I have innovas with 296 studs, and they do really well on flat ice.

I went to the bike path this weekend (flat slippy ice all the way) with my friend who has hybrid tires (flat roll band in the middle, slight knobs on the sides). I decided to try his bike to see what it was like compared to my tires. On his bike I couldn't ride very fast, and fell twice. On my bike it was a piece of cake. I could ride really fast and actually turn and slow down on ice.

Without the innovas, as soon as I tried making changes to my course I would fall, Even in a stright line with decent speed the bike would wipe out. Perhaps I am not skilled enough on ice, but I don't need to be on my innovas. I love them.

I rode most of the winter with them on a lot of pavement, and the studs show some wear, but are still there. No doubt I will buy some nokians next winter to try em out... But in my opinion, those tires ARE a viable purchase for the person looking for cheaper tires that will make you safer.