Shock absorbers Bilstein or KYB

On my 2007 GTI when my stock shocks went I paired the Eibach springs I had used with the stock shocks with a set of Bilstein B6's and it was literally perfection.

How do those ride compared to stock? I just got bilstein 6112s put on mine with SPC uppers and it rides way better than stock even around town.

belstein 4600's are a great stock replacement, they came factory on the fx4 level 2's.

Bilstein B14 (non-adjustable) or Bilstein B16 (damping adjustable, rebound + compression together IIRC) are also decent choices, and I believe there are versions that will fit both FWD and AWD GSWs. My Alltrack on B14s appears below. I have them set within 1/2\" of the top of their adjustment because the tires are 245s and I don't want too much rubbing. The can go at least 1.25\" lower.

So far it rides really smooth, much better than the OEM suspension that has most likely been.

I tend to like KYB, as I like a stiffer ride/steering. I replaced all the shocks and struts on my wife's car and my car in 2019. We've been happy with the performance.

The Bilstein B8's they have should be solid and properly valaved to the OE WRX spring rates. Bilstein makes good stuff.

I really liked the KYB's that I put on my Miata, but I paired them with a nice set of springs. But they were stiff man, there's a reason people say that the brand name stands for "Kill Your Back"

My experience on a 2013 SEL (with lift spacers): - Bilstein B4’s. Pretty much the same as stock - Bilstein B6’s . Harsh. There’s a lot of gas force so you feel every ripple and bump in the road.

From what I remember they have a stiff ride (any Bilstein equipped vehicle I've ever owned is stiff IMO) and they don't really flex that well.