I got some 235/45-17's for my max this summer and just recently took it to the cascades for a spin in the snow. Pretty decent traction on packed snow and even on the slick black ice but the stopping power really amazed me. Of course the worst "winter" tire is better than the best all season tire but these dunlops do a great job for the occasional jaunt through the white stuff. I was pretty impressed. I've seen better all seasons on the snow but they didn't have the blend of ride/ performance on the wet and dry as the dunlops seem to. I'll still carry chains just in case it gets to messy. Just FYI.

 

Are those Asymmetricals you are talking about?

 

All 55 and lower on the sp5000's are.
The taller 60 and 65 series o fhtis tire are symetrical.
Nice tire -nice ride, good cornering ability, good treadwear at a decent price.