Since you mention winter...I would stay away from the STR.T line. I bought them a few years ago for my Passat and after the first winter the things started to rust. The problem is the paint; it's garbage - I don't think they were primed, just sprayed orange. Maybe it's a cost-savings area but after the first winter the paint was flaking all over and after the second there was little paint left and heavy surface rust (big time pitting) everywhere.
I have Eibach springs with Koni Sport struts. The ride is great and handling is really improved as well.
I also went with Koni STRs on H and R springs with powerflex 10mm lowering strut bushing and its a dream to drive. It takes these northeastern new york country roads in strides. Its never bottomed out. And the quality of the suspension just makes it a dream to drive. I drive it hard and it takes it.
2nd best mod was replacing control arms (oem), bushings (oem), springs (H&R sport), struts (adjustable Koni), and strut towers (aftermarket billets). Sport seats was also a great change to the car.
koni struts
I personally, like ONLY the sport mode of DCC, so if I can find good NON DCC struts/shocks for the R that are really worth buying, and that can handle my springs, I would be on it.
I've put about 150 miles on the new set up. The ride is great, very comfortable, not too bouncy, not too stiff. However I'm getting a high pitched squeak from the front drivers side strut assembly.
Just want to bump this as Im super happy with my new stockish setup. H&R OE Sport springs and Koni Str.t struts. Stock ride height (H&R says it lowers it .75" front and rear) and a really comfortable ride. Koni states the Str.t's are valved for lowering springs (1.5-3") but I think they feel great.
I drove one for a long time. Easy and cheap to repair, and there was a huge (now dwindling) aftermarket. Yup, Koni adjuatable struts in a ~2500lb econo-box made those handle better than they had any right to.
I am running Str.t with my Pro Kit. Been on them now for about 3 weeks and love the car! Handles very well and it is not harsh.
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