I would always suggest catted downpipes over non-catted.
The smell is due to removing the catalytic converters since their function is to regulate emissions. With your emissions system now down two filters (catalytic converters) you are now exposing more emissions which equates to a smell, plain and simple. The noticeability of the smell depends on the design of the downpipes, gas, remaining emissions systems and other factors though I guarantee you any non-catted downpipes will produce a smell to an extent.
You're losing only 1-2hp by going performance catted over non-catted downpipes also, this was tested on a dyno, so the difference is negligible.