Tire decisions: Toyo Proxes 4 vs. Kumho Ecsta ASX vs ???

sremick · 06-20-06, 08:42

So my Toyo Proxes FZ4s are wearing down so it's time to think about replacements.

I've pretty much narrowed down to Toyo Proxes 4s (no shortage of Toyo fanboys, that's for sure), and the newer Korean Kumho Ecsta ASX tires. Both are ultra-high performance all-seasons. However I have separate winter tires (studded Nokian Hakks). The reason for all-seasons is that in VT winter has an interesting sense of humor, and since this is my primary (and only) vehicle, I don't want to be stuck from a sudden random multi-inch snowstorm in October or April. I figure the all-season gives me a bit of lee-way when switching tires and might be wise for unpredictable Vermont, while at the same time an UHPAS shouldn't compromise on performance too much for my needs.

I don't race, but I drive a bit fast and aggressive, taking turns hard. Although worth noting is that the FZ4s have never given out on me and most people seem to think they're crap... heh. Wet performance is of a concern to me, from hydroplaning scares in my past. We get lots of rain in VT (especially lately) so I want to be safe in the wet as well.

I can't make up my mind between the Proxes 4s and the Ecsta ASXes though. The Proxes 4 has a bigger following, but the most common two complaints I read are winter performance and wear. Of course, there are plenty to say the opposite too, due to the sheer number of Toyo users. The newcomer Ecsta ASXes have a MUCH higher tread-rating (although I read that these ratings are not only bunk, but can't be used acrossed brands to compare). Still... a lot of people say the treadwear on the Kumhos is much better than the Toyos. A lot also say that the Kumhos handle a little snow better as well.

I think the Toyos look sexier and have better street-cred, but I'm trying not to let that influence me. Honest.

Both are in my price range so cost isn't a factor. I am also not beyond considering something else, but there doesn't really seem to be anything more than a few anecdotal opinions for a 3rd runner.

Figured it was worth asking here. What do all you think?

TigerMike · 06-20-06, 09:02

I considered those tires as well for my G35. I thought the ASX was going to be my choice, until I read some negative comments about the tire, particularly about quick wear. So, I then narrowed down to the Avon M550 and Firehawk Wide Oval. Long story short, after much research, I went with the Wide Ovals, and I really really like them. They have outstanding dry and wet weather traction. I know what you mean about scary hydroplaning, as my last tires were horrid. I recently got my WO's and they have great wet traction, never even tried to break free in a heavy thunderstorm going 70+ mph on the highway.

If you are just going to stay with those two choices though, I'd go Toyo. If the Firehawk WO doesn't interest you, check out the Avon M550, as it gets great reviews for dry/wet handling also.

sremick · 06-20-06, 09:08

People said the ASX had quick wear? Wow, interesting... that's new to me. Seems more a complaint about the Toyos. The Kumhos seem to usually get reports of great treadwear.

Something I forgot to mention was that another complaint about the ASX was a thin (1-layer?) sidewall.

My concern about the Avon M550 (which I did stumble across) was that the ONLY place selling them was TireRack. Where all the reviews were. Which of course are mostly glowing. Made me a bit suspicious about bias and such.

Kanchou · 06-21-06, 07:40

me too. I have the ASX and LOVE them for my WRX. I've put 25k on the tread and the only wear problem i have is that i like to drive sideways. :P

big plus for me is how QUIET the tire is. was really surprised...

sremick · 06-21-06, 07:42

Kanchou,

Do you have any firsthand experience with the Proxes 4 to compare to?

Danase · 06-21-06, 07:54

I have used Rpxes and Kuhmos in the past and I now use Avon tires and love them. I don't see myself ever going back to the other two.

Kanchou · 06-21-06, 07:56

alas, no, i compared to bridgestones as the previous tire.

Most of the friends on WRX forums who have a budget in mind but dont want performance comprimise end up with the Kumho ASX or the Kumho Supras. You can search individual tire sections to see if anyone's tried proxes...

www.clubwrx.net
www.wrxatl.com

between the low noise and the increase in wet traction over bridgestones, i love em.

94BlkStang · 06-21-06, 08:04

I was originally looking at the same tires along with a few others and finally went with the Falken 512's in a 245/50/16 for my Mustang GT. They have an excellent price now at Discount Tire Direct and available in an H rated or Z rated tire. I have them on both of my Mustangs and have liked them a lot. Great bang for the buck.

http://www.falkentire.com/main.htm

toyemp · 06-21-06, 09:07

I dont have any first hand experience with Kumhos, but I am a big Toyo fan. I recently replaced the tires on 2 of my cars with Proxy 4s (used to have Toyo T1-S on both of them) and I like them so far. Doesn't rain too much out here in SoCal and winter is non-existant so can't tell you what they are like under those conditions, but they definately ride smoother and quieter than the T1Ss. I also have Toyo T1Rs on my other 2 cars (switched from Michelin PS2s and Dunlop SP9000s) and while the T1Rs are a better performing tire than the Proxy 4s, the Proxy 4s again are smoother and quieter. If you are looking for comfort, I would definately recommend the Proxy 4s.

victory · 06-25-06, 11:10

Yokohama has a new ultra-high performance all-season calld the Advan that merits some looking in to.

wasaabi · 06-25-06, 02:23

I've got a 9-5 and the person responsible for mounting my tires mounted them incorrectly on the passenger side of the car. After I got them turned around it handled decently, but there were tire shavings INSIDE the tire, which I found after switching to Kumho SPTs. This was probably due to the wrong mounting because the other sides did not share the same problem. Due to two tires blowing (forgot which ends) I now have SPT in the front and my old ASX in the back. One of the ASX used to do duty in the front, the other in the back. I was going to post negatively about the treadwear, but now that I think about it, I have about 25k on the tires (three months shy of two calendar years). One is almost bald and the other is almost almost bald

but I would consider myself to drive like an *******. 70 on local, 100 on highway, and heavy braking, consistently. Don't really fit the typical Saab driver demographic.

The ASX cornered decently, rode smoothly, and quietly, but since I'm in Southern California, I'm not touching them again. The tire shaving itself from the inside is stuck in my head. Don't have a picture but just imagine pencil eraser shavings, but bigger.

drew.haynes · 06-25-06, 02:35

Loving my BFG KDW.