Kumho Ecsta Spt KU31Review
As you may already know, I bought a set of these about 4 months ago. So I thought it would be an idea to give a review, just in case anyone else considers these as an option. I bought them as a budget option and all 4 were supplied and fitted through Blackcircles for £229 inc.
The original plan was to go for nexens, but I couldn't find a matching set set down here at the time, so finally settled on the Kumhos.
Bear in mind that the only tyres on a TF I have to compare with myself are the Continentals that came with the car.
First the bad points:
1. Weak sidewalls
When cornering hard in the dry on tight corners the tyres do give the impression they are about to roll off the rims. I now understand that the sidewalls aren't as firm as some other brands and assume this is the reason. This obviously doesn't inspire confidence.
2. Bouncy Ride / Comfort
Whereas the harshness of the continentals would rattle my fillings over uneven/potholed surfaces, the Kumhos are a lot comfier. Unfortunately, you pay for the comfort with the 'bouncyness' you get over rough surfaces .... some might prefer the comfort, but personally I was a lot happier to put up with the rattled fillings and have the go-cart feel of the contis.
Good Points:
1. Tyre wear.
I have now covered in the region of 5000 miles on them and given that I have a tendancy to throw the car at roundabouts and corners, they are holding up well. I've heard they can be good for 20000 mile +. Not too shabby for a 'soft' compound.
2. Wet.
This is where they come into there own. Out of all the car/tyre combinations i have had in the past, these, IMHO are the best handling wet tyre I have ever had.
So, would I buy again or recommend.
The tyres are advertised as a summer sport tyre.
As a summer sport tyre I would prefer sportier handlind in dry conditions and I feel that the sidewalls let the tyre down enormously. For that reason, I would not touch them again as a summer tyre.
As a winter only tyre. For the weather we get down here in the winter, which is usually very wet. I would be quite happy to use these as a winter only tyre as they are fantastic in the wet. I have read that they are absolutely useless in snow, but as that isn't usually a factor in my neck of the woods, snow doesn't really figure in my equation.
So overall
As a tyre at the market they are advertised as 'Summer sport tyre' Would definitely not buy
As a winter tyre (wet climate) or just as a 'normal' driving tyre. Given the price, I would be happy to use again.
My plan, if money allows, for the coming year is to invest in a new set of 16'' 11 spoke alloys and to fit with Toyos for the summer and use the current set up for winter.
Oh and pic of tread pattern of Kumhos:
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
The original plan was to go for nexens, but I couldn't find a matching set set down here at the time, so finally settled on the Kumhos.
Bear in mind that the only tyres on a TF I have to compare with myself are the Continentals that came with the car.
First the bad points:
1. Weak sidewalls
When cornering hard in the dry on tight corners the tyres do give the impression they are about to roll off the rims. I now understand that the sidewalls aren't as firm as some other brands and assume this is the reason. This obviously doesn't inspire confidence.
2. Bouncy Ride / Comfort
Whereas the harshness of the continentals would rattle my fillings over uneven/potholed surfaces, the Kumhos are a lot comfier. Unfortunately, you pay for the comfort with the 'bouncyness' you get over rough surfaces .... some might prefer the comfort, but personally I was a lot happier to put up with the rattled fillings and have the go-cart feel of the contis.
Good Points:
1. Tyre wear.
I have now covered in the region of 5000 miles on them and given that I have a tendancy to throw the car at roundabouts and corners, they are holding up well. I've heard they can be good for 20000 mile +. Not too shabby for a 'soft' compound.
2. Wet.
This is where they come into there own. Out of all the car/tyre combinations i have had in the past, these, IMHO are the best handling wet tyre I have ever had.
So, would I buy again or recommend.
The tyres are advertised as a summer sport tyre.
As a summer sport tyre I would prefer sportier handlind in dry conditions and I feel that the sidewalls let the tyre down enormously. For that reason, I would not touch them again as a summer tyre.
As a winter only tyre. For the weather we get down here in the winter, which is usually very wet. I would be quite happy to use these as a winter only tyre as they are fantastic in the wet. I have read that they are absolutely useless in snow, but as that isn't usually a factor in my neck of the woods, snow doesn't really figure in my equation.
So overall
As a tyre at the market they are advertised as 'Summer sport tyre' Would definitely not buy
As a winter tyre (wet climate) or just as a 'normal' driving tyre. Given the price, I would be happy to use again.
My plan, if money allows, for the coming year is to invest in a new set of 16'' 11 spoke alloys and to fit with Toyos for the summer and use the current set up for winter.
Oh and pic of tread pattern of Kumhos:
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
by rog1963
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A very good and comprehensive review :broon:
by Red Devil
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- David Aiketgate
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- David
- mgf mk2 freestyle mpi 16" wheels, in Anthracite.
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Replied by David Aiketgate on topic Re: Kumho Ecsta Spt KU31Review
Posted 12 years 11 months ago #34310
Spot on Rog, that's great information for the forum. I wonder if they do a reinforced sidewall version?:shrug:
David
:shrug:
Last Edit:12 years 11 months ago
by David Aiketgate
Last edit: 12 years 11 months ago by David Aiketgate.
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- Rich in Vancouver
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Replied by Rich in Vancouver on topic Re: Kumho Ecsta Spt KU31Review
Posted 12 years 11 months ago #34314
i recently bought a set of Kumho Winter Tyres, winter Proxes not being currently available here. I have noticed the same soft sidewall condition. As they are winter tyres this isn't such a bad thing, it helps remind me i'm not on the summer Toyos and keeps me in check a bit. That said, they are quite grippy with no sudden break-away so are predictable.When first installed the tyre shop pumped them up to 35psi which gave them rather scary, "sliding on ice" handling characteristics. Reducing the pressures to the recommended MGF 26/28psi solved this problem immediately.
I would also consider them an acceptable tyre for winter driving.
I would also consider them an acceptable tyre for winter driving.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Leigh Ping
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