Kumho Ecsta 4X tire review - pics included
02-05-2012, 12:52 PM
#1
Kumho Ecsta 4X tire review - pics included
Well, I got these 4 new tires and figured now that I have had time to test them out on my AP1 id let you all know my findings. I was on a budget and for $350.00 for all 4 (after rebate) I’m pretty satisfied thus far. Kumho makes a few different types in their Ultra High performance category and the Ecsta 4X got very good reviews that I made sure to read before my purchase. I figure if any of you are on a budget like I am, these tires might work out well for you. My car has stock AP1 rims and i used the OEM sizes for front and rear.
Grip and handling overall – My old Pirelli P700’s were pretty worn but not to the point where there was no tread left. As soon as I left the shop with the Kumho’s on I felt an immediate difference in grip. No more sliding or chirping and the rear tires felt like they were biting into the pavement, I was impressed. Steering is really tight too and i felt no sway in the front end taking some tight corners in VTEC.
Dry Handling – I went out on some windy roads and gave these tires a good test. They handle well and the rear end stayed pretty stable at high speeds. At times I felt as if there may be a bit of sway in the rear but as soon as I thought the car might fishtail the tires gripped hard and held on. Not as good as some of the performance tires out there but good enough to make me feel comfortable if I had to dodge quickly a road hazard
Wet Handling – Haven’t tested yet because I don’t drive my S in the rain but at some point ill get caught in a rain storm and ill find out if all the good wet handling reviews on Tirerack were true for the S.
Ride quality – These tires are super quiet which is a nice touch since the S can get a bit noisy if you have an old top like I do. Not only are they quiet, they have a nice ride and I noticed the car absorbs small road imperfections much nicer than it use too.
Looks – I think it’s a decent looking tire. Sure it doesn’t have the nice looks of a Hankook or Pirelli but overall the tire looks nice all dressed up with some ultra shine armorall.
Tread wear – yes I know it’s 420. But, I think a lot of the tread wear has to do with driving habits and I don’t race my S much. So ill have to wait and see and if it is something that I see is an issue I will update this post.
Overall – In my opinion, id give these tires a 7.5 out of 10 and I say that because I haven’t been able to test wet traction and see how they wear yet. If both of those pan out well ill give the tire an 8 to 9 score. If i find treadwear to be really bad this tire will get a 6.5 or so. Time will tell.
Grip and handling overall – My old Pirelli P700’s were pretty worn but not to the point where there was no tread left. As soon as I left the shop with the Kumho’s on I felt an immediate difference in grip. No more sliding or chirping and the rear tires felt like they were biting into the pavement, I was impressed. Steering is really tight too and i felt no sway in the front end taking some tight corners in VTEC.
Dry Handling – I went out on some windy roads and gave these tires a good test. They handle well and the rear end stayed pretty stable at high speeds. At times I felt as if there may be a bit of sway in the rear but as soon as I thought the car might fishtail the tires gripped hard and held on. Not as good as some of the performance tires out there but good enough to make me feel comfortable if I had to dodge quickly a road hazard
Wet Handling – Haven’t tested yet because I don’t drive my S in the rain but at some point ill get caught in a rain storm and ill find out if all the good wet handling reviews on Tirerack were true for the S.
Ride quality – These tires are super quiet which is a nice touch since the S can get a bit noisy if you have an old top like I do. Not only are they quiet, they have a nice ride and I noticed the car absorbs small road imperfections much nicer than it use too.
Looks – I think it’s a decent looking tire. Sure it doesn’t have the nice looks of a Hankook or Pirelli but overall the tire looks nice all dressed up with some ultra shine armorall.
Tread wear – yes I know it’s 420. But, I think a lot of the tread wear has to do with driving habits and I don’t race my S much. So ill have to wait and see and if it is something that I see is an issue I will update this post.
Overall – In my opinion, id give these tires a 7.5 out of 10 and I say that because I haven’t been able to test wet traction and see how they wear yet. If both of those pan out well ill give the tire an 8 to 9 score. If i find treadwear to be really bad this tire will get a 6.5 or so. Time will tell.
02-15-2012, 09:38 AM
#4
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I'm running the 4X on my rears right now to get through the winter (ASXs up front). Dry traction is decent for an all season tire. Wet traction has been great though. Also drove through some light snow and had no problems.
02-15-2012, 10:11 AM
#5
YUP..just tested mine in the rain for the first time today and they are really good.
05-22-2012, 08:28 PM
#6
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I just purchased 4 new tires of the Kuhmo Ecsta 4X and would have to say that these are alot better in dry and wet traction, road noise and price than my old BF Goodrich Sport AS tires. Not bad at all especially with a $50 rebate and warranty
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