Whether driving in Snow, Ice, Slush or just wet roads these tires always hold their composure. In dry conditions they are fine - certainly not all season stiff but are very comfortable with low noise even after 30k miles.

Obviously, the Finns know how to make a good winter tire because they repelled the Soviet Union's attempted conquest of their country during World War 2. They also get pretty harsh winters, so that might create some motivation for producing a good product. My 2007 AWD Subaru Outback already handled the northern US winters decently with all-seasons; these R5s just made it into an unstoppable beast. Thanks, Finland!

DISCLAIMER: We have had very mild weather and NO snow in the Northeast yet, so my review is based on experience of very mild temperatures (not really winter like) and no snow. This is my second set of winter tires on this car. I had Dunlop winter tires prior, and have experience with Michelin X-Ice and Blizzaks on other cars. The R5 better be really, really good on cold (sub-freezing temperatures) an snow, because so far the roadholding and handling is very, very poor compared to the tires above. I can clearly sense the tread on this tires being more stretchy, and soft, and the adhesion in mild, dry conditions poor. The car starts getting loose (with the beginnings of fish-tailing) even on acceleration on the straight. On corners and bends it is vague and soft and it is easy to either activate the stability control, or, if I have it deactivated, to get the car to slide, although the transition is very progressive. Even to the touch, the tread blocks are much softer and more flexible than the tread blocks on my other winter tires. I hope this means that these sipes will be really grabby on snow, otherwise I will be very disappointed with my choice.

This is my first set of winter tires (as opposed to all season). Wow! What a difference the Nokians make in this very rural area. I was expecting some noise increase and mpg decrease but there's been neither. I've only had them on a month but they have already faced snow & ice like champ. Buy them!