Tires Firestone or Maxxis

EXO is plenty for XC and most trail riding IMO.

I run Exo casing and have had zero flats or issues. Had over 60 rides on the last pair. Would recommend

I run exo casing on my dhrii & haven’t had any punctures

I’ve run EXO tyres for years without any problems.

But its still a beefy maxxis tire. Im riding a dhr exo rear on my hardtail no insert and 18psi. Works great.

I run exo+ with no issues.

I run exo casing minions. No complaints.

Ridden both for XC racing and I have come to prefer the specialized tires over maxxis. I personally like to run ground control T5 upfront with fast track t5 in the rear as my base for my local trails and most race courses ( mid Atlantic area US) . If the course is hard pack and not super technical I’ll run fast track upfront with fast track or renegade in the rear. My I also found to get I got pinch flats more often on maxxis or side wall cuts through rock gardens. This is completely a personal preference but I’ve also felt more in control of the bike with specialized tires I mentioned

Get a new tire. But heads up maxxis are know to have wobble. My new set wobble a small bit but still shred

Cant speak to the Falkens but Indy500s get greasy after a few good heat cycles