Get the Homie Hookup
17Deals
×
Get The Homie Hookup
No deals available at this time.
No deals available at this time.
June 19, 2025
When it comes to ultra-high-performance tires in the 200 treadwear category, few are as widely recognized as the Falken Azenis RT615K+. Despite the name sounding like an DLC pack, this tire is far more than a string of letters and numbers. Built for grip-focused driving, the RT615K+ stands out as a dual-purpose tire that can dominate on the track while still being livable on the street.
Originally developed for autocross, time attack, and HPDE (High Performance Driving Events), the RT615K+ is a DOT-legal tire designed for enthusiasts who want serious dry grip without needing a dedicated trailer to get their car to and from the track. Its roots trace back to the original RT615K launched in 2016, but this “Plus” version brings in improvements in heat resistance, enhanced consistency across heat cycles, and slightly improved wet grip. Even though it’s still not anything to write home about in the wet.
What makes the RT615K+ so compelling for grip driving is its stiff sidewall, solid center rib, and massive shoulder blocks. These design choices give the tire:
Even when tested at one of the most abrasive tracks in the country, USAIR in Wisconsin, notorious for chewing through rubber, the tire delivered grippy, consistent performance. The reinforced sidewall played a big role in maintaining stability through elevation changes, curbing, and constant directional shifts.
As a 200TW tire, longevity is limited. Expect anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 miles, depending on your alignment, rotation habits, and how often you’re beating on them at the track. At USAIR, the tires barely lasted a session due to the surface’s brutal nature, and us attempting to test their driftability with our R34 GT-T. For daily use with occasional spirited driving, you’ll get far more life, but we wouldn’t necessarily call this a touring tire.
Yes, that’s actually part of the appeal. While the tire is optimized for track use, its street manners are shockingly livable. It’s quiet, stable, and comfortable enough for daily use, making it ideal for drivers who want one tire to do it all. This makes it a strong option for weekend warriors who commute during the week and hit the track on weekends.
Technically? Yes. Realistically? Not well. The RT615K+ is simply too grippy to be an ideal drift tire, especially for lower horsepower setups. Even airing the rear tires up to 50 PSI didn’t make them easy to slide. If your focus is on getting sideways, you’ll be better off with tires like the Kenda KR20A or Ironman iMove Gen3 AS, which are cheaper, less grippy, and more drift-friendly.
In comparison to other 200TW contenders like the Yokohama A052, Bridgestone RE71RS, General GMAX RS, and Hankook RS4, the Falken RT615K+ finds itself somewhere in the middle:
It may not be the fastest in raw lap time, but it offers the best balance between grip, durability, and dual-purpose usability.
The RT615K+ is offered in a wide range of sizes, from 205/50R15 (hello, Miata fans) up to 275/35R18, fitting everything from grassroots builds to widebody time attack cars. Prices generally fall between $140–$310 per tire, depending on size.
If you’re after a tire that’s track-capable, street-drivable, and extremely predictable, the Falken Azenis RT615K+ delivers. It’s not the best in wet conditions, and it’s not made for drifting, but it’s an excellent all-around 200TW option for anyone who’s serious about performance driving but still needs to make it home in one piece.
It may not be the newest or flashiest tire out there, but for those looking to mod their car and drive it like they mean it, the RT615K+ hits that perfect middle ground.
Looking to grab a set? Head over to MartiniWorks.com and pick up yours today.
Alex Gelina "Also Known as Gels"
