Falken Azenis FK453 tires
08-19-2013, 11:42 AM
#1
Falken Azenis FK453 tires
So, like most 997 owners, I been using Michelin PS2s -- the OEM tire. Well, despite it being an exceptional tire, I find its cost/treadwear ratio unfavorable.
Having investigated my options thoroughly, I decided to take a chance with the Falken FK453 tires. Mind you, these are derived from Falken's ALMS Porsche racing division, so those wary of it's quality, performance, etc., need not worry. And as far as "N-spec" goes, these tires are new to the market, so obviously will not be labeled as such -- esp. for the older 997 models. But I assume it's fair to say Falken's exhaustive use of the Azenis slick for Le Mans racing is good enough for most P-owners.
My car: 997.1 C4S, daily driver, 56K miles, 6 speed. Driven year round (w/ snow tires between Dec-March [New Jersey]).
FK453: AA Traction, Temp A, UTQG 300. Staggered fit.
My thoughts so far:
-Sharp dry handling, but slightly less harsh than the PS2s. Two thumbs up.
-Road noise is non-existent; compared to PS2 where I could barely use my Bluetooth, this is an incredible upgrade.
-Highway driving up to 100 mph is confidence inspiring. Per my Indy, easier to balance these than the PS2s
-Wet handling is excellent - no surprises, but I also don't drive like an asshat.
-Cost for a complete set (19"): between $800-900 -- unless you could care less about price, are a brand snob, etc., this price point is incredible. Makes sense, too, since Falken is a comparatively new to 911 racing.
-Treadwwear rating of 300!! Now, one cannot compare between manufacturers, I know...but this tire is designed for longer term use than the PS2s, more in the ballpark of the Michelin SuperSports but still less expensive.
-Good-looking tire (not that this matters). Tread pattern is akin to the PS2. Hankook Evos have a characteristic "Japanese" look, which I'm not a fan of.
Disclaimer: I do not track my car, but I do drive it daily, rain or shine.
Having investigated my options thoroughly, I decided to take a chance with the Falken FK453 tires. Mind you, these are derived from Falken's ALMS Porsche racing division, so those wary of it's quality, performance, etc., need not worry. And as far as "N-spec" goes, these tires are new to the market, so obviously will not be labeled as such -- esp. for the older 997 models. But I assume it's fair to say Falken's exhaustive use of the Azenis slick for Le Mans racing is good enough for most P-owners.
My car: 997.1 C4S, daily driver, 56K miles, 6 speed. Driven year round (w/ snow tires between Dec-March [New Jersey]).
FK453: AA Traction, Temp A, UTQG 300. Staggered fit.
My thoughts so far:
-Sharp dry handling, but slightly less harsh than the PS2s. Two thumbs up.
-Road noise is non-existent; compared to PS2 where I could barely use my Bluetooth, this is an incredible upgrade.
-Highway driving up to 100 mph is confidence inspiring. Per my Indy, easier to balance these than the PS2s
-Wet handling is excellent - no surprises, but I also don't drive like an asshat.
-Cost for a complete set (19"): between $800-900 -- unless you could care less about price, are a brand snob, etc., this price point is incredible. Makes sense, too, since Falken is a comparatively new to 911 racing.
-Treadwwear rating of 300!! Now, one cannot compare between manufacturers, I know...but this tire is designed for longer term use than the PS2s, more in the ballpark of the Michelin SuperSports but still less expensive.
-Good-looking tire (not that this matters). Tread pattern is akin to the PS2. Hankook Evos have a characteristic "Japanese" look, which I'm not a fan of.
Disclaimer: I do not track my car, but I do drive it daily, rain or shine.
08-19-2013, 07:19 PM
#4
Why no SuperSports? Couldn't get my hands on a set. Were back ordered in my size. So decided to give the underdog a try. At nearly $400 than the Michelins, I figured what the hell. And I personally follow the Falken Racing team, so it wasn't a huge leap of faith for me.
08-20-2013, 08:42 AM
#5
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We use the same tires on our track car and they are amazing if a bit short lived under hard track conditions. Falken makes a great tire used by many Porsche racing teams. May try these on my street car when it's time
08-21-2013, 11:24 AM
#6
Why no SuperSports? Couldn't get my hands on a set. Were back ordered in my size. So decided to give the underdog a try. At nearly $400 than the Michelins, I figured what the hell. And I personally follow the Falken Racing team, so it wasn't a huge leap of faith for me.
08-22-2013, 01:15 AM
#7
+1 on Thanks for posting.
Interested to hear what you think after a couple K miles and how they are wearing.
Did some quick Internet searches and one theme on the tire is quiet / low road noise. That would be a plus.
Are they for road & track ?
Interested to hear what you think after a couple K miles and how they are wearing.
Did some quick Internet searches and one theme on the tire is quiet / low road noise. That would be a plus.
Are they for road & track ?
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08-23-2013, 08:20 AM
#8
Yes, quiet for sure. For a daily driver, that's a PLUS. And this for road use only. I don't track my car...so not qualified to comment or extrapolate. Heavy rains in my area yesterday. Confidence inspiring.
10-21-2013, 08:05 PM
#9
$ is $. A higher price -- for me at least -- must be worth it. As a daily commuter, I'll stick w/ Falken for the next set barring any adverse experiences.
03-09-2014, 06:33 PM
#10
Update: rears wear quicker than I expected. Even allowing for the expected accelerated wear relative to the fronts.
Handling: crisp but becomes softer at higher speeds. Diminished feedback to a degree. But conversely, easier to live w as a daily commuter tire c/w the OEM PS2s.
Wet weather: excellent.
Overall value: 4/5 stars.
Bottom line: excellent tire for the money if your car is a DD, not tracked, and daily usability trumps capabilities at the limit.
DD Carrera 4S, staggered 19" Carrera sport rims.
Handling: crisp but becomes softer at higher speeds. Diminished feedback to a degree. But conversely, easier to live w as a daily commuter tire c/w the OEM PS2s.
Wet weather: excellent.
Overall value: 4/5 stars.
Bottom line: excellent tire for the money if your car is a DD, not tracked, and daily usability trumps capabilities at the limit.
DD Carrera 4S, staggered 19" Carrera sport rims.
10-25-2014, 10:13 AM
#12
Interesting, I was waiting for someone to try these out. I spoke to a Falken rep at SEMA last year and thought that these might be a good alternative to super sports or PS2's.
03-19-2015, 04:20 PM
#13
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Time for the PS2 Michelin is running out .....
Thanks OP for initiating the Falken Azenis FK453 tire thread.
Having had the luxury of running Michelin PS2 in stock 993 C2S sizes 205/50/17 & 255/40/17 during the tires decade + production run .....
all things come to an end.
With the Michelin PS2 exiting production and the Pilot Super Sports unattainable in stock 993 widebody sizes, its time to give the FK453 tires a go. Good things are being said regarding the Japan made tires.
Just ordered a 4 set of Falken FK453 in stock 993 C2S coupe sizes.
Having had the luxury of running Michelin PS2 in stock 993 C2S sizes 205/50/17 & 255/40/17 during the tires decade + production run .....
all things come to an end.
With the Michelin PS2 exiting production and the Pilot Super Sports unattainable in stock 993 widebody sizes, its time to give the FK453 tires a go. Good things are being said regarding the Japan made tires.
Just ordered a 4 set of Falken FK453 in stock 993 C2S coupe sizes.
So, like most 997 owners, I been using Michelin PS2s -- the OEM tire. Well, despite it being an exceptional tire, I find its cost/treadwear ratio unfavorable. Edit/Delete text.
FK453: AA Traction, Temp A, UTQG 300. Staggered fit.
My thoughts so far:
-Sharp dry handling, but slightly less harsh than the PS2s. Two thumbs up.
-Road noise is non-existent; compared to PS2 where I could barely use my Bluetooth, this is an incredible upgrade.
-Highway driving up to 100 mph is confidence inspiring. Per my Indy, easier to balance these than the PS2s
-Wet handling is excellent - no surprises, but I also don't drive like an asshat.
-Cost for a complete set (19"): between $800-900 -- unless you could care less about price, are a brand snob, etc., this price point is incredible. Makes sense, too, since Falken is a comparatively new to 911 racing.
-Treadwwear rating of 300!! Now, one cannot compare between manufacturers, I know...but this tire is designed for longer term use than the PS2s, more in the ballpark of the Michelin SuperSports but still less expensive.
-Good-looking tire (not that this matters). Tread pattern is akin to the PS2. Hankook Evos have a characteristic "Japanese" look, which I'm not a fan of.
Disclaimer: I do not track my car, but I do drive it daily, rain or shine.
FK453: AA Traction, Temp A, UTQG 300. Staggered fit.
My thoughts so far:
-Sharp dry handling, but slightly less harsh than the PS2s. Two thumbs up.
-Road noise is non-existent; compared to PS2 where I could barely use my Bluetooth, this is an incredible upgrade.
-Highway driving up to 100 mph is confidence inspiring. Per my Indy, easier to balance these than the PS2s
-Wet handling is excellent - no surprises, but I also don't drive like an asshat.
-Cost for a complete set (19"): between $800-900 -- unless you could care less about price, are a brand snob, etc., this price point is incredible. Makes sense, too, since Falken is a comparatively new to 911 racing.
-Treadwwear rating of 300!! Now, one cannot compare between manufacturers, I know...but this tire is designed for longer term use than the PS2s, more in the ballpark of the Michelin SuperSports but still less expensive.
-Good-looking tire (not that this matters). Tread pattern is akin to the PS2. Hankook Evos have a characteristic "Japanese" look, which I'm not a fan of.
Disclaimer: I do not track my car, but I do drive it daily, rain or shine.
03-19-2015, 09:47 PM
#14
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Thanks. I'm running Hankooks after wearing out the Michelins. Falkens next as I too like the race car
03-20-2015, 06:10 AM
#15
I've gone through sets of both the Hankook and the FK453's and the 453's are definitely a better tire for me. I've done runs up Angeles Crest and the 'Snake' with both sets and the 453's were definitely more firm and confidence inspiring than the Hankooks which felt squishy and greasy 45 minutes into the run. They're definitely more than enough for just street use and love that they are absolutely quiet. Definitely a great tire at 850.00/set. You can get 2 sets of 453's for the price of 1 set of the PSS.