I have the Duratracs and I bought them specifically because I was hoping I could run them year around. The KO2 I can't speak to because they weren't around 3 years ago, but I read everything I could in determining that the Duratracs were my best bet for an AT winter tire.

I've run all manner of winter tires over the past 20 years and currently have some on the other vehicle.

When my Duratracs were brand new they weren't as good as my 3 year old winter tires. However, they did and do perform admirably. They do dig well into the snow but they lack where there is ice. The sipes tell the tale. They are what act like suction cups on the ice. The Duratracs have decent siping, but compared to a dedicated winter tire they are lacking.

That all said, this is my 3rd winter on these Duratracs and I still haven't felt it necessary to buy dedicated winters. As the Duratracs wear down (and the siping becomes less effective) my current plans are to buy a new dedicated set of Duratracs for winter and stud them.

I'm no expert but that's been my experience.

My driving in winter is 90% city and 10% plowed highway.