This will be my second winter the Blizzak WS-80s on the Crosstrek.
I found them to be good but not as great as expected based on all the reviews I read. I found two annoying flaws with them, at least one of which is supposed to be addressed in the newer WS-90s:
1) The rear swings out too easily on snow, even at low speeds (less than 15 Kph). This is supposed to have been improved with the WS-90s.
2) When driving in a straight line in heavy snow, I find the car seems to shift laterally on occasion as if it is shifting into an existing track from another vehicle. Instead, I expected it to push the snow to the side slightly and bite into it, making a new track.
I understand that the weight - and weight distribution - of the car can affect performance. However, it is rather disappointing to say the least that a tread which was built to handle snow as its main claim to fame did not really do that.