I've done a lot of experimenting with tyres this winter in the hope of finding something for my local trails which are rocky, rooty and can be quite muddy.
My findings are as follows..
Nobby Nics- got these on the Moots and they have been very good although they can lack bite on the wet rootier sections.
Conti Mountain Kings- good on the rocks and clear mud well but not tough enough. I split the sidewall on one and the carcasse collapsed on another. Roll pretty well and are very light.
Schwalbe Albert- cheap, fairly light and works well on the back. Holding up pretty well on the sharp rocks of Thrunton.
Kenda Nevegal Stick-E- currently looking mahooosive on the front of the Cotic and taking a real bashing. Super grippy on everything but very draggy on long fire roads although not as bad on Tarmac.
Kenda Blue Groove- Run these most of the winter as a front tyre and no complaints. Grips well and very good on all surfaces. these will be going tubeless on my new Yo Eddy up front.
Kenda Excavator- Had one on the rear to compliment the Blue Groove up front. Again very very good and light too. Tubeless ready which is a good bonus.
Maxxis High Roller- Heavy, very draggy. Grips well but not worth the trade off.
Sodding hell, didn't realise i've gone through so many tyres this winter :shock:
To sum up go for the Kenda's.