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[WOW_FCTR]

Originally Posted by Big Blue Ox

KDW, which are the "old" newer tread KDW-2s, have an odd, wavy tread. The original KDW tread had very straight and "normal" looking tread. Both the original KDW and the "old" KDW-2/now "new" KWD have much superior dry and wet handling capabilities than the GoodYear RS-As. Slightly better than the Toyos, too.

I will say this, if you push any tire hard in the SSR, the butt end is "iffy." I have lost the rear in the KDW-2s, but easily recovered, too. The current KDW (see BFGoodrich site for the tire) are still the stickiest tire I know of.

I have never recommended the KDW-2s for snow. And I don't trust the middle-performing RS-As to get me through the rain to get to the snow, either. If I was snow driving, I'd get a good set good snow tires on whatever winter rims would fit. Unfortunately, there isn't much in the way of good snow tires that fit the stock firms, and snow is harsh on them anyway.

There are many who argue they can not afford a snow tire/rim combo, and stand by the RS-As. I honestly think, after end-over-ending, and rolling my first SSR four times off the freeway, that any arguement for the RS-As is absolute bull****. I know what I did wrong, but the RS-A tires, IMHO, have no road feel, no predictability, no safety margin, and just plain suck as being reliable when you need it most.

If I had been on my KWD-2s during my above accident, I'd still be driving my first SSR. Hense, my passion.

Thank you for this well stated post.