I have tried many samples of Kowa's, and they are good, they are just well below alpha level as Jackjack says in his review. I find the Kowa Genesis to be a definite step below the Zeiss Conquest HD and the Nikon MHG, of which two I find to be the best binoculars at the $1000 price point.I think the kowa's biggest fault is sample variation. I have a soft spot for the 8x33 so have tried them whenever I've seen a sample - some are exceptional, others are a bit rubbish. I think it's this more than anything else that leads to the variety of opinions from reviewers.
Not only that, but I have come to like the MHG a little more than the Zeiss because I appreciate the fact that you get all the advantages of a 42mm aperture without any of the disadvantages, especially weight.