Falken Tires Review: Excellent Performance on a Budget
Falken Tires is a Japanese brand of high-performance tires. Their radials are engineered to deliver the kind of handling performance and grip that can help you win races. That too at prices that put their rivals at Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental to shame.
Small wonder, then, that drivers who want maximum handling and grip on a budget prefer Falken tires. That is especially true with Falken’s Azenis series tires, which are immensely popular among sports car drivers who prioritize performance and affordability.
However, if you drive an SUV, Falken’s Ziex series might be more up your alley. Every tire in this lineup is designed to offer performance, durability, and handling. Also, these models provide a comfortable ride without compromising on their sporty credentials.
Want to know more about Falken tires? Luckily for you, we’re just starting.
Falken Tires Review
Here are the best Falken tires currently on the market:
#1. Falken Azenis RT615K+ – Best Performance Tire for Passenger Cars
Price Check
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Many performance tires you see on the market are street-legal. A small minority is track ready. The Falken Azenis RT615K+ ticks both boxes.
Popular among BMW M3, Acura Integra, and Honda S2000 drivers, this high-performance tire offers competition levels of grip and traction on dry tarmac. As such, no amount of sudden acceleration or hard cornering can break its road contact.
Equally importantly, the RT615K+ quickly responds to steering inputs, letting you execute swift lane changes without a care in the world. Its high-speed stability is similarly outstanding, with the cornering grip giving you the confidence to attack bends at speed.
Pros
- Offers competition levels of grip and traction
- Exceptional high-speed stability and cornering grip
- Very quick to respond to steering inputs
Cons
- Won’t offer the most comfortable ride
#2. Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Terrain Tire for SUVs
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Designed to be fitted on SUVs and 4x4s, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W is an all-terrain tire that combines superb off-road capability with superior grip on the pavement.
If Falken is to be believed, the Wildpeak AT3W comes with the deepest grooves of any all-terrain tire on the market. The biting edges supplied by these grooves, alongside the 3PMSF symbol on the tread, guarantees excellent snow performance.
Throw its 55,000-mile treadwear warranty and low asking price (for an all-terrain tire) into the mix, and it shouldn’t surprise you why this tire is so popular.
Pros
- Excellent snow performance
- Can handle almost any off-road terrain
- Dry and wet performance is surprisingly good
Cons
- Not the most responsive all-terrain tire out there
#3. Falken Sincera SN250 – Best Budget All-Season Tire
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The Falken Sincera SN250 is one of the few tires that don’t let use their budget asking price as an excuse to offer poor performance in harsh weather.
This model performs as reliably on dry roads as it does on wet pavement, where its 3D sipes and water evacuating channels minimize the risk of slippage. Additionally, the SN250 has more than its fair share of sipes. So, you can count on it to perform reliably on snow.
Sure, there are all-season tires that will offer higher levels of traction in wintry conditions. But most of them will require you to break the bank, something you won’t have to do to land the SN250.
Pros
- Offers a comfortable driving experience
- Performs reliably over packed and unpacked snow
- Decent aquaplaning resistance for the price
Cons
- May get noisy at higher speeds
#4. Falken Wildpeak MT – Best Mud-Terrain Tire
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Are you impressed by BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM3 and Goodyear Wrangler MT/R? If so, give the Falken Wildpeak M/T a try. It offers similar off-road performance at half the price.
In muddy situations, wide self-cleaning grooves keep the tread clean. This is crucial as the aggressive tread design plays a key role in helping this tire dig into the mud. That said, the biting edges on the tread also play their part in helping this tire roll reliably through the squishy substance.
To help this tire stay undamaged during off-roading, Falken took some protective measures. Take, for instance, its cut- and chip-resistant tread compound, which prevents rocks, debris, and other sharp objects from going through the rubber. Plus, sidewall protectors are also on offer.
Pros
- Excellent off-road performance
- Best-in-class deep mud traction
- Much cheaper than rivals
Cons
- Noise levels go up as the tread wears down
#5. Falken WINTERPEAK F-ICE 1 – Best Budget Winter Tire
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Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on the tread? Present. More biting edges than many of its competitors? Present. A rubber compound that stays flexible in frigid weather? Absolutely.
No wonder the WINTERPEAK F-ICE 1 is one of the best budget winter tires around.
Sure, this model is no Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3. Both of which offer better braking distances on snow and ice. But for anyone who wants reliable harsh weather performance without breaking the bank, there are a few better alternatives.
Pros
- Superb snow and ice traction
- Extremely short braking distances on slippery surfaces
- Offers dependable grip on dry roads
Cons
- May wear quickly
#6. Falken Azenis FK510 – Best UHP Summer Tire
Price Check
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Most ultra-high-performance summer tires cost you an arm and a leg. They also struggle in the comfort department. Luckily, the Azenis FK10 does neither.
Like premium summer tires, this model has shallow grooves to offer better dry-road grip than rivals. Unlike them, however, it also has water evacuating channels aiding with traction on wet surfaces. As such, you can push this model to its limits as long as there isn’t snow on the roads.
The sight of smaller sidewalls should convince you of this tire’s responsive handling. Plus, despite having a soft rubber compound, it doesn’t feel harsh rolling over minor imperfections.
Pros
- Excellent grip and traction on dry pavement
- Superior handling and braking on wet surfaces
- Delivers responsive handling
Cons
- Noisy on the highway
#7. Falken Azenis RT660 – Best Autocross Tire
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The Falken Azenis RT660 has almost everything that characterizes the best autocross tires.
For example, it has a softer tread compound to deliver stickiness and traction on the track. The profile also features extra-stiff sidewalls, so enhanced steering response is guaranteed. However, the flip side of both design elements is reduced ride comfort.
If that doesn’t bother you and you want a tire with high levels of grip and performance, don’t let the Azenis RT660 escape your attention.
Pros
- Offers excellent stickiness and traction
- Can be switched from side to side
- Projected tread life of 60,000 miles under normal road use
Cons
- May ride uncomfortably
#8. Falken Ziex STZ05 – Best Light Truck Tire
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The Falken Ziex STZ05 is an all-season tire designed for SUVs and light trucks.
With the help of a non-directional 5-ribs symmetric tread design, this model rolls smoothly and quickly. The tread design also takes quite some time to wear off. Plus, it makes cornering pretty easy, especially when you have taken your foot off the accelerator.
To help this tire fend off the issue of hydroplaning in the rainy season, Falken provided it with a double-tapered tread pattern. One that channels water away for a reduced risk of slippage.
Pros
- Delivers excellent road grip year-round
- Offers a quiet and comfortable driving experience
- Good steering performance for an all-season tire
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty
#9. Falken FK-090 – Best Spare Tire
Price Check
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The Falken Ziex FK-090 gives you multiple reasons to place it in your vehicle’s trunk.
First of all, this model comes in a smaller size than the one that is already in your car’s boot. This means it will free up much-needed cargo space. Secondly, its all-season tread compound remains pliable regardless of the weather conditions, keeping it functional year-round.
Bear in mind, though, that its smaller footprint isn’t without drawbacks. Due to its structure, Falken recommends driving it slower than 50 mph to avoid tire damage.
Pros
- Perfect for emergency situations
- Takes up minimal space in your vehicle’s boot
- Can be used year-round
Cons
- Shouldn’t be driven faster than 50 mph
Falken Tires Buying Guide
What is there to like about Falken tires? What is it that distinguishes these tires from the chasing pack? Are there areas where Falken tires could or should have done better? Any shortcomings that could potentially be deal-breakers? This section has all the answers.
Why Should You Buy Falken Tires?
Here’s why Falken tires should be on your short list of tire brands to buy next:
1) Excellent Grip, Traction, and Handling
As you have already seen, Falken’s performance and ultra-high-performance tires offer exceptional handling, steering response, and road grip. These tires also deliver a class-leading cornering grip to let you attack bends without requiring you to take your foot off the accelerator.
2) Superior Off-road Performance
While Falken’s all-terrain tires are ultra-dependable for light off-roading and on the highway. The Japanese brand’s mud-terrain tires are designed to shed mud, dirt, and debris easily. In addition, both types are made of high-quality materials to withstand sharp objects and rough terrain.
3) Budget Asking Prices
Pick any Falken tire and compare its asking price with that of Michelin, Bridgestone, or Continental tires. This few minutes’ exercise will convince you of what we’ve been saying throughout this review. That is, Falken tires perform equally reliably yet cost less than premium brands.
Why Should You NOT Buy Falken Tires?
Here’s why Falken tires should be on you
1) Relatively Small Treadwear Warranties
Even all-season tires, a category that other brands back with extended warranties, have received lackluster backing from Falken. To a person unfamiliar with Falken’s reputation, this may suggest that Falken’s tires may not last as long as their competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Falken tires?
Falken tires are manufactured by the Japanese company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI). In addition to making Falken tires at its facilities worldwide, SRI also manufactures Dunlop and Sumitomo tires.
Where are Falken tires made?
Falken tires are manufactured in SRI facilities across the globe. This includes factories in Japan, China, South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, and the USA.
How long do Falken tires last?
If you do not drive roughly, keep them well-maintained, and mainly use them for highway driving, your Falken all-season tires may last as many as six years.
Is Falken a good brand?
Falken is renowned worldwide for its high-performance tires that offer an excellent blend of comfort, dependability, and handling. Its tires provide high levels of grip, traction, and handling, making them the first choice of enthusiast drivers.
Are Falken tires noisy?
While some Falken tires can be tagged as noisy, others offer a quiet and comfortable ride. Their noise level will be determined by your driving style, the type of tire you’re using, and road conditions.
Are Falken tires good for snow?
The Falken WINTERPEAK F-ICE 1 is an excellent option for snow. This model features a pliable rubber compound that doesn’t stiffen up in harsh weather conditions, thereby continuing to provide adequate traction. It also features hundreds of biting edges and is severe snow rated.
Conclusion
Falken tires come in multiple types to cater to the needs of various kinds of users and weather conditions. For instance, its performance and UHP tires can be an excellent choice for enthusiast drivers. Off-road enthusiasts, meanwhile, can expect dependable performance from Falken’s mud-terrain tires.
