Falken ZE912 vs Kumho AST

[wildstoats]

Edit: My bad, forgot the size! 15x7 wheel looking at 205/50/15. If any of these tires are known to run narrow I would not be opposed to a 225/50.

I've narrowed my tire search down to these two contenders (although I am open to suggestions). I'm only using the car in the summer so snow/ice cold weather is not a concern. I drive aggressively and might attend an auto-x or two on these just to shake down my car in preparation for next season. Noise and treadwear are not factors that I am concerned about.

Ideally here are my top three stats:
Dry grip
Handling Response
Wet grip

I know neither of these tires are going to be amazing but whatever I go with has to be in the $250 shipped range. At least Sub-$300 shipped.

Kumho AST: $232.42 shipped
Falken ZE912: $283.00 shipped

Just saw these:
Kumho ASX: $296.42 shipped

Like I said. I am open to suggestions but sub $300 is a must. Any input on this would help me immensely. Thanks in advance!

[BTP325ic]

i hear these are real good http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nSpeedRating=H

but you cant go wrong with falken my buddy had the falken ZE912 on his e30 and they are hella gripy,kumhos are nice for DD but it you plan on auto Xing on them i wouldn't buy those.

[wildstoats]

Yeah I had DZ101s on my e28 and they were less than impressive in the wet.

[th3blue]

I happen to have cars in my driveway with both the tires that you are looking at.

between the 912 and AST is an easy one... the AST wins!!!

my gf has the 912 on her Subaru, and I have the AST on my E36. the AST is just a better tire all around.

I have driven on the ASX also, it's possibly a higher grip tire (that's what the treadware suggests) but I like the AST more... it's progressive and quiet.

so go AST, and if you want more then spend more and get the falken 615 or the new kumho XS

[wildstoats]

Yeah I was really drooling over all the new sticky tires that have been coming out but I just need something on the cheap side to get me going. Just curious if the Falkens were worth the extra money or not.

[Mystikal]

ASTs are dangerous in the wet. If you had DZ101s and didn't approve of their wet performance, you won't be happy with the AST, either.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/chartDisplay.jsp?ttid=73

The 912 is a much, much better tire all around.

[Mr Two]

As far as all seasons go, the 912 is pretty much the best. It wears pretty well too, the rears on my car have worn pretty well despite the lack of traction I get back there (Not to say they aren't grippy, just S52 + e30 rear suspension)

[zedfez]

I don't have any experience with the Kumhos, but I have 912s for summer tires and they are great wet and dry. They have given me a little trouble in standing water under heavy braking, but overall I am very happy with them.