Admittedly the 26″ version (but I’d imagine, 29″ is the same), but swapped to Maxxis Cross Mark yesterday (front and rear) and they’re brilliant. Really really great. When the front does break away, it’s predictable and slow understeer and the back stays glued. When it gets very firm, the rolling resistance (lack of it) is again brilliant.
I was running tubed at 35-40psi. I think I’ll try a little softer at the front tomorrow.
My riding is in THailand. I’d imaging, pretty similar to yours. Hard, dusty… When it hits rainy season, I think I’ll need something different.
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/tires-and-wheels/29er-tire/maxxis/crossmark-29er/prd_417700_1564crx.aspx