On Feb 4, 2014, at 6:54 PM, James <jk_eaton@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

The latest studded tires have pretty much the same grip in soft snow and 90% or better of the same grip on dry pavement, but also dig into ice and packed snow in a way that studless tires can't match.  Check out videos from Nokian's proving grounds, or talk to some Finns or Swedes - or Canadians who run studded Nokians in the winter.  The studded Nokias (previous name) I had 30 years ago were not as good on pavement - but in Nova Scotia, driving on dry pavement in winter was a rare luxury.  Hard-packed snow and ice was much more common!

The 2wd Westy I saw up at Brainard (CO....above Boulder) parking lot yesterday, with studded Hakkapeliitta's all around,
sure had no problems getting around in some pretty difficult conditions. The siping on the Hakka's and the lateral stiffness
of those tires make them outstanding, but studs make them amazing winter, difficult road condition tires.

I had 4 studded Vredestein's on an '80 Jetta from '83 to '87, working at a local ski resort, and in 4 years was never kept
from getting to work, 5-7 days a week. It was front wheel drive only.

Bob