Hankook Ventus S1 AS Review
A brand new ultra high performance all-season tire that delivers in all areas, including value.
PROS
- Impressive dry performance and handling dynamics
- Excellent wet traction
- Some actual winter grip
- Solid tread life
- Great pricing
CONS
- Turn-in response not as sharp as some rivals
The Ventus S1 AS combines the latest and greatest tire technology advancements from Hankook. This includes new high-performance attributes as well as all-season benefits.
The tread design features five rows in an asymmetric pattern, with each section designed for a specific task.
Exterior tread blocks are designed to be extra long for added grip and stability in the corners. Hankook also engineered-in a unique solution to help maximize traction. Here’s how it works. Each shoulder block is actually slightly narrower at the base of the tread. As a result, when force is applied to the tread blocks, specifically under braking and acceleration, they actually flex more naturally to maintain more of each tread block’s surface area touching the road.
To explain it another way, think of how negative camber works on a tire. Now just imagine that for each tread block and in the opposite direction.
The only down side we can see to this innovation would be premature wear from flex or added heat-soak from the added friction. Hankook isn’t concerned, however, and has given the tire a solid 50,000 mile tread life warranty – a handy tire life for a UHP tire.
As for wet traction, the Ventus S1 AS makes use of the usual silica-infused tread compound that’s common amongst modern all-seasons. Plenty of biting edges on the tread blocks aid in wet traction as well. The biggest advantage this tire has, however, is its water-wicking capabilities. Thanks to convex (vs concave) tread blocks as well as wider lateral grooves on the inside blocks (Hankook claims the are three percent wider than on a conventional rival tire) the tire can more easily flush water away from the contact patch and let the compound do its work.
As for winter performance, we never have high expectations for UHP tires in snow. (And we always recommend proper winter tires if you live somewhere with snow). This tire neither impresses nor disappoints. Sipes in the tread blocks work to trap snow, while offering extra edges for grip on icy surfaces.
Beyond this tire’s all-season and performance capabilities, it’s reasonably comfortable and absorbs bumps well. There is an extra foam layer in the base of the tread to minimize impacts and this is appreciated on a tire that’s generally only available in low profile options.
Overall, Hankook has really pushed the envelope here. We’re not saying this is the best ultra high performance all-season tire. (It’s hard to complete with the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4). What we are saying is that this tire truly delivers the goods and comes very close to tier-one competitors without costing nearly as much.
Currently Hankook offers the Ventus S1 AS in 75 different sizes for everything from high performance sports cars to SUVs. Sizes range from 16- to 22-inches with widths up to 305 millimeters.
Hankook Ventus S1 AS Price
Pricing for the Hankook Ventus S1 AS ranges from roughly $250 to $300 per tire.
Hankook Ventus S1 AS Warranty
Hankook backs the Ventus S1 AS with a 50,000 mile tread life warranty. Each tire also comes with a 30 day trial period as well as a rad hazard warranty.
Hankook Ventus S1 AS Sizes
16-inch sizes
205/55ZR16
17-inch sizes
205/50ZR17
215/45ZR17
215/50ZR17
215/55ZR17
225/45ZR17
225/50ZR17
225/55ZR17
235/45ZR17
235/50ZR17
245/40ZR17
245/45ZR17
235/55ZR17
18-inch sizes
215/40ZR18
215/45ZR18
225/40ZR18
225/45ZR18
225/50ZR18
225/55R18
235/40R18
235/40R18
235/40ZR18
235/45ZR18
235/50ZR18
245/35ZR18
245/40ZR18
245/45ZR18
245/50ZR18
245/55ZR18
255/35ZR18
255/40ZR18
255/45ZR18
265/35ZR18
265/40ZR18
19-inch sizes
225/40ZR19
225/45ZR19
235/35ZR19
235/40ZR19
235/50ZR19
235/55ZR19
245/35ZR19
245/40ZR19
245/45ZR19
245/50ZR19
255/35ZR19
255/40ZR19
255/45ZR19
265/35ZR19
265/50ZR19
275/30ZR19
275/40ZR19
275/45ZR19
285/30ZR19
285/40ZR19
20-inch sizes
245/35ZR20
245/40ZR20
255/40ZR20
255/45ZR20
265/35ZR20
245/45ZR20
265/45ZR20
275/30ZR20
275/35ZR20
275/40ZR20
275/45ZR20
285/35ZR20
315/35ZR20
21-inch sizes
245/35ZR21
255/35ZR21
22-inch sizes
285/35ZR22
Frequently asked Questions
Where is the Hankook Ventus S1 AS made?
Hankook manufactures the Ventus S1 AS at its facility in Clarksville, Tennessee.