View Full Version : Falken ZE912 Vs. General Exclaim UHP
I am about to replace the stock RSA very soon, and I am considering to go either with Falken ZE912 or General Exclaim UHP as they are in the same price point within my budget.
I have read up on some info on these, individually, from various sites, including mazda3forums & our forum. However, I don't seem to be able to find a comparion between them. So, I'd appreciated if anyone can give me some inputs as to your own experiences are with these two tires.
mogul_pro
03-28-2008, 04:14 PM
www.tirerack.com
Read people's reviews on both tires. But my advice to you is that if you are getting new tires, its the one thing that you shouldn't cheap out on. Get the best pair you can. It is most important and makes more of a differance than 'most' people think.
Kevin@nextmod
03-28-2008, 04:39 PM
different tires.
912 is performance all season (no you can't run them in winter) the general UHP is ultra high performance summer tires. The 912 do have a stiffer side wall and the UHP have a soft side wall. If you're lowered, the 912 won't last long because it wears out pretty fast. IF you do'nt plan to lower your car then 912 is ok. So it depends what you want. Stiff ride or soft ride.
allen@simplytire.com
03-28-2008, 04:54 PM
The General has nothing on the Falken....
The 912 is a far superior tire in wet/dry/longevity.
I was reading an article a little while back about how little R&D has gone into the Exclaim...
Let's not forget to mention how much prettier the 912 is too !!!
fourtrack78
03-28-2008, 05:00 PM
ok it looks like i'm getting some falken's. Allen giving you a call in a few weeks
allen@simplytire.com
03-28-2008, 05:04 PM
ok it looks like i'm getting some falken's. Allen giving you a call in a few weeks
LOL... see you soon.:bana
1flycdnM3
03-29-2008, 04:37 PM
hold up, is what TW says really true?? I was under the impression these are summer tires and stiff, but "not good for lowered cars" seems strange to me. What would make lowered cars less efficient with these tires?? are we just talking about improper camber wear due to lack of a camber kit??
I ask because i do plan to lower my car in the near future...
I think what Kevin was referring to cars that are lowered without camber kits, i.e. increased negative camber, which will wear out tires faster regardless the makes or models.
I did see a number of comments on the soft side wall of the UHP, but to compensate that, it seems to have a stickier compound (please correct me if I am wrong, especially if you have a set of these), and it's rated number 1 Summer tire by Tire Rack's reviews (I know, I know, the reviews are supposedly rigged, as per Allen's friend). On the other hand, ZE 912 was rated as number 1 performance A/S tire by Consumer Report. Darn it, still need more inputs!
I think midnightfxgt used to own a set of Exclaim on 17 before...any feedbacks, please.
cereal83
03-29-2008, 07:24 PM
I had the Exclaims and they were good but has a soft sidewall, wear was awesome and now they even sell them at crappy tire for buy 1 2nd one 50% off.
I rather choose Exclaim over the 912 just because my friends wore out in 5 months and mine still looked new and I drive way rougher then him
I also ran them in the winter for 3 months and had no problems. I drove to Mont Tremblant and back with over a foot of snow the whole way back and zero issues!
fourtrack78
03-29-2008, 07:54 PM
Ok I was thinking of the same 2 tires and now more confused.............. I'm on pro kits and have put about 10,000 on my rsa's with no uneven tread wear. The General everyone seems to like, the Falken's stiffer ride but wear faster.
Allen do you sell both?
Malcolm991
03-30-2008, 02:20 AM
I have the General UHP and they are awesome tires. I have 20k on them and you can barely notice any treadwear. I don't think you can go wrong with these tires but it's a personal choice. I also wonder if simply tires carry's both tires!
Kevin@nextmod
03-30-2008, 02:45 AM
Ok I was thinking of the same 2 tires and now more confused.............. I'm on pro kits and have put about 10,000 on my rsa's with no uneven tread wear. The General everyone seems to like, the Falken's stiffer ride but wear faster.
Allen do you sell both?
steve...dont worry... prokits aren't low enough to give you massive tire wear. My friend with the falken 912 lower on zeal coilovers 2 inches without camber kit is clearly showing camber wear. The tires only have been on for 4 months and driven only about 5000km.
oh yea... the falkens i mentioned that they have a stiff side wall. Its not up to a point which is very harsh. I'm just trying to say that the falkens are stiffer then the UHP but it's still comfy.
Kevin@nextmod
03-30-2008, 02:47 AM
I think what Kevin was referring to cars that are lowered without camber kits, i.e. increased negative camber, which will wear out tires faster regardless the makes or models.
I did see a number of comments on the soft side wall of the UHP, but to compensate that, it seems to have a stickier compound (please correct me if I am wrong, especially if you have a set of these), and it's rated number 1 Summer tire by Tire Rack's reviews (I know, I know, the reviews are supposedly rigged, as per Allen's friend). On the other hand, ZE 912 was rated as number 1 performance A/S tire by Consumer Report. Darn it, still need more inputs!
I think midnightfxgt used to own a set of Exclaim on 17 before...any feedbacks, please.
If you liek to corner here and there, then i wouldn't suggest the UHP becasue of the soft side wall. For better handling, stiffer side wall is the way to go. Softer side wall = more body roll because you're leaning so much on the tires side wall.
Malcolm991
03-30-2008, 03:35 AM
I dont think there is much difference in the sidewall when you have a 40 or 50 series tire
Kevin@nextmod
03-30-2008, 10:19 AM
trust me......there is...
Malcolm991
03-30-2008, 10:25 AM
Trust me, I have the UHP on my car and the sidewall is not soft
Kevin@nextmod
03-30-2008, 11:52 AM
i'm just saying this based on my experience. If you stand by your point then by all means.
SpeedBaby
03-30-2008, 12:21 PM
I dont think there is much difference in the sidewall when you have a 40 or 50 series tire
it all depends on your driving habbits: if you take your turns slowly without additional acceleration, then i really won't matter if you have reinforced side wall or not.
I personally remember getting a set of some summer tires (can't even remember the name/brand) after running 2 cosecutive seasons on Proxes4. the difference was so noticable that i had to change the tires half way through the season just because i did not feel safe making turns.
believe me, a reinforced side wall makes a huge difference regardless of the profile of your tires.
Malcolm991
03-30-2008, 12:44 PM
it all depends on your driving habbits: if you take your turns slowly without additional acceleration, then i really won't matter if you have reinforced side wall or not.
I personally remember getting a set of some summer tires (can't even remember the name/brand) after running 2 cosecutive seasons on Proxes4. the difference was so noticable that i had to change the tires half way through the season just because i did not feel safe making turns.
believe me, a reinforced side wall makes a huge difference regardless of the profile of your tires.
Im not going to argue my point any longer, everybody that doesn't even own these tires seem to be an expert on them and think the sidewalls are like jello. Im only trying to give advice to a fellow member on the UHP tires. I currently have them on my car and Im more then pleased with them
it all depends on your driving habbits: if you take your turns slowly without additional acceleration, then i really won't matter if you have reinforced side wall or not.
I personally remember getting a set of some summer tires (can't even remember the name/brand) after running 2 cosecutive seasons on Proxes4. the difference was so noticable that i had to change the tires half way through the season just because i did not feel safe making turns.
believe me, a reinforced side wall makes a huge difference regardless of the profile of your tires.
When you said you didn't feel safe making turns, what speed range are you referring to? I usually take 90 degree street corner at about 35~40 clicks, and for off ramps, such as 401 EB exit off McCowan, at about 100~110, on left-most-lane, into the final bend before breaking to stop at the light. These are with RSAs. I'm just wondering how the 912 or Exclaim compare to RSA, in term of sidewall stiffness.
I know the 912 is reinforced as per Falken site, which might be the reason it has a stiffer sidewall. Based on the UTQG rating (I know it's not a perfect rating system), 912 is rated with less tread life that Exclaim (360 vs. 380), but with more traction (aa vs. a). neither of their sites provided sidewall constructions, i.e. extra belts or what nots. Does anyone know the sidewall specs?
Darn it, still can't decide...
Fuman
03-30-2008, 05:07 PM
go for a test drive with Malcolm991 =)
I'm currently on UHPs 225 40 18 for the summers. I'm impressed with the tire, especially for the price. Its really not as grippy as I would have liked, but you get what you pay for. The compound is a little hard to a longer wear life. Don't be fooled though, they are not as long lasting as they may claim IMHO.
Once you work the tires in (takes a bit to get some heat in em) they do grip excellently.
The sidewalls are softer than most high performance tires, but its not especially noticable. You do appreciate the ride though, its not quite as hard as some tires.
The tread is the main advantage. These tires are great in the rain and resist hydropaning better than some of the best high performance tires out there.
My 0.02 cents.
RedRaptor
03-31-2008, 11:40 AM
Seems like there is a huge push this year on the Falkens 912s. I was deciding between the 912s and Exclaim UHPs as well but I think I've made my decision.
I'm going to go with the Generals.
There is a huge misunderstanding with everyone on this subject. yes the Generals have a softer sidewall but how soft is too soft and everyones definition of soft seems to be across the board.
Basically if you want the car to handle stiff and handle the turns at excessive speeds, then yes the 912s will be great. If you want a tire better then the RSAs, hell anything is better is those RSAs then go with the Generals. The Generals are not a bad tire in anyway, they do have a softer sidewall but still better then the RSAs and have an aggressive tread pattern to bite. The benefit of the Generals would be that the ride comfort would not be affected as much. Basically the 912s are made to be an aggressive tire where the Generals were an attempt at being an all around good tire.
We all know that there is no tire out there that will doing everything for you, but there are many out there to suit your driving needs. Do always remember that when it comes to tires, you get what you pay for. Its like buying an exhaust, you get the power you want but you don't always love how loud it gets. Something has to give for you to be able to benefit from something else.
allen@simplytire.com
03-31-2008, 12:33 PM
I dont think there is much difference in the sidewall when you have a 40 or 50 series tire
That's a huge difference. Especially in carcus.
allen@simplytire.com
03-31-2008, 12:58 PM
I also wonder if simply tires carry's both tires!
I absolutely do... I even stock some sizes of the UHP... I'm merely giving a personal, and professional opinion...
I've had lots of customers tell me that they don't like their UHP's in wet... but liked them in dry...
I've even has some customers tell me the total opposite about wet/dry traction... so realistically, it comes down to personal opinion.
My personal opinion:
Do I like the UHP? - Absolutely.
Do I think the UHP is better than the 912? - Absolutely not.
There is a big differance. The 40 series on the UHP is actually stiffer and carries an extra load rating.
http://www.generaltire.com/tires/T1
Notice the load rating between the SL (high profile) and XL (low profile) tires.
Seems like there is a huge push this year on the Falkens 912s...
Although I haven't made up my mind yet, but yea, what's with the push on Falkens?
Kevin@nextmod
03-31-2008, 07:17 PM
Well it is probably because its a new tire from falken and they say that its a better improved tire from the previous model 512.
allen@simplytire.com
03-31-2008, 07:58 PM
Although I haven't made up my mind yet, but yea, what's with the push on Falkens?
LOL... buy them and you'll see.... :chuckle
wingnut12
03-31-2008, 11:04 PM
I too did a lot of research before I bought mine. I asked around here, on another mazda site, some tire comparison sites, a couple of local tuner sites, and a few dealers.
For me I ended up with the Generals because they did everything that I wanted them to and more. Although I don't know a whole lot about the Falkens, what little I know indicates that you will likely be happy with either one. Flip a coin in you half to.
Can anyone comment on noise level of these tires?
allen@simplytire.com
04-03-2008, 06:09 PM
Can anyone comment on noise level of these tires?
Neither of them are noisy....
General's seem less noisy than the stock RSAs imho.
Soyabean
04-03-2008, 07:23 PM
im reading that falkens seem to have a little higher edge yet many ppl have generals lol
Im confused now
allen@simplytire.com
04-03-2008, 07:45 PM
im reading that falkens seem to have a little higher edge yet many ppl have generals lol
Im confused now
Falkens FTW.... :bana
I too did a lot of research before I bought mine. I asked around here, on another mazda site, some tire comparison sites, a couple of local tuner sites, and a few dealers.
For me I ended up with the Generals because they did everything that I wanted them to and more. Although I don't know a whole lot about the Falkens, what little I know indicates that you will likely be happy with either one. Flip a coin in you half to.
How do you like the UPHs?
midnightfxgt
04-04-2008, 12:33 PM
The reason a lot of people have UHPs is due to them being out last year, and the year before. The new 912 is in its first season.
I have owned the UHP, but need new wheels this year (18" upgrade time). Since the UHP has been out a while General has raised pricing, and they now cost more than the ZE912. From reviews it seems the ZE912 has a stiffer sidewall, which was my only complaint on the Generals. I found the sidewall a tad soft for "spirited driving", but overall it wasnt bad, and you quickly get used to it.
Overall, you will be good with either of these tires. I could comment more once I get my ZE912s :)
Thanks
John
Nextmod
04-04-2008, 01:39 PM
I personally like Falkens more also
225/40/18 UHP weigh 22 lbs.
225/40/18 ZE 912s weigh 24.9 lbs.
That might help some decisions as well.
baymoe
04-04-2008, 03:09 PM
If the 912 uses the same rubber compound as their old line of tires, the 512, they are garbage. I've had summer tires (Yokohama ES100) that lasted longer than the 512s.
Unless Falken has completely revised the use of their rubber compound, I smell bs when people praise them so highly. As indicated by another member here, his friend had them and found them to wear excessively fast. They didn't seem to have changed anything 'cept for the tread pattern. :loco
midnightfxgt
04-04-2008, 03:30 PM
Unless Falken has completely revised the use of their rubber compound, I smell bs when people praise them so highly. As indicated by another member here, his friend had them and found them to wear excessively fast. They didn't seem to have changed anything 'cept for the tread pattern. :loco
Do some research before trying to stear people away from them please!:bang
The tire compound is in fact different. I have been told this by a local Falken Rep. Also, if you did your own research (<5mins to look at this) you would see that the Wear ratings are similar, but not the same. The traction ratings are different and so are the Mileage Gaurantee.
Look at some reviews online, and you will see how highly these tires are praised, rated and reviewed. If you think all those people are "BS", than you obviously wont be happy with them. I mean if hundreds have good reviews, and the only one you focus are the odd negative, why bother to post? List any tire you wish, and I can find an internet user who hated them.
-John
baymoe
04-04-2008, 04:32 PM
Unless I'm mistaken, their own site doesn't indicate any revision in tread compound.
Quoted directly from Falken:
- HYBRID-ASYMMETRIC PATTERN DESIGN: Provides authentic High-Performance grip and genuine Touring confidence. Optimized interior and exterior pattern designs ensure that dry performance, stability, and all-season grip are available whenever and wherever you need it.
- INFINITE SYPE SEQUENCE: Incorporates heavy full-depth sypes throughout the entire tread platform. Countless biting edges dramatically increase traction in winter months while improving overall grip when nature is at its worst. Come rain, shine, sleet, or snow the ZE-912 will deliver you in confidence.
- R.W.I. (ROTATION WEAR INDICATORS): Provides the driver with visual cues to help maximize tire life and overall value. Consistent rotations and inflation pressure management are paramount when safety and confidence are top of mind.
- QUAD HIGH - VOLUME CIRCUMFERENTIAL GROOVES: Deliver increased hydroplane resistance for maximum wet stability. Standing water and highway speeds are no match for the ZE-912.
- HIGH ANGLE VARIABLE CROSS GROOVES: Increase tread stability while effectively evacuating water away from the contact area. The ZE-912 embodies the essence of performance during each of the four seasons.
Seems like the marketing department missed out the new compound portion. =P
Although my opinion is negatively biased, it's to prevent people from buying a mediocre tire. I too thought the Falken 512s were good tires after many members from another forum recommended them. My opinion was based on running two sets of the 512s thinking that the first set wore out extremely fast due to aggressive driving. However, the other set didn't fare any better. Now, you may say I'm comparing apples to oranges, but unless proven otherwise that the compound is any different, I'm sticking to my opinion.
midnightfxgt
04-04-2008, 04:41 PM
Great, you can have your opinion. Fact is you ARE comparing apples to oranges.
I have it straight from a Flaken Rep, and a Wholesaler that the compound is different. But if you think the blurb on the website is the end-all be-all, thats your choice. It doesnt exaplain why the traction ratings, treawear ratings, and mileage guarantee has changed with these tires.
The ZE512 was known as a love it or hate it tire, and that it wore out fast. Do a simple search online, and you'll find a lot of info on that. Do a search on the ZE912, and see if the same comments are as frequent. They arent.
If your arguement is that dont care what the hundreds of reviews say, and the online product blurb doesnt say its a different compound, then it must be the same.... well then, I cant help you. They are great tires.
EDIT: Think about this also.. The ZE512, ZE329, ZE912, FK452, and even the truck tires dont really mention anything different in the construction of compounds. Does that mean almost every tire Falken makes, uses the same compound? ;) You have nothing to base your opinion on, other than your guess.
baymoe
04-04-2008, 05:20 PM
As a matter of fact, the FK452 does state a different compound compared to the other three tires. Now, traction/treadwear/mileage rating differ could be due to tread design. If there's only an inch wide tread running down the center of a tire, while another tire has a slick tread design with a groove 1 inch wide running down the center, both with the same tread depth, which tire is gonna wear out faster? Tread design plays a huge difference in the way traction/treadwear/mileage is determined.
Fewer comments on the 912 is most likely due to the fact that it came out not too long ago.
midnightfxgt
04-04-2008, 05:43 PM
I'll base my facts off industry experts, and not a "gut feeling". :) Everyone has an opinion, and thats mine. It seems to be the general consensus.
Fuman
04-04-2008, 05:48 PM
ppl on 451/452s ran two full lapping days, still have a lot of tread left
I took rides in their cars, 452s are good tires.
Ex-Rolla
04-04-2008, 06:12 PM
I've had the General's on my 17's for 2 yrs now. Best tires i have purchased. Ride is comfortable, grip in wet/dry weather is great. I recommend them
Kevin@nextmod
04-04-2008, 06:25 PM
ppl on 451/452s ran two full lapping days, still have a lot of tread left
I took rides in their cars, 452s are good tires.
I personally don't like the 452s. I ran them 1 summer and well they are grippy and they do'nt squeal. Also its good for slammed cars but the important thing is i find the side wall soft for my type of driving. This year if i do get new tires, i'm going to run 615 or the a048.
Seems like there is a huge push this year on the Falkens 912s. I was deciding between the 912s and Exclaim UHPs as well but I think I've made my decision.
I'm going to go with the Generals.
Have you bought the tires yet, and what's your initial impression if you did?
BLKOUT
04-04-2008, 07:42 PM
I am looking for feedback as well...I am going to need new tires real soon.
Fuman
04-04-2008, 07:46 PM
I personally don't like the 452s. I ran them 1 summer and well they are grippy and they do'nt squeal. Also its good for slammed cars but the important thing is i find the side wall soft for my type of driving. This year if i do get new tires, i'm going to run 615 or the a048.
Really? I didn't notice the soft sidewall on the 452. What psi do you usually run your tires.
I remember back when you had your mazda 3, you ran them at 30psi? (or am I getting ppl mixed up)
30 psi? maybe that's one of the reasons for some of the soft sidewall comments...take notes from autocrossers, they usually run a bit more psi to get a firmer set up which translates into quicker lap time.
Fuman
04-05-2008, 02:49 AM
From http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=179930&postcount=7
seriously..make sure your sway bar is in the soft setting. I have mine in the soft setting and its been treating me very well. Since your struts are stiffer now your car tends to lose its tail easier. So setting the sway bar back to soft will be the better idea. another thing is you can set your tire pressures a tad lower and that will help, but only for the rears. I have mine set to 30 right now and its perfect. Make sure when you're cornering on streets, be sure that you know your tires are warm and not cold or else you'll spin out enough times.
were you running 30 psi on the 452s?
wingnut12
04-05-2008, 10:52 AM
How do you like the UPHs?
I love them. Quiet, grippy, with a good treadware rating, w/o costing a lot of dough.
I'm getting them put back on today! :bana2
whodilly
04-06-2008, 11:24 AM
just put on the 912s and I gotta say i'm impressed with the grip. Took on ramps, corners, with ease. Mind you i've only had the RSA's so not much to compare with. I guess only time will tell with tread wear and how hard i push my car :p
As most have said these are new this year so it's gonna be hard to compare with the Generals.
just changed the winters back to RS-As today, and saw that RS-A has 2 plies sidewall construction vs. UHP's 1 ply...can someone help me look up the 912 sidewall construction listed, preferably in 205/50/17 size as these are supposed to have "reinforced" constructions", on the side of the tires?
In terms of core constructions, I think they all have 5 plies - 2 poly, 2 steel, and 1 nylon, but please correct me if I am wrong.
Ex-Rolla
04-07-2008, 01:02 PM
I am looking for feedback as well...I am going to need new tires real soon.
To be perfectly honest, i'm not familiar with compounds, sidewall this, sidewall that... but from my experience with these tires (have had them on my car since 2006 or 05.. can't remember) they are fantastic. VERY quiet, grips really well, treadwear is phenominal and ummm yeah, i give it 2 thumbs up!!! 4 if you inclue my toes.
TheProfessor
04-08-2008, 05:11 PM
I need new tires for my TSX and am literally racking my brain as to which tires to get. I just want a tire that will be fairly quiet, handle well, not cost a fortune, and not wear out too quickly. I too have been recommended the Falken 912's, though I'm hesitant about buying such a new tire as all the reviews I've read are from people who have only had them a few months. I want to know that in a year or two they'll still be a great tire. Plus, I had the Falken 512's on one of my old cars and really didn't like them all that much.
It sounds like you should get the General's bro.
allen@simplytire.com
04-09-2008, 11:30 AM
If the 912 uses the same rubber compound as their old line of tires, the 512, they are garbage. I've had summer tires (Yokohama ES100) that lasted longer than the 512s.
Unless Falken has completely revised the use of their rubber compound, I smell bs when people praise them so highly. As indicated by another member here, his friend had them and found them to wear excessively fast. They didn't seem to have changed anything 'cept for the tread pattern. :loco
Completely different tire, completely different compound... it's even made in a different plant.
Toyo had about 15% participation in the research and development of the 512while they participated about 60% in the 912... this is straight from the mouth of my Falken Rep...
midnightfxgt
04-09-2008, 11:36 AM
Completely different tire, completely different compound... it's even made in a different plant.
Toyo had about 15% participation in the research and development of the 512while they participated about 60% in the 912... this is straight from the mouth of my Falken Rep...
Doesnt matter Allen... its not in the marketing materials :bang LOL!
TheProfessor
04-10-2008, 12:51 PM
Alright, based on input from Allen I'm going to go with the Falken 912's. I'll let you guys know how I find them after a few weeks of driving on them.
RedRaptor
04-10-2008, 02:12 PM
Have you bought the tires yet, and what's your initial impression if you did?
Not yet bro. I haven't had time yet. Just cleaned up my RX8 rims last night and they are ready for tires. I'll probably get them next week from T23.
Alright, based on input from Allen I'm going to go with the Falken 912's. I'll let you guys know how I find them after a few weeks of driving on them.
Not yet bro. I haven't had time yet. Just cleaned up my RX8 rims last night and they are ready for tires. I'll probably get them next week from T23.
good stuff! hopefully we will have some current reviews of these tires coming down the pipes soon. :-)
TheProfessor
04-10-2008, 07:53 PM
Yup, I'm heading over to Simply Tire tomorrow so I'll have some early feedback tomorrow and will be sure to update the thread as time goes on.
TheProfessor
04-11-2008, 04:35 PM
Okay, I had the 912's put on this morning and while I didn't do a heck of a lot of driving, I can say that this is one of the quietest tires I've ever owned. There is really no noise at all, which is a big plus. They're not as soft as I thought they were going to be, but they're by no means stiff.
Once I've had the chance to drive them on various surfaces and in different conditions I'll report back.
Effin Itai
04-11-2008, 05:49 PM
For the price: these 2 tires are decent. You are never really gonna get great millege out of summer tires. Because they are usually made of a harder compound, they do not last as long as all seasons, if you ask me. If tread wear is what your concerned with, go all season. I have winters and 912's for the summer/fall. LOL! I bought my 912's from Tires 23 for 5 bills installed, btw. Any tire is better than the rsa's. LOL! Some of the members who have posted reviews about tires have only ever bought 1 set before and have had their licence for maybe a few years. LOL! Or persuaded mom and dad to buy it for them. Price not being an issue. Go to a tire expert not including your local mechanic. He will sell you what you don't need or can't afford. If you want to by oranges, do you go the local variety store or grocery store?! LOL!
There's my 2 cents.
TurboEight
04-11-2008, 09:34 PM
For the price: these 2 tires are decent. You are never really gonna get great millege out of summer tires. Because they are usually made of a harder compound, they do not last as long as all seasons, if you ask me. If tread wear is what your concerned with, go all season. I have winters and 912's for the summer/fall. LOL! I bought my 912's from Tires 23 for 5 bills installed, btw. Any tire is better than the rsa's. LOL! Some of the members who have posted reviews about tires have only ever bought 1 set before and have had their licence for maybe a few years. LOL! Or persuaded mom and dad to buy it for them. Price not being an issue. Go to a tire expert not including your local mechanic. He will sell you what you don't need or can't afford. If you want to by oranges, do you go the local variety store or grocery store?! LOL!
There's my 2 cents.
I think you've swapped that around...summer tires are made of a soft rubber compound for better traction...that's why they wear out faster..
TheProfessor
04-14-2008, 10:19 AM
Alright, some more initial impressions of the Falken 912's:
As already mentioned, these tires are quiet, and I mean really quiet. I've also had the chance of driving them on both wet and dry roads and they performed very well on both. I haven't pushed the car with the new tires so there's no performance feedback as of yet. They are also not as soft as I had expected them to be, which is just right for what I wanted. They're stiffer than winter tires but not as soft as dedicated UHP summer tires.
I will also say this, they are nothing like the old 512's (which I also had a set of). This seems like less of a performance tire and geared more towards a blend of comfort and performance.
Highway cruising was great this morning, very smooth and quiet. I did notice a hint of wandering, but I couldn't tell whether it was the tire or the cross winds so I'll have to report back on that.
Kevin@nextmod
04-14-2008, 11:33 AM
I think you've swapped that around...summer tires are made of a soft rubber compound for better traction...that's why they wear out faster..
actually no. Summer tires are made of harder compound. Winter tires are made of softer compound. You try driving a set of winter tires with hard compound, i'm pretty sure you'll get no traction. If summer or track tires are made of soft compounds then you'll just melt your way thru your tires on the track by the 2nd lap.
I don't mean to hijack the post but I figured since my question is close to the topic I'd only be really semi-hijacking.
I've noticed that some people have experience with the ZE912s, what about the FK-452s? I've priced them at a $15 difference per tire. Am I going in the wrong direction with 452s or are the 'thread' choices a better direction?
TheProfessor
04-16-2008, 09:04 AM
Mat, do you have dedicated winter tires? If not, I'd steer clear of the 452's and stick with the 912's.
Long story short, the 452s are an amazing tire and for 15$ a tire differance anyone contemplating between the two in this thread should just go with the 452s.
RedRaptor
04-17-2008, 10:56 AM
I just got the General Exclaim UHPs mounted on my RX8 rims last night at Tires23. A bit of a wait but I don't mind as long as everything is done properly. Service at T23 was great as usual.
Initial impressions of on the tire (40km). Its very quiet and comfortable. Its not as soft as my snow tires (Vikings) but its pretty close. I'll give an update as soon as I get more kms on them.
Niteshade
04-18-2008, 11:39 PM
FYI, Current CT flier has General Exclaim UHPs (and BFG Traction T/A0 tires on at buy1, get 1 1/2 price
Elder_MMHS
04-19-2008, 07:21 AM
I don't mean to hijack the post but I figured since my question is close to the topic I'd only be really semi-hijacking.
I've noticed that some people have experience with the ZE912s, what about the FK-452s? I've priced them at a $15 difference per tire. Am I going in the wrong direction with 452s or are the 'thread' choices a better direction?
The FK-452 is a UHP summer tire. Excellent dry and wet performance when temperatures are well above ~8C. They're definitely an excellent value. I used to run 205/55R16. Treadwear is very respectable for such a tire as well (300) though I never ran my set for more than 3000km. Traction limit was high and reaching it was linear and progressive. Feedback was obvious - tire noise was gradual yet pronounced when approaching the limit. This was in great contrast to my OEM Toyo's which would break and howl rather abruptly. I did track my set and they were very sticky (I mean literally adhesive) when at an ambient temperature of approximately 20C. They managed to pick up rubber from other tires off the asphalt. :chuckle
Only major downside I had with the tire was road noise greater than the OEM Toyo's and I'd recommend a dedicated winter set to complement these for the colder/snowy driving days.
I have not driven with the Ziex-912 but it seems to be a decent tire. Not sure how it compares to its predecessor (the Ziex-512). But per my usual repetition, I always recommend a summer and winter set where possible, especially in areas where you experience four proper seasons.
First to TheProfessor, to answer your question (albeit a little late) I do have dedicated winter tires (CT special GoodYear Nordic). I was thinking of trying new summers that would be better than the RSAs. My initial thoughts were that the 452s were the way to go but price isn't always indicative of perfmance. It seems as though from the experience of others and your responses they would be a great choice. Thank you.
rajin929
04-24-2008, 12:10 PM
A friend of mine recently got the ZE912's and has only had good thing to say about them - I think I'll look into them to replace my crappy Michelin MXV4's on my car
TheProfessor
04-24-2008, 12:25 PM
I've had my 912's now for a few weeks and overall I'm very happy with them. If I was a more spirited driver I might be slightly disappointed with their handling, but this is afterall an all season tire. For what I wanted (a relatively comfortable tire for my TSX that still provided some measure of handling) they are great. I am really enjoying my 912's, and considering how affordable they were, I don't regret the purchase at all.
radeonboy
04-26-2008, 08:34 PM
Hey guys I'm new here and looking for some rubber for my dads 1991 Toyota Supra.
It just so happens I was also looking at both these tires :chuckle
Allen I sent you off an email so just a heads up!
Had been waiting for Allen to get the 912's, but the wait was just too long. So, I changed my mind and bought the Exclaim instead.
Initiate impression:
They are a little soft compares to RSA, but not to the point of causing any concerns. I can still make all the quick turns as with RSA.
They are definitely quieter than RSA, both city & highway.
Good grip, wet or dry. Although the tires are brand new, I didn't notice any slippage as I drove through the storms we had last week.
Oh, the steering response is very quick as well.
Good tires for the money!
kamikaze45
06-24-2008, 01:12 PM
i'm going with 912s as soon as someone has them in stock!
kamikaze45
06-24-2008, 01:12 PM
oh, and where'd you pick up the generals?
BLKOUT
06-27-2008, 05:09 PM
I picked up a set of RX8 rims and had to buy new rubber as the stockers were rubbing. I purchased the General Exclaims for $550 installed and I must say I am please with the ride of them. I have only put maybe 100km on them, so no long term reveiw yet.
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