Falken Ziex STZ05 Review: In 2012, Falken introduced Ziex STZO5 to the market. This tire stands exceptional in delivering a quality performance on different surfaces. Infact, it became the top-selling product of Falken by that time within a few months.
Ziex STZ05 is an all-season tire significantly designed for SUVs and Light Trucks.
Examine the treads on these tires closely. They hold the key to knowing which to choose. In fact if you visit my "tread design" page, picking the right tire would never bother you.
Whether you are cruising within the city or experiencing unfavourable off-road conditions this tire gives a phenomenal performance.
This tire makes no compromise in maintaining its comfort either on dry or wet surfaces. The table below gives a brief overview of this tire:
| Specifications | Ziex STZ05 |
| Tire Category | All-Season |
| Off-Road Performance | 64% |
| On-Road Performance | 88% |
| Compatibility | Cars, Sport Light Trucks and SUVs, |
| Tread Life | 50,000 miles / 80,000 km |
| Key Features | M+S Rated / Road Hazard Protection / 40-Day Ride Guarantee |
| Price | $210 – $420 |
Table of Contents
Tested Size Specifications
Ziex STZ05 is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 18 to 24 inches which fits various vehicles.
The Tire we tested had the following specs:
| Tested Size | 275/55R20 |
| Tread Depth | 14/32” |
| Overall Diameter | 31.9” |
| Tire Weight | 45.1 lbs |
| U.T.Q.G | 460-A.A |
Tire’s Design and Structure
The highly optimized tread design of Ziex STZ05 influences its performance as follows:
- Symmetrical 5-Rib Tread Design for enhanced high-speed vitality, independent tire movement and increased longevity.
- Broad Shoulder Blocks nurture tread stiffness and allow ultimate stability and handling on wet and dry surfaces.
- Solid Central Rib for optimized steering management particularly at high speeds.
- Alternating Broad and Narrow Shoulder Grooves to minimize noise production.
Off-Road Performance
The overall off-road performance of Ziex STZ05 is up to 64% contributing to its performance on the following surfaces:
- On Mud
Even though this tire is M+S rated but delivers an average grip on mud. However, its tread depth is sufficient but due to its narrow central grooves, it is less productive in navigating smoothly through such surfaces.
However, this tire due to its broad tapered cut shoulder blocks gives decent steering management in mud while braking and cornering but still stands behind many of its competitors in providing stability on such paths.
| Mud Traction | Performance |
| Mud Grip | 66% |
| Mud Handling | 77% |
| Overall Traction | 72% |
Although this tire is M+S rated, its rating is not so good in this section. This may be due to its narrow central channels which make it less tractive on mud.
- On Snow
This tire is good in snow as good as it is in mud. Thanks to its deep tread which maintains its grip irrespective of the depth of the snow. However, lean central tread channels slightly lower its grip on such surfaces.
In the case of its handling on snowy surfaces, this tire gives reasonable performance. It steers more efficiently on snow than in mud but its stability is still unable to match some of its rivals with comparable prices.
| Snow Traction | Performance |
| Snow Grip | 69% |
| Snow Handling | 75% |
| Overall Traction | 72% |
This tire due to its M+S rating becomes a site of attraction for most consumers but its reviews in this portion are just satisfactory.
- On Ice
This tire is provided with an adequate contact patch which nurtures its grip on ice but at high speed it becomes slippery. Also, when sudden brakes are applied the tire is likely to skid. So, you require a skilful driver to explore such surfaces.
While taking turns, the only factor which aids in retaining its stability is sufficient tread contact of its shoulders with the ice topped surface. However, its shoulder tread design is not much tractive to steer it through such surfaces effortlessly.
| Ice Traction | Performance |
| Ice Grip | 73% |
| Ice Handling | 79% |
| Overall Traction | 76% |
However, this tire is an acceptable option on ice-capped surfaces but it does not give 100% surety to navigate you through such surfaces without skidding.
On-Road Performance
The on-road performance of Ziex is about 88% which indicates that it is more favourable on paved surfaces than on rough surfaces. Its on-road performance is influenced by its traction on the following surfaces:
- On Dry Surfaces
The structure of this tire guarantees its performance on paved routes.
Its non-directional tread design offers maximum tread contact with the road and bestows it with a sharp grip on such surfaces.
Furthermore, this tire is provided with dual tapered cut shoulder blocks with a good contact patch which ensures its stability and handling while cornering.
Its solid central rib offers efficient steering management even at high speeds.
| Dry Traction | Performance |
| Dry Grip | 90% |
| Dry Handling | 88% |
| Overall Traction | 89% |
This tire delivers unparalleled performance on highways without compromising the comfort of its users.
In-fact, it is one of the best options for paved long routes.
- On Wet Surfaces
The tread design of this tire promises its efficacy on wet surfaces. Its sharply cut central tread blocks with curved sipes over them nurture its grip and minimize the risk of aquaplaning by channelling water consistently.
Its diminished shoulder tread blocks are also provided with sipes which function in promoting its stability on wet surfaces.
Its alternating broad and narrow shoulder grooves grant shoulder tread with a sufficient contact patch to steer it handily while cornering over wet paths.
| Wet Traction | Performance |
| Wet Grip | 86% |
| Wet Handling | 86% |
| Overall Traction | 86% |
This tire has a specialised tread design that enables it to run efficiently on wet surfaces with minimum risk of hydroplaning.
Comfort and Noise
Ziex STZ05 is well modified to give a quiet and comfortable journey on highways.
It is equipped with alternating narrow and broad shoulder grooves which are functional in minimizing the noise and maintaining the stability of the tire even at elevated speeds.
Also, its unmatched central rib plays a significant role in facilitating the tire’s handling and comfort on paved roads.
However, in comparison with other tires, it is noisier and less comfortable on rough and uneven routes. Mainly on rocky paths, this tire suffers and produces much noise.
On mud and snow, its comfort level is comparatively better whereas on ice it is the least noisy and most comfortable among all off-road surfaces.
The main reason for its average stability on such surfaces is its lean grooves with less prominent biting edges.
| Comfort | Noise | |
| On-Road | 82% | 17% |
| Off-Road | 58% | 41% |
| Overall | 70% | 29% |
This tire is highly comfortable and peaceful on smooth surfaces but its incompetency on rugged surfaces lowers its overall comfort and stability.
Is the Falken Ziex STZ05 Durable and long lasting?
Due to its optimized design and durable composition, treadwear is less significant in this tire.
It offers even wear, especially on paved surfaces which retains the efficacy of this tire.
However, regular off-road experience reduces its effectiveness and can cause uneven wear which lessens the stability of the tire.
| Treadwear | 19% |
| Durability | 80% |
This tire is much more durable but if you frequently go through rough surfaces its liability may be impacted.
Warranties
| Warranties | Extent |
| Treadwear Warranty | 50,000 miles / 80,000 km |
| Uniformity Warranty | 1 year first 2/32” |
| Workmanship Warranty | 5 years |
| Ride Test | 40 days |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Delivers unmatched on-road performance. | Not a decent choice for off-roading. It should be used occasionally on such surfaces. |
| Gives its best on dry highways. It must be preferred for long routes. | Gives below-than-average performance on rocks. |
| Is highly tractive on wet surfaces with minimized risk of hydroplaning. | Despite its M+S rating, it stands second to some of its quality opponents on mud and snow. |
| Is much comfortable and quieter on paved paths. | On rough surfaces, it is noisier and less stable. |
| Is highly reliable and offers a tread life warranty of 50,000 miles. |
Final Words
This tire gives an unparalleled performance on paved highways, delivering impressive stability and handling but on rough and uneven paths its performance is just satisfactory.
So, it must be used occasionally on rugged surfaces.
