I have been a big believer in studs, allways swore I would never go without them again, till now.
I went to a 1 1/2 and man WHAT A HOOK UP! It"s unbelievable! Accelleration is awsome! For the trail rider and cross country guy you cant beat it. I would only stud for ice racing or super extreme trail riding.
I went with the over size idler wheels and full open window track to get maximum slide protection and so far with this shitty winter and low snow on the roads the slides look perfect at 500 miles. I have done some pretty aggressive riding and have not missed the studs one bit. It stops and go"s on icy roads way better than a regular track.
Hell, last weekend I raced my buddy"s studded 600 ZRT, he was on hard packed I was bust"in 18" of fresh powder and blew him away! Then we lined up both on hard pack and well, I thought he blew a belt or something.
The next advantage is no more $4-500 in studs-screwed up idler wheels and the constance maintenance. If you sell your track while it is still new you can by a paddle for next to nothing!