Have had many AWD cars and numerous snow tires over the last 12 years. Dunlop Wintersports, Blizzak DM-V1's, Dunlop Winter Maxx, Blizzak WS-50, and Hankook I-Pike. I have an AWD G37 and the AWD system is RWD biased and shifts power to front when needed. I had the Ipikes on my G35xS prior (sold for G7xS) so basically same car to evaluate. Normally I wouldn't evaluate yet, but unfortunately we have already had about all conditions to drive in other than freezing rain. I have 500 miles on these now so they are broken in. The WS-80 is a good tire. It is the quietest winter tire of the ones I have mentioned and does bite well in hardpack and powder and starts and stops very well. A little weaker in slush and in lateral traction (turning or around corners) vs. the Ipikes. I think due to tread design. The Ipikes have nice large channels to evacuate snow and slush quickly. I feel WS80 slip a little more in these situations. Other than that, WS80 is superior to Ipike. Handling is what you expect from a winter tire being a little spongy and slower to react. However, car does not feel unsafe or squirrely. I drop down from 225/50/18 summer to 225/55/17 for winter set. Not sure on treadwear as too early to tell. Overall I feel very safe with this tire on and am satisfied. I think with any winter tire you will find some fault vs. another brand and they may work great on one vehicle but not another which is why I think it is important to seek out reviews on your specific vehicle as well vs. just a review of the tire. Price is decent on tire and hopefully I can get 3-4 seasons out of it. I have driven this tire in a few inches of snow along with 6-7 inches as well as hardpack, ice, slush, blackice, wet snow and powder. Hope this helps those looking for an honest review.
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