensive tires a run for the money.

Best part is, I can try the G-Force Sports and a set of MX's or 451's for the price of one set of PS2's.