"Snow tires" as used here are a compromise between chains and allseason tires.

Then there are various types of snow tires: studded/studdable, ice and snow/studless, and performance.
"Ice and snow" tires are a compromise between studded and "performance snow" tires.
"Performance snow" tires are a compromise between "ice and snow" and allseason tires.

Within each of these categories there is a wide (and overlapping) range of performance on ice, slush, snow, wet, dry, cold, and hot conditions.

In various highway laws mountain snowflake tires and M+S designated allseason tires are both defined as snow tires.

Let's review driving choices ranked by worst conditions first:
stay home
use chains
studded tires
ice and snow tires
performance snow tires
M+S allseason tires
allseason tires w/o M+S rating
summer tires

It's up to you. And what you see when you look out the window.

 

I had all seasons for several Chicago winters before switching over to dedicated summer/winter tires.

All seasons are perfectly ok, but you will notice a lot more traction in winter with snow tires. If you see a good amount of snow, I think it's well worth it.

 

I just picked up that set of ice-x's on Craigslist for 150$ They look brand new... nice chunky tire for if not the snow... the cold asphalt when it's 12 degrees here in Ohio. haha
picking up the 15" steelies tomorrow and hopefully getting them tossed on the mini by the weekend. I shall report back with pics and opinion

 

Blizzak is a good winter tire and more affordable compared to Hakkapeliitta.

 

While this is quite true, depending on your winter conditions, the need for studs (in my case) and the safety they provide, outweighs the savings on non-studdable tires. Its no savings if I'm in the creek.
Blizzaks were my second choice, since the winter wheels had some worn ones on them, but as I said, in my case, the studs are a necessity. YMMV.

 

studs are definenelty necessary if you need bad conditions frequently. otherwise they make lots of noise and make dry pavement interesting. where im at in NH, no need for studded, while some people have them, I don't think they are required, a decent snow tire is fine, and many get away with all seasons

 

Yes, stud can get loud on dry payment. And in warmer weather you have to watch making very hard turns as it can work the studs off and you might lose one. The pay off its that on ice you can drive. I have driven on mine through blizzards many times. Was the only one on the road on the interstate.

 

I believe that a set of studded snow tires vs. a set of very good sudless snow tires (such as Blizzak) is one in the same. I used to use studs, but now only use the Blizzak tires. I've even done ice racing on them with very good results. Some very good information at this article HERE.

 

Had any snow yet?

 

drove them on ice.... absolutely amazing grip. wow... driving to MN in 2 weeks so I'll give a serious report soon�� oh and I summoned the smurfs with the steelies... lol