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Dry
90 %
Wet
90 %
Comfort
90 %
Noise
85 %
Treadwear
80 %
Overall
87 %
The Hankook Optimo H725 is an economical choice for s standardtouring tire. But I have to admit the newerHankook Kinergy ST H735offers more features and better attributes. The Kinergy ST is a better touring tire in terms of looks andall-season performance.
So where does the Hankook Optimo H725 fit in? This tire remains an excellent choice for entry-levelhatchbacks,compact cars, and small sedans. And that’s about it. But if you have a larger vehicle or a more powerful turbocharged engine, the Optimo H725 will fall short of your expectations.
Choosing new tires is like choosing the right pair of shoes. You don’t wear oxfords for jogging in the same manner that you don’t wear flip-flops in the office. If I want to compare the Hankook Optimo H725 as footwear, it will be a trusted pair of loafers or driving shoes. Great for comfort and long drives but not exactly ideal for training or exercise.
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What are the benefits of the Hankook Optimo H725?
First and foremost, the Hankook Optimo H725 will start at less than $90. This is not exactly as cheap as Chinese-made tires, but the price is just right for the intended application. This tire also offers long wear andall-season comfort, but it is trumped by the newer Hankook Kinergy ST is both regards. But then again, you’ll have to pay more money to enjoy the benefits of the Kinergy ST. For the value-conscious tire buyer, the Hankook Optimo H725 remains a good choice for a basic set of touring rubber.
Is it good for snowy or icy roads?
Surprisingly, the Hankook Optimo H725 is M + S rated. This means the tire is rated to handle mud and snow, which is great for an economical touring tire. However, you should only take this lightly. Based on previous tests, snow performance is determined by the depth of the treads. If the tires are fairly new, you can expect higher levels of grip over light snow and ice. But as the treads wear out, the handling and grip on slippery surfaces tend to fade as well.
The Hankook Optimo H725 is equipped with a high kerf density across the treads. This offers more biting edges to provide relentless traction on snow-covered pavement. But since the kerfs are the first to fade away as the tire rolls on the ground, you can expect traction to diminish significantly as the tire wears out.
How does it perform on dry pavement?
The Hankook Optimo H725 does not offer the high-speed stability and cornering prowess of anultra-high performance tire. You will find the tire lacking in terms of sporty grip and handling, but this shouldn’t be an issue for smallcompact cars and hatchbacks. In fact, the grip levels of the Optimo H725 on dry roads is more than enough for the average commute. However, ham-fisted driving will cause the tires to lose their composure.
How does it behave on wet roads?
As long as you drive at low to moderate speeds, there’s no reason to complain about the Hankook Optimo H725 in terms ofdriving in the wet. But things change rather quickly if you decide to drive fast in rain-drenched tarmac. You will feel the tires skipping a beat as you roll over water puddles. High-speed driving in the wet will also make the steering feel nervous as the tires hunt for grip. This is all acceptable given the modest attributes of the tire. But if you’re looking for a set of tires that delivers advanced levels of wet traction, the Hankook Optimo H725 is not the right choice.
Is it comfortable and refined?
The Hankook Optimo H725 is marginally comfortable. However, I still find theKinergy GT to be better in regards to highway comfort and road noise. The Optimo H725 has a tendency to get noisier as the speed piles up, but it remains relatively quiet in city driving at moderate speed.
What are the additional features of the Hankook Optimo H725?
This tire is equipped with long interlocking center and intermediate buttons. This allows the tire to provide shorter stopping distances and better stability. The Hankook Optimo H725 is also equipped with a simple shoulder geometry. This maximizes the stiffness of the shoulder blocks while resisting irregular tire wear. Of course, it also comes with four wide main grooves to easily displace water from the contact patch. Hankook utilized an abrasion-resistance tread compound to promote longer wear and better fuel economy as well.
How about tire wear?
Hankook is marketing the Optimo H725 as a high-mileage all-season tire. But then again, theHankook Kinergy ST is even better in terms of tire wear. But for what it’s worth, you can expect the Optimo H725 to last longer than an ordinary set of all-season rubber (under normal driving conditions).
Should I buy the Hankook Optimo H725?
If you’re looking to save money, there’s no reason not to choose the Hankook Optimo H725. But it’s hard to deny the presence of theHankook Kinergy GT. It is better in all aspects than the Optimo H725, but it commands a higher price tag.
It all depends on what you’re looking for in a new set of all-season touring tires. If all you need is a basic tire that prioritizes comfort, longer wear, and value for money, theHankook Optimo H725is a safe choice.
But not all drivers are the same; in the same manner that not all cars are the same, either. If you want asporty tirewith aggressive handling and athletic road manners, you should choose a high-performance tire like theHankook Ventus S1 Noble2or Ventus V2 Concept 2. Hankook is also offering the Kinergy PT andOptimo H426is your car demands a premium touring all-season tire.