<I believe the studs are key for driving on ice.
The noise does not bother me on dry roads! A small price to pay for
safety and traction ...>

How do studded tires behave in a panic stop? All this talk lately about snow tires and chains has brought back vivid memories of following a mid-70's Chevy Monte Carlo one night that had chains on the rear. On dry pavement the driver slammed on the brakes and locked up the rear wheels- the fishtailing and shower of sparks was impressive-I was also glad I was behind him!    Jeff