Falken Azenis RT-615, thoughts?

[OverDrive418]

Corded 2 tires at the TnT yesterday (finally getting to the point where I'm wearing out tires, yeah!) and looking to get a new set. Saw on Discount Tire Direct I can get a set for a little over $300 with a mail-in rebate.
So, anyone use these and how do you like them?

[e30Racer]

Personally, there are better tires out there for just a little more. What size are you looking for?

[OverDrive418]

205-50-15

[Focus]

On Tire Rack, you can get a set of DZ101's (similar to RT-615) for about $200 plus shipping after mail-in-rebate if you want to keep the budget. The Star Spec would be a step up from the Falken, has the same rebate going, so 360 or so after rebate.

[OverDrive418]

So here's the three I've narrowed it down to as of the end of today, all about the same price. From cheapest to most expensive:

1) Nitto 450

2) Falken Azenis 615

3) Dunlop Star Spec

4) Other recommendations welcome

I want to stay under $400 (shipped)

[rodhx]

The Kumho XS gets good marks in this size and has the reputation for handling heat & rough surfaces well. Personally I would not fool with #1 or #2. The Star Specs are just out in this size and are priced very close to the Bridgestone RE-11, but the Dunlops currently have a $50 rebate offer.

[e30Racer]

I would spend the extra money and get the StarSpecs

[Focus]

I would have recommended the XS or Star Specs depending on how you want to use them. The Star Specs are a better tire for actual street use, and the rebate puts them around the price of the XS, so that's pretty much case closed. Good call on the 205, also. The little civic would struggle to get enough heat in bigger tires.

[OverDrive418]

Yeah, the more I look at them the more I think I want the Dunlops.
I want something I can drive over an hour to the event, run event, and back home again. This way I don't lose time changing wheels in a rush on-site.
I think these might do it.

And yes, I didn't start breaking into the 30s at the TnT until about the 6th or 7th run because the tires didn't come into their own until then. The car weighs nothing. I figure a good hour+ ride should get them good and ready though!