AST, ASX, or Ziex ???
 

I think I've pared my decision for my new daily driving tires down to the [B]Kumho AST[/B]'s, [B]Kumho ASX[/B]'s, or the [B]Falken ZX912[/B]'s. Does anyone have some experience with these that they would be willing to share that might persuade me towards one in particular? I'm looking for a tire that performs well in wet and dry, and can get me by reasonably in some snow if possible.
Thanks

I have Falken Ziex ZE-912 on my WRX. Pretty good in dry & wet. Pretty quiet, too. Very good tires for daily driving. Never driven these on snow yet (I have real winter tires for that), but I heard not so well in snow. Previous model (ZE-512) was better in snow, but ZE-912 is definitely better in dry & wet.

Btw, keep in mind that Kumho Ecsta AST has only HR speed rating (up to 130 mph), & OEM Bridgestone Potenza RE92 has ZR speed rating (VR for 02-05 WRX).

Thanks for the reply. I've actually discontinued my consideration of the AST since the original posting, for the same reason you bring up, as well as the fact that it is only a little cheaper than the ASX but has consistently scored lower on all fronts.
I'm having a somewhat difficult time deciding between the 912 and the ASX, since on virtually every thread I can find they share similar reviews. I'm hoping to hear how either of these tires work specifically on the WRX. So far that's a +1 for the Falken. Thanks again!

I was considering ASX as well originally, but decided on ZE-912 because it's newer product (ASX has been out for at least 4 years... just check Tire Rack's oldest review). You'll be surprised what engineers can do in 4 years. :jaw:

minimum speed rating for the 2.5rs or the WRX is "V" so that rules out the AST so, I vote ASX

I have a set of the 912's and like them so far. Ride is quiet and grip is pretty good. Currently, they are at 39psi front and 38psi rear with good steering response. Snow performance is lacking.

The ASX's have been known to tramline more than other tire brands. Maybe it's a Kumho thing. My old MX's seemed to have a mind of their own and had to follow EVERY groove, rut, and road imperfection.

ASX is pretty good consider its price. i run all 4 235/40/17 before. and even my friend's evo run 255 with those tires. they scream when you go crazy, but pretty good for normal driving and everything

ASX all the way. i had em on for 35k lasted hecker long time. i did one full track day and 2 auto x's on them as well. not that great for track use but AWESOME for daily driving

I run the 912's, and I've been really pleased with them; enough to recommend them to friends as the best A/S tire I've run on (Pzeros tramline, I've had problems like thrown belts, etc, on every set of Kumhos I've ever run, etc). they'r einexpensive, they're quiet, they break away very progressively, and seen to last a while, though I've only got about 4k on a set so far (no noticable wear yet).

I've so far had a similar experience with the 912 as sybir.

I've never run the ASX's though, so I can't directly compare. I have been reasonably happy with the 912. Fairly sticky for the price.

I was just going through my list of threads, and figured I'd add a follow up to this one. I ended up riding on the Ziexes, and I loved them. Just about to switch them out for another set. I ride pretty hard, and they have still given me plenty of life. Despite starting to look a little bald at this point, they still hook up pretty well. Wrode them in heavy rain with little to know hydro-planing. They held up just fine through two seasons of Tahoe driving, as well as a cross country drive up 80 through Salt Lake and down through Denver to Santa Fe. Worst white out blizzard I've ever driven in and they did as well as I could ask of a non-snow specific tire.