Tires Maxxis or WANLI

I've been really impressed recently with the Conti tires (Cross Kings or Race Kings depending on how XC you want to go with it), specifically the ProTection versions with the Black Chili compound. Coming from Maxxis stuff I've been surprised by the amount of grip they have given how fast-rolling they are, at least for my local conditions (New England, so rocks, roots, more roots, a few roots, some roots, roots, rocks, roots, some more roots, a lot of roots, and roots.)

2.4 Rekon Race Front 2.4 Aspen ST. This is the fastest combo I have ever run. Same type of trails hard pack.

Rekon Race is super fast if it has enough traction for you. If not, Rekon isn't a bad tire to try. Not as fast, but it won't give out when you push it too hard.

I thought the rekon race front and rear was amazing on hard pack rocky mountain dirt.

I have used the Rekon/Rekon Race combo and it is good for xc. I’m currently on Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal and I like them a little bit more than the Maxxis combo

Rekon for the rear - Forecaster for the front. Super light - super fast - and good for all scenarios other than wet mud.

I am not a fan of ardents. They roll fast but have a habit of loosing grip when you least expect it and suck at regaining grip once they start to slide. I'm running Recons front and back and really like the set up. They roll pretty fast and are usually very predictable.

I've had a good string of flats on my DTHs, but they're such a great tyre otherwise that I could never be mad at them. They're also so big and floppy they're a breeze to remove, unlike most "puncture resistant" tyres.

I love how lightweight and supple the DTH are. Really fast, even though they're quite baloony. But they are one of the worst tires when it comes to puncture protection: I already knew that they're prone to flats when I rode the 37-451 Silkworm version. But the 26" MaxxPro version is just as bad. Tiny glass shards find their way to the tube as if they went through butter.

I fitted a Maxxis 2.50 WT DHF to my i25 rims. It squirmed and rolled like nobody’s business and cornering was downright scary. I doubt things will be much better on an i28 rim.