Just to suggest a different tire to look at (OP has already bought some, I know) the General Altimax Arctic is a great value. It's a clone of the Gislaved Nordfrost 3, I believe. Can run with or without studs.

I have Pirelli Winter Carving. I think they are too sensitive to pot holes, I have lost two to blowouts and the other two... have bumps. With studs, traction seems okay.

You can check Hankook i*Pike RC01 Winter Tire