We historically have a first snowfall by November 16th here in Minnesota, and this year is no different, lol. This is the first year I've felt that I maybe need to put on studded tires already though. Rode last night on the gravel roads around me. All decently packed snow covered roads....super slick. When the wind caught me just right, it slide bike and myself sideways a few inches. I'm surprised I stayed upright, lol. I'm running Schwalbe JJ's...not a ton of knobbies when new, and I think I've worn the center tread down a bit...good enough for single track (I'm not a serious slayer of trails), and my typical riding...they'd do for our typical snow where there is a little bit of softer snow at the surface to bite into, but they've got nothing for traction on what I rode last night.
I'd just assume put on the studs, as both swapping on the Nates...they may be 120tpi, but they still seem more work to turn over than 45NRTH studded dillingers, lol.