I'd just like to add my voice to those singing praises for these tires. Before I start detailing my impressions,I have to say that the KDWS are not snow tires. They will not enable you to go where Subarus fear to tread. If you slide into a ditch, you won't be coming out.
Having said that, these tires are a definite improvement over the stock KDW tires that I was running last winter. Last year it was very easy to loose control in a fairly small amount of snow and the ABS would come on like crazy if you looked at the snow too hard. It was also somewhat difficult to get control back quickly once traction was broken.
This winter with the KDWS tires, it is still fairly easy to loose traction while stopping or making turns under power but it is a good deal better than the KDW tires. The big thing I feel I have gained with the KDWS tires is the ability to get traction and control back quicker. All of this translates into being able to get around in the snow quicker, with more confidence and safety.
In summary, the KDWS tires give more control over uncontrollability (sp?) than the KDW tires.
Thanks to Big Jim and all the other folks that recommended these tires.
