Falkens - Difference Between Rt215 And Rt615

[evil_weevil]

Hey guys,

Just been looking at the two tyre types here, just wondering what other peoples thoughts are, and who uses what and which do you guys think are a better tyre - mainly as a second set, thats mainly used on the track (which is like 10 times a year, very rarely!)

Obviously there is different tread pattern,

thats the rt615

and now the rt215

Discuss

[evil_weevil]

Oh,

Ive got a quote for the rt615's for 220 each also and the tempe website doesnt mention much..well, anything at all on these tyres...not muchhelp there!

[Beer Baron]

I think they are a good choice if you just have 1 set of tyres and want a nice compromise between street and track, but if they are going on a second set of rims and only being used for track I would go for an R compound. RE55 seems to be the gun choice, but either RE55, or A048 or dunlop DZ02G will all out perform the falkens.

also, I'm not sure if the RT215s are still easily available? I've used them and they are ok, but apparently the 615s are better, but I've never tried them.

[Primordial]

There is a big difference in price between the RT615 and any R compound though

$220 for RT615 - $300+ for R Comps

[predator]

AFAIK rt215's have been phased out and rt615's are the replacement?

[Beer Baron]

There is a big difference in price between the RT615 and any R compound though

$220 for RT615 - $300+ for R Comps

yeah, but there is a reason! I mean what the falkens have is a stiff sidewall like an R tyre, and they also have minimal groves for large contact patch, and a good compound that wont tear up and delaminate with heat like cheap street tyres, BUT what they don't have is anywhere near the same grip as an R compound.

[Primordial]

Absolutely.. Less grip is expected when you look at the treadwear rating

Falken RT615 - 200

R compounds are generally 60 or below

[evil_weevil]

well of the 615's are replacing the 215's that answers my question hehehe

Beer - I totally agree with what you are saying, but my budget at the moment will only allow me to go falkens.

[Beer Baron]

fair enough, in that case they are still miles better than most street tyres, they just lack some outright grip.

[evil_weevil]

sweet,

I mean Im not someone who is out there trying every lap to get my PB lower!

But something that will hold up well for my level of skill (lack of? ) and then later on if I get a car thats more suited for the track I'll be going the tyres you suggested!

Just for now I think with my level, the 615's and equivalent brands will do for me!

[salad]

You can still find some RT-215s floating around, and they're usually a bit cheaper cos they've been superceded.

[BHDave]

Some sizes aren't available in the 615's yet aswell so there are still some 215's available to fill the holes in the line up. Nothing between a 225 and 255 in the 17inch range to fit a skyline anyway.

Where the hell did you get 615's quoted for 220? I want to go there as best ive gotten for 225 45 17's is about $335

[NickR33]

I have the RT 215's on the front and RT 615's on the back of my 33GTSt

I would go for the newer 615's if you can get the right sizes... the older 215's seem to harden a bit as the heat cycle a few times and generally offer less grip as they wear down... the 615's on the other hand are still quite grippy even when they are almost completely worn... I have noticed the understeer has gotten worse in my car as the fronts have hardened

the 615s do seem to wear quicker although that may just be because I have them on the rear and that's where the power comes from! (every time I say power I can't help but think of jeremy clarkson... which is disturbing)

PS. MILES better than street tires (even $$ Michelins) due to the sidewall stiffness and tread design... and they have lasted me 50+ laps around Sandown, 2 motorkhanas and about 10,000 street kms... and I will be finishing them off at PI in a couple of weeks!

I will be going the 615's all round if I can find the right sizes... if not I will be buying a set of the new Federal's

[evil_weevil]

BHDave - secret :D

Nick - thanks heaps for the info dude much appreciated!

[RAZOR32]

Some sizes aren't available in the 615's yet aswell so there are still some 215's available to fill the holes in the line up. Nothing between a 225 and 255 in the 17inch range to fit a skyline anyway.

Where the hell did you get 615's quoted for 220? I want to go there as best ive gotten for 225 45 17's is about $335

I paid $330 a tyre for the RT615s 225 40 18's, from Tempe Tyres!

Edited March 16, 2007 by RAZOR32

[BHDave]

The annoying thing is i used to live 5 minutes from there

[DaveO74]

Hey Guys,

Just stumbled across your thread and thought I might be able to help with sizes. I got a quote today for 215"s after trying to get 615"s for nearly two months. Turns out that you cant get 17 inch 615"s anymore in 225/45, 235/45, 245/45 and 255/40 but you can now get 215"s in most sizes, my quotes were (f) 235/45/17-$305 & ®255/40/17-$339 (Sorry no 265/40) Hope this helps!

[maccattack]

I used to run RT215's on a Mini Cooper S. Heaps better than a road tyre - not as good as a track tyre - suffered from heat cycling badly - went hard very quickly.

I run RT615's on my GTR as daily drive tyres.

Better than RT215's for grip and heat cycling - don't seem to go off as fast.

For what you are talking about - I think they would make a nice choice.

As mentioned - they aren't a patch on 'R' compound tyres but are a nice in betweener.

Make a very nice road tyre - yes, even in the wet.

[NickR33]

totally agree maccattack... great road tires the 615's and not bad at the track either (my 215's went hard too but 615's were all good)... although Phillip Island was a bit much for them last weekend and they didn't offer the high speed/lateral grip of genuine semis... they get hot very quickly (good for motorkhana) but melt and go all greasy when pushed too hard

I'm with evil_weevil in the respect that these will do me until I feel my driving is up to scratch... then when I get more serious I'll move to some RE55's

[evil_weevil]

well,

didnt get either of those two - I got the toyo R888s