Kumho Ecsta Mx Ku15

[MrStabby]

Does anyone have first hand experience with these? They appear to be in the same space as Falken RT615s and Federal 595RS, but are about half the price. Too good to be true?

[VHR32]

Yes I think you're correct, I havn't used them yet but will probably get some soon.

http://www.fsport.com.au/

Edited November 19, 2007 by VHR32

[Bullet32]

Does anyone have first hand experience with these? They appear to be in the same space as Falken RT615s and Federal 595RS, but are about half the price. Too good to be true?

Good question, I hope this helps...

Firstly I have been informed that the KU15 is no longer planned for continued sale in Australia.

Secondly if you have a closer look at the specs on the tyre you will notice that the Kumho is not in the same category as the Federal 595RS (probably not the RT615 either).

The Kumho KU15 has a treadwear rating of 220 where as the 595RS is either 140 or 180 depending on size - this can mean that the compound in the Kumho is not quite as soft as the RS (or the 615).

The KU15 would be close matched to the Federal 595EVO (see picture) - which has the same sort of tread design and a similar treadwear rating (240) meaning that both the KU15 and the 595EVO are in the Ultra High Performance STREET tyre category.

These ratings are official UTQG (Uniform Tyre Quality Grading) specs.

You will find also that the 595RS is more of a track tyre than the Kumho because of the difference in tread design... One single continuous circumfrential tread block aswell as across the tread face makes for a very stiff tread pattern - meaning less tread squirm, better steering response and higher levels of traction under load (cornering), where as tyres with separated tread blocks can have more tread squirm.

Just a bit of info for you to help with your tyre choice.

Edited November 22, 2007 by Bullet32

[MrStabby]

Thanks bullet - that's good info. I had the treadwears as

595RS = 180 (I didnt know about the 140)

RT-615 = 200

KU15 = 220

Which is in the same ballpark, but I agree the Kumho tread pattern looks the least hardcore with the Falken in between it and the 595Rses.

RT-615

595RS

[Bullet32]

Thanks bullet - that's good info. I had the treadwears as

595RS = 180 (I didnt know about the 140)

RT-615 = 200

KU15 = 220

Which is in the same ballpark, but I agree the Kumho tread pattern looks the least hardcore with the Falken in between it and the 595Rses.

Youre welcome...

The 140 treadwear is only on very few selected sizes - the official rating is 180.

By the way if youre in the market for some street legal semi-slicks then you may be interested to know that the 595RS has recently (in the last few weeks) had a large decrease in sale price...

So if you visit your local Federal Tyre dealer now, you should notice the better pricing compared to about a month ago.

If you have any trouble finding your local dealer call - (02) 9526 7456 for Sydney and surrounding areas or 1800 050 060 for ACT and southern NSW areas.

Happy hunting!

Edited November 22, 2007 by Bullet32