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prairiepedaler I don't think that this experience should turn you away from studded tires for good. When weather gets tough I turn to Suomi W240. Often the studs play no or limited role, but now we have a layer of solid ice under looser snow so they are really useful. In combination of their massive build up and limited portion of the year I actually have them on (4-6 weeks/y presumably) they hardly wear out and I have them for ages now. The only time I ever had a flat on them, in my memory, was when I was riding at such a low pressure that a rim popped out and I did not noticed that in rough conditions. There is no upside down turning of the studs for them. Still in terms of practical everyday utility, my vote goes for the non-studded Conti TC Winter you mentioned. The similar Michelins may be good too but I have not tried them.