Yeah, that was me. I think the Bud’s got more grip outright but I can use the Minion better.
TBH the big difference is basically feel. The Minions are pretty bouncy, the Surlys more damped. I’m pretty sure more damped is better (it’s probably what takes away from feel, though). I mean logically, it means the tyre conforms to shapes better and improves contact, and generally adds control. But it also made them feel pretty lifeless. The Minions have a bit more bounce and response which if you don’t like it, you’d call lack of control but if you do you’d call lively. It doesn’t soak up lips the way the Bud does, if you want to gap off things or even just go light. (otoh the surlys were better at rock crawling, they always felt just like they had a little less air)
That’s all a bit wooly but bottom line was, they’re both really good tyres but I sold my Surlys and kept the Minions, because I like riding the bike more when it feels like that. Maybe it’s just that it’s more familiar and normal feeling, who knows.