Impression - Kumho Snow Tires
 

I just had the Kumho Izen KW11's mounted on the SVX tonight, I thought I'd put a first impression here, for those that have to deal with the white stuff thru the winter.

Noise: These must be the QUIETEST snow tires out there. I've gone from listening to the tire noise off the Kumho 712's to listening to the wind noise rushing over my mirror.

Dry Grip: Keeping in mind I've gone from the 712's in 225/50/16 to the Izen KW11's in 205/55/16, they're OK for a snow tire. I haven't seriously whipped it around yet, but I can feel the softer sidewall flex much more than the super stiff 712's.

Wet Grip: Again, for a snow tire, it's what'd you expect.

Snow Grip: Just waiting for mother nature to provide me the testing grounds...

Price: I paid $96CDN + taxes, including mounting and balancing. That's $61USD, for 205/55/16. Discount Tire was selling them online for $69 I think in that size. These I'm pretty sure are the least expensive snow tires out there in 16", and since Kumho is trying to steal market share, the price is definitely right.

FWIW.

VK

tire size
 

Is the outside diameter of the 205/55/16 about the same as the 225/50/16? I was looking at the same tire earlier today and I was worried about the speedometer being correct.
Jay

Re: tire size
 

Yup. Overall diameter is the same, 24.9". It may vary slightly depending on the width of the rim, but either way it'll make a negligible difference.

VK

thanks
 

Thanks for the really quick response. I will probably buy these tires now.
Jay

I have to put snow tires on my wife's Legacy, so thanks for the review. Let us know how they do in the snow...

Mother nature's not co-operating. :D (People must think I'm sadistic to wish for snow to fall...)

When it does snow here, I'll be sure to follow this up with a snow performance.

VK

Hehe, I'm begging for a month of steady rainfall. We haven't had running water in our house for 3 weeks.:) The well driller is hopefully going to be here thursday.(maybe):(

249SVX,

Be careful what you wish for. You are liable to get it.

Larry III

Well, it's not like we couldn't use it.:)