Falken Azenis FK520 vs Linglong Sport Master
- TR Score
- 9.1/10
- Owners say
- 82% · 56
- TR Score
- 8.9/10
- Owners say
- 75% · 14
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Falken Azenis FK520 finished ahead 5 times and the Sport Master twice. The Azenis FK520 lasted 54.4% longer in the wear tests; the Sport Master stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet.
Data updated
Which should you buy?
Choose the Falken Azenis FK520 if you want the more complete, confidence-inspiring fast-road summer tyre with clearly better wear and often better efficiency-especially for higher annual mileage and mixed conditions. Choose the Linglong Sport Master if your top priority is maximum wet-braking performance for the money and you're willing to accept shorter life and more dynamic compromises near the limit.
Where the Azenis FK520 is stronger
- Stronger all-round test performance and higher overall placings across most shared group tests (e.g., Sport Auto 2026: 3/7 vs 6/7; ACE 2026: 4/10 vs 8/10)
- Much better wear/longevity in the AutoBild datasets (52,080 km vs 35,570 km in 2026; 44,800 km vs 27,600 km in 2023)
- Typically lower rolling resistance than Linglong in key tests (e.g., 7.71 vs 9.15 kg/t in AutoBild 2026; 8.8 vs 9.7 kg/t in Sport Auto 2026)
Where the Sport Master is stronger
- Exceptional wet braking performance across multiple tests (e.g., 25.2 m vs 27.8 m in the 50-tyre braking test; 39.3 m vs 43.4 m in AutoBild 2026)
- Often competitive or slightly better objective wet handling metrics in several datasets (e.g., AutoBild 2026 and AutoBild UHP 2023 small wins in wet handling/lap-type measures)
- Lower upfront purchase price in the tests cited (e.g., ~€68-€75 vs Falken ~€107; also lower set prices in 2023 results)
The bullet points are analysis of the shared tests and of owner reviews; the measured wins in each discipline are in the tables below. Where the two disagree, the figures are right.
Azenis FK520 vs Sport Master at a glance
| Category | Azenis FK520 | Gap | Sport Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared tests won7 shared tests | 5 | 2 | |
| Dry12 measurements | 7 | The Azenis FK520 stopped 0.5% shorter in the dry (6 tests) | 4 |
| Wet23 measurements | 8 | The Sport Master stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet (6 tests) | 14 |
| Comfort6 measurements | 2 | Level between the two. | 2 |
| Value7 measurements | 5 | The Azenis FK520 lasted 54.4% longer in the wear tests (2 tests) | 2 |
| Tyre Reviews Scoreevery test and review we hold | 9.1/10 | The Azenis FK520 by 0.2 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner rating56 and 14 reviews | 82% | The Azenis FK520 by 7 points | 75% |
| Would buy againshare of owners | 76% | The Sport Master by 3 points | 79% |
| Pricein the 4 tests that listed prices | +35% | The Azenis FK520 was dearer in 4 of 4 | Cheaper |
| Sizes madeEU label registrations | 133 | 43 sizes made in both | 62 |
Wins count every measurement the shared tests recorded for both tyres; a tick marks the tyre ahead on that line. Subjective driver scores count as wins but are never averaged, because each test uses its own scale.
Head to head in 7 tests, 2023 to 2026
Each row is one published test in which both tyres ran on the same car, in the same size, on the same day. The line is the whole field, winner on the left.
| Test | Azenis FK520 | Field | Sport Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test | P3 of 7 | P6 of 7 | |
| 2026 Autobild Summer Tyre Test | P13 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2026 Summer Braking Super Tyre Test - How do 52 Tyres Perform in Wet and Dry Braking? | P14 of 50 | P1 of 50 | |
| 2026 ACE Summer Tyre Test | P4 of 10 | P8 of 10 | |
| 2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test | P8 of 20 | P16 of 20 | |
| 2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tyre Test | P7 of 13 | P12 of 13 | |
| 2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview | P8 of 50 | P7 of 50 |
Performance profile
13 measurements from the 7 shared tests, each tyre shown as its share of the better figure in every test.
Where each is furthest ahead
Azenis FK520
Sport Master
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
In each test the better of the two figures counts as 100% and the other as its share of it, so a 36 m stop against 34.2 m is 95%; each spoke averages the shared tests that recorded it. The scale stops at 92%: a point further in sits on the hub's edge, hollow. 2 measurements recorded in only one shared test are left off; every measurement is in the table further down.
Where each scores higher
Azenis FK520
Sport Master
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
Where owners rate each higher
Azenis FK520
Sport Master
Point at or tap any spoke for both tyres' figures.
Owners rate the Azenis FK520 82% from 56 reviews and the Sport Master 75% from 14. Each spoke is one question owners answer out of 10; reviews are vetted by hand before publication.
Every measurement, side by side
Averages of the figures both tyres posted in the same tests. The gap is the average of each test's own gap, so figures from different cars and years are never mixed. Open a discipline for its measurements, and a measurement for every test's figure.
| Measurement | Azenis FK520 | Gap | Sport Master | Wins | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34.43 | 0.5% | 34.62 | 4-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 111 | 0.8% | 110.1 | 2-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 18.4% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 35.97 | 4.5% | 34.4 | 1-4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 73.38 | 1% | 72.58 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | 11.9% | scored | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.37 | 0.7% | 8.31 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 13.13 | 0.4% | 13.15 | 1-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 88.73 | 1.1% | 88.03 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2.88 | 2.3% | 2.85 | 1-3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| scored | = | scored | 0-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 70.38 | 0.2 dB | 70.15 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 48,440 | 54.4% | 31,585 | 2-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 8.48 | 5.5% | 9 | 2-2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1,305 | 35.5% | 2,022 | 1-0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Braking distances and lap times are better when lower; speeds, wear and grip figures when higher. A test's figures are its own: sizes, cars, surfaces and temperatures differ from one to the next, which is why the averages here are only ever of tests the two tyres shared. "Scored" rows are subjective driver ratings: each test uses its own scale, so only the wins are counted.
Scores beyond the shared tests
On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Azenis FK520 scores 9.1 and the Sport Master 8.9 out of 10.
| Azenis FK520 | Category | Sport Master | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | Dry | 86 | ||
| 83 | Wet | 94 | ||
| 57 | Comfort | 70 | ||
| 54 | Value | 3 | ||
Category scores are percentiles among tyres of the same season and class: 90 means this tyre out-performs 90% of them, measured across every test we hold, not only the ones it appeared in.
What owners say
| Azenis FK520 | Category | Sport Master | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8 | Dry Grip | 7.7 | ||
| 8.4 | Wet Grip | 7.9 | ||
| 7.9 | Road Feedback | 6.6 | ||
| 8.4 | Handling | 7.4 | ||
| 7.7 | Wear | 7.1 | ||
| 8.1 | Comfort | 8.1 | ||
Owners rate the Azenis FK520 82% from 56 reviews and the Sport Master 75% from 14. Reviews are vetted by hand before publication; ownership is not verified.
Falken Azenis FK520
- 82%from 56 reviews
- 76%would buy again
- 418,489 milesdriven by reviewers
Owners generally rate the Falken Azenis FK520 highly (average 79.6%), most often praising its strong dry grip and capable wet grip for the money. Comfort and refinement also come through well, with many describing it as quiet and compliant for a UHP-style tyre, and around one in five explicitly calling it great value. The main recurring drawbacks are mixed steering feel (some find it sharp, others a bit numb) and a smaller but notable group reporting vibration/balance issues; wet handling is also more divided than outright wet grip.
- Strong dry grip, comparable to premium brands
- Reassuring wet grip
- Comfortable ride despite sporty intent
- Low road noise on motorway speeds
- Occasional vibration or balancing issues at speed
- Steering feel can be a bit numb or lacking feedback
- Wet handling feels less confidence-inspiring for some
Summarised by AI from 49 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 56 Azenis FK520 reviewsFalken Azenis fk520 have been a great tyre, noise level is not intrusive and they give a good return on fuel economy. These tyres are very progressive and give good feed back. Having watched a back to back comparison with the Michelin PS4, the Falkens are punching way above their price range. If you want near PS4 performance at kumho prices, you won't go far wrong...will definitely try out the latest incarnation, Falken azenis R820 when the fk520's are done.
Linglong Sport Master
- 75%from 14 reviews
- 79%would buy again
- 130,544 milesdriven by reviewers
Most owners find the Linglong Sport Master offers strong dry and wet grip for the money, with several calling its braking particularly impressive for a budget tyre. Value for money is a clear highlight, though overall sentiment is mixed-to-positive (7/10 positive reviews). The most common criticisms are a lack of progressive behaviour at the limit and vague steering feel (raised by around one in three and around one in five owners respectively), with some also reporting higher road noise. Tread life feedback is split, with as many owners criticising wear as praising durability.
- Strong dry grip
- Good wet grip for a budget tyre
- Very good dry braking
- Excellent value for money
- Not progressive at the limit; can understeer when pushed
- Vague or slow steering response
- Can be noisy
Summarised by AI from 10 vetted reviews; the reviews themselves are on the tyre page.
All 14 Sport Master reviewsI literally dont have anything to complain about. For the price, I don't think you can get more value for your money.
Good grip, never had a slip, not in dry nor wet circumstances.
I've had tyres that cost 3x more money that dont feel nowhere near as premium.
Sizes, EU label and lineage
From the EU label registrations for each tyre: 133 sizes of the Azenis FK520 and 62 of the Sport Master, 43 of them made in both.
| Category | Azenis FK520 | Sport Master |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Summer | Summer |
| Sizes made | 133 sizes, 17 to 22 inch | 62 sizes, 16 to 22 inch |
| Made in both | 43 sizes 205/45 R17205/50 R17215/40 R17215/45 R17225/45 R17225/50 R17225/55 R17235/45 R17245/40 R17245/45 R17225/40 R18225/45 R18and 31 more | |
| EU label wet grip | A95%B5% | A90%B4%C3%D3% |
| EU label rolling resistance | C68%A12%B12%D8% | C79%D13%B6%A3% |
| EU label noise | 68-72 dB B51%A49% | 68-72 dB A91%B9% |
| On the market since | - | 2020 |
| Replaced | Falken Azenis FK510 (2016) | - |
| Price in the shared tests | The Azenis FK520 was the dearer tyre in 4 of the 4 tests that listed prices, by 35% on average. Each test priced the tyres in its own market at the time; only the gap is comparable. | |
Label grades are shown as the share of registered sizes carrying each grade, so "B (88%), C (12%)" means most sizes are B. Grades vary by size; check the label for yours.
Reading the results
Written from the test results and owner reviews above. It is analysis, not a measurement: where it and the tables disagree, the tables are right.
This is a particularly interesting summer-tyre matchup because the Falken Azenis FK520 (max-performance summer) and the Linglong Sport Master (high-performance summer) tend to win in different ways. Across seven shared tests, Linglong repeatedly posts headline wet-braking numbers-sometimes best-in-test-while Falken more consistently delivers balanced, predictable performance across the full mix of dry, wet, aquaplaning, comfort and running-cost metrics.
The data also hints at two very different development philosophies. The Sport Master often looks “tuned” for impressive single metrics (especially wet braking), but professional testers repeatedly flag a narrower, harder-to-manage limit and inconsistent dynamics. The FK520, by contrast, rarely dominates every wet metric, yet it regularly places higher overall and backs that up with strong longevity, efficiency and generally safer, more confidence-inspiring behaviour for everyday fast road use.
Conclusion
If you judge tyres by the full test outcome rather than isolated hero numbers, the Falken Azenis FK520 is the more dependable all-rounder. It outplaces the Linglong in most full comparative tests (e.g., 3/7 vs 6/7 in Sport Auto 2026; 13/20 vs 16/20 in AutoBild 2026; 4/10 vs 8/10 in ACE 2026; 8/21 vs 16/21 in AutoBild UHP 2023; 7/13 vs 12/13 in AutoBild Sports Car 2023). Its big practical advantage is total cost of ownership: wear is dramatically better in the AutoBild sets (52,080 km vs 35,570 km in 2026; 44,800 km vs 27,600 km in 2023), while rolling resistance is often lower (e.g., 7.71 vs 9.15 kg/t in AutoBild 2026). That combination usually outweighs small deficits in a couple of wet sub-discipline results.
The Linglong Sport Master's case is simpler: choose it if your priority is maximum wet-braking performance per euro and you accept trade-offs. It repeatedly wins wet braking (including a standout 25.2 m vs 27.8 m in the 245/45 R19 braking test, and 39.3 m vs 43.4 m in AutoBild 2026), and can be very quick on certain wet handling courses (ACE 2026 even credits strong wet traction and top wet handling score). But multiple reports also describe sluggish steering response, a narrow limit, and poorer stability at the edge-plus consistently low mileage that erodes its low purchase price advantage. The memorable takeaway: Linglong can impress on a stopwatch in the wet, but Falken is the tyre you're more likely to trust (and live with) every day.
Azenis FK520 vs Sport Master: your questions
Is the Falken Azenis FK520 or the Linglong Sport Master the better tyre?
In the 7 independent tests that ran both tyres, the Falken Azenis FK520 finished ahead 5 times and the Sport Master twice. On the Tyre Reviews Score, which weighs every test and review we hold, the Azenis FK520 scores 9.1 and the Sport Master 8.9 out of 10.
Which is better in the wet, the Azenis FK520 or the Sport Master?
The Sport Master led 14 of the 23 wet measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 4.5% shorter in the wet across 6 tests.
Which is better in the dry?
The Azenis FK520 led 7 of the 12 dry measurements the shared tests recorded. On average it stopped 0.5% shorter in the dry across 6 tests.
Which lasts longer and costs less to run?
The Azenis FK520 lasted 54.4% longer in the wear tests (2 tests). Owners rate wear 7.7/10 for the Azenis FK520 and 7.1/10 for the Sport Master.
Which is quieter and more comfortable?
Owners rate comfort 8.1/10 for the Azenis FK520 and 8.1/10 for the Sport Master.
What do owners say?
Owners rate the Azenis FK520 82% from 56 reviews and the Sport Master 75% from 14. 76% of Azenis FK520 owners would buy it again, against 79% for the Sport Master.
Which is more expensive?
In the 4 tests that listed prices, the Azenis FK520 was the dearer tyre in 4 of them, by 35% on average. Prices are the test's own at the time, in its own market.
Are they available in the same sizes?
The Azenis FK520 is made in 133 sizes (17 to 22 inch) and the Sport Master in 62 (16 to 22 inch). 43 sizes are available in both. On the EU label the Azenis FK520 is graded A for wet grip and C for rolling resistance in most sizes; the Sport Master A and C.
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Your review is the part of this page no test can supply: how the tyre wore, how it aged, what it was like in the rain in year three. It takes about five minutes.
Where this data comes from
Finishing positions and measurements are transcribed from each published test. A test only counts here when both tyres ran in it, so every figure was recorded on the same car, size and day as the one it is compared to.
About the TR Score
The Tyre Reviews Score rates each tyre out of 10 from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold, so two tyres can be compared even before a test has run them together.
Who does the testing
Every test published as a Tyre Reviews test is run by Jonathan Benson, who has been testing tyres independently since 2007.
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