We are the classic studded tire customers, over 1500ft, 5 miles from pavement, 4 miles of steep and twisty roads from the valley. They are indeed great on ice and packed snow. The performance reduction on bare roads is very small relative to the reduction experienced when you get on ice and don't have studs. And if you drive a lot of bare roads in winter, studded tires will last a couple of seasons longer because the studs take a lot of the abuse. Yes, they wear out, but a lot slower than rubber. Regardless of stud status, real winter tires need to be on your car in winter. It is the law in Quebec and I wish it was here.