You are being too kind to the Innovas. I found the studs to nearly useless well before my 1st Winter was over. The tire quality was marginal. I had one blow out its bead within 2 months. I could have gotten it replaced under warrentee, but they were expected to be out of stock for a few weeks. I can't do without Winter tires in December/January in Buffalo NY! I therefore ended up buying a Noklia W106 from Peter White and had it on the front. Last February I went down hard because the Innova rear studded tire lost its grip. The steel studs had already worn smooth with the tire tread in just 2.5 months of use. I hit the ground so hard that and was in enough pain that I sat at the side of the road contemplating if I should call for medial help. After a few minutes I was able to get up and ride home. I was off the bike for nearly 2 weeks. So my Innovas cost me about $75, a set of Nokias costs around $100. The $25 is NOT worth the savings. I waisted that much money in extra gasoline when I had to drive because I could not ride. I don't know if spending $150 for a set of Schwalbe Winter tires is worth the additional cost. The Nokias are an excellent tire. Sure you'll have to work MUCH harder to ride at the same speed. During the Winter I am not motivated to go for long rides, so no my rides are shorter but more intense... By Spring I'll feel like Superman when I put my Summer tires back on the bike.

Happy riding,
André