When it comes to choosing the perfect tires for your vehicle, the options seem endless.
However, two tire brands that often stand out are Bridgestone and Falken.
In this post, I’ll be delving into the Bridgestone vs Falken debate, comparing their histories, performances in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, mileage warranties, average lifespan, prices, as well as the pros and cons of each.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s dive in!
Bridgestone vs Falken – Comparison Table
| Bridgestone | Falken | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | Japan |
| Year Founded | 1931 | 1983 |
| Made In | United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentine, Belgium, Spain, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, China, Australia, or Japan | Buffalo, NY, Japan, or Thailand |
| Parent | Ishibashi family (Japan) | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (Japan) |
About the Brands
1. Bridgestone
Bridgestone, a renowned tire brand, originated in Japan in 1931 and is currently owned by the Ishibashi family.
The company was founded by Shojiro Ishibashi, who aimed to produce high-quality tires for automobiles and other vehicles.
Over the years, Bridgestone has established itself as a global leader in the tire industry, offering a wide range of innovative and durable products.
Bridgestone’s success can be attributed to its commitment to research and development, allowing the brand to continually introduce new technologies and advancements.
The company’s focus on quality and performance has made it a trusted choice for drivers worldwide.
Bridgestone tires are known for their superior grip, durability, and excellent handling in various road conditions.
With a strong presence in both the consumer and commercial markets, Bridgestone has expanded its operations globally.
The brand has manufacturing facilities in numerous countries, enabling it to meet the growing demand for its products.
Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its eco-friendly initiatives, including the development of fuel-efficient tires and recycling programs.
Through its long and successful history, Bridgestone has cemented its position as one of the most respected and reliable tire brands, offering drivers safety, performance, and comfort on the road.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Buses
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
- Performance vehicles
- Sports cars
- Off-road vehicles
- All-terrain vehicles
- Commercial trucks
- Agricultural vehicles
- Construction equipment
- Mining equipment
- Motorcycles
- Aircraft
2. Falken
Falken is a renowned tire brand that originated in Japan in 1983.
It is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a prominent Japanese company.
From its inception, Falken has strived to deliver high-quality tires that combine performance and durability.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative technologies and commitment to excellence.
Falken has made significant advancements in tire engineering, constantly pushing boundaries to enhance driving experiences.
With a focus on motorsport and extensive research and development, Falken has developed a diverse range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
With its Japanese precision and expertise, Falken continues to cater to the needs of drivers worldwide, earning a reputation as a trusted and reliable tire brand.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Crossovers
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R vs the Falken Azenis FK510.
In my evaluation, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R earns a dry performance rating of 4.8 out of 5.
It excels in dry traction, grip, cornering, and braking, with a track-worthy aggressive design.
On the other hand, the Falken Azenis FK510 receives a rating of 4.6 out of 5, showcasing short braking distances, good handling speed, and excellent grip.
While both tires exhibit strong dry performance, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R edges slightly ahead.
Thus, it emerges as the winner in terms of dry performance.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ vs the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S.
In my assessment, both the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ and the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S exhibit exceptional wet performance, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 for each tire.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ demonstrates outstanding wet traction due to its wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that effectively expel water, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning.
Similarly, the Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S receives positive acclaim for its good wet traction, all-season capability, resistance to hydroplaning, and handling in wet conditions.
Consequently, I declare a tie between these two tires in terms of wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 vs Falken Espia EPZ II.
In my assessment, both the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and the Falken Espia EPZ II tires exhibit exceptional snow performance, receiving a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
The Blizzak WS80 offers reliable snow performance with a focus on ice braking distance and traction, while the Espia EPZ II provides strong traction and performance in various winter conditions.
With their respective technologies and positive reviews, both tires excel in snowy conditions.
Therefore, I declare it a tie since both tires offer similar levels of outstanding snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Bridgestone | Falken | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 80,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Bridgestone tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 45,000 to 80,000 miles. | Falken tires are generally expected to last anywhere from 20,000 to 80,000 miles. |
Based on my research, both Bridgestone and Falken offer treadwear warranties of up to 80,000 miles, indicating their confidence in durability.
However, when it comes to average lifespan, Bridgestone tires tend to last between 45,000 to 80,000 miles, providing a wider range.
On the other hand, Falken tires have an average lifespan of 20,000 to 80,000 miles, suggesting slightly lower longevity at the lower end.
Ultimately, Bridgestone tires may offer a more consistent and longer-lasting performance compared to Falken tires.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Bridgestone vs Falken.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Bridgestone | Falken | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $113 to $674 /ea | $67 to $579 /ea |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | Blizzak WS90 goes from $113 – $269 /ea | Pro G5 Touring A/S goes from $67 – $150 /ea |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Potenza Race goes from $436 – $674 /ea | Wildpeak R/T01 goes from $277 – $579 /ea |
6. Pros and Cons
Bridgestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Wide array of choices | ❌ Confusing product lines |
| ✔ Specialized performance tires | |
| ✔ Some of the best warranty options in the tire industry |
Falken
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Performance and stability, especially at high speeds | ❌ No the best dry road braking performance |
| ✔ Generally more affordable compared to other premium brands | |
| ✔ Praised for their off-road performance |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Bridgestone:
- Potenza RE-71R
- Turanza QuietTrack
- DriveGuard
Some of Falken’s best tires are shown below:
- Azenis FK510
- Ziex ZE950 A/S
- Wildpeak A/T Trail
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the dry performance, Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R slightly edges ahead of Falken Azenis FK510.
In terms of wet performance, both Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ and Falken Ziex ZE950 A/S are exceptional.
For snow performance, both Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Falken Espia EPZ II excel.
Bridgestone offers a wider range of mileage warranty and tends to have a more consistent and longer lifespan.
Falken is generally more affordable and praised for off-road performance.
Therefore, based on these factors, Bridgestone emerges as the better pick overall.