Ohtsu/Falken Zexius XI-427 review - Subaru Outback

phatvw · 09-30-2010, 08:55 PM

We have had the Ohtsu (parent of Falken) Zexius XI-427 tires on our 2005 Outback 225/60/16 size for just over a year ever since we bought the car from the dealer.

These tires are terrible.

The noise level is horrrendous. There is this droning sound which starts at ~20mph and changes in pitch with road speed and doesn't go away even at 70mph with increased wind noise. Comparing the 2005 Outback with these tires back to back with a 2003 Outback with Goodyear Eagle tires the difference is night and day. The 2003 even with 3X as many miles as the 2005 is a lot more pleasurable to drive because it is QUIET.

The funny thing is that the performance of the Ohtsu tires isn't bad at all. Dry and wet braking performance is good, though with soft sidewalls and treadwear is excellent. Road comfort is good and handling is decent for a passenger tire with soft sidewalls.

But none of that can make up for the noise.

**AWDFTW** · 09-30-2010, 09:54 PM

Outside of their extreme performance products, I'm not hearing many good reviews about Falkens. Hope your next tire is better for you.

09-30-2010, 08:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
phatvw Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Seattle, WA Car: 2005 OBW 2.5i, 2003 OBW LTD, 1991 Toyota MR2 Posts: 592 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ohtsu/Falken Zexius XI-427 review We have had the Ohtsu (parent of Falken) Zexius XI-427 tires on our 2005 Outback 225/60/16 size for just over a year ever since we bought the car from the dealer. These tires are terrible. The noise level is horrrendous. There is this droning sound which starts at ~20mph and changes in pitch with road speed and doesn't go away even at 70mph with increased wind noise. Comparing the 2005 Outback with these tires back to back with a 2003 Outback with Goodyear Eagle tires the difference is night and day. The 2003 even with 3X as many miles as the 2005 is a lot more pleasurable to drive because it is QUIET. The funny thing is that the performance of the Ohtsu tires isn't bad at all. Dry and wet braking performance is good, though with soft sidewalls and treadwear is excellent. Road comfort is good and handling is decent for a passenger tire with soft sidewalls. But none of that can make up for the noise.

09-30-2010, 09:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Displaced to Chicago. Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 6,084 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Outside of their extreme performance products, I'm not hearing many good reviews about Falkens. Hope your next tire is better for you. __________________ 2003 Outback: "Kaylee". 128,000 and counting. Mods: GE Nighthawk low beams, HIR1 9011 high beam upgrade, Nokya 25k yellow fog lights, Fumoto valve, 04 Forester XT shift knob. Basics: G-Oil Bio-based Advanced Full Synthetic 5w30, Purolater oil filter, STP air filter, Valvoline Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF, Valvoline Durablend 80w90, Michelin Primacy MXV4. Also: More rust and parking lot scars than I care to think about.

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