When I use maxxis, I use:
Crossmark 2.1" folding 70a front, 2.1" wire 70a rear
Bought for summer use and a C2C ride. Wire on the rear because its cheaper when it needs replacing. Folding up front because its lighter. Have used round Kirroughtree, doesn't feel like it corners as solidly as 50/60a Nevegals for instance, but still carries speed through corners well enough. No problems on McMoab with 40+psi
Have used recently on local BMX tracks. Similar lack of feel in corners but doesn't actually loose grip when pushing it
Will probably try Michelin Dry 2 2.15"s or something else with a little more grip next summer/spring
(on the XC hardtail btw)
2* High Roller 2.35" 60a folding (100-150g lighter than the single ply (wire)) (646-695g depending on Just Riding Along or Maxxis)
Only really use in sloppy conditions as something to actually cut through to find grip (whilst keeping some volume to (badly) ride rocks, stairs and drops) Good cornering at trail centres but don't actually have that much rubber in contact with flatter harder surfaces
Use Kenda Nevegal Folding DTC (50/60a) 2.1" (ever so slightly smaller) in less sloppy conditions and through summer on the FS bike most of the time. Feel/look like they have more rubber contact on harder surfaces. 50a side tread makes up for lower side tread height
Got some (now discontinued) Bontrager ACX TLR 2.2" (55/62a, 650g) on the way as something to ride in more sloppy conditions. Nevegals will go back on when it dries up a little
2* Advantage 2.25" 60a folding (660-700g depending on age of weight quote)
As big as a 2.5" Single ply High Roller/Minion etc.., but lots lighter
I think they're slower than the much more ramped (and smaller) high roller 2.35", especially on the road, but not sure by how much
Make the bike feel very tall in corners, and a bit too round (side tread not big enough) to give decent cornering grip. Not sure how much of this is running too high pressures. Since started using thicker inner tubes that actually fit the size of these tyres, can now use more sensible pressures, need to retry at a trail centre to revalute cornering
I like them in the peak/lakes for flat out over really rocky stuff tyre. Noticably much better cushioning over a 2.1" Nevegal or 2.35" High Roller
May try 2.35" Nevegals in place, or 2.3" Specialized Eskars (55/65a)
2* High Roller 2.5" 60a Single Ply (Wire) = 880g (According to Just Riding Along), bought for an alps trip where I knew I'd be riding a few big ups (900m road up was the biggest, so chose the lower weight and ramps over a minion single ply 2.5", or a 42a Supertacky. It rained every other day onto soaked trails. Open, deep tread proved invaluable in those conditions (well as a compromise of slop and wanting big volume for monster braking bumps on a 5" bike). Way way better than a 2.35" Nevegal, or 2.4" Mountain king on a couple of hire bikes
Took them again this year on much drier, harder trails. Although leant over conrering grip is decent (tall tread), they don't 'feel' that contected to the ground. Wire bead (instead of the folding bead of my 2.35"s) is noticably better for puncture protection). Not quick on the road at 35psi by any means. Bearable at 50-60psi
Will probably try a Specialized Clutch SX 2.3" Single Ply (45/50a, 900-1000g) up front next time, with a part worn high roller rear or a Minion DHR 2.5" 60a Single Ply next time I get to go to the alps
Overall: I'm going off Maxxis, Often heavier, more expensive, no dual compound options (I know theres the £50 ea. 3C DH options), no middle ground between a touch hard 60a and super draggy 42a, not really finding anything (so far) as an all round trail tyre ..
Need to try 2.35" 60a folding Minions probably. A touch heavy (~700g) and expensive, but could be good
EDIT: Jeez, this post is insanely long! Didn't realise until I saw it posted. Whoops ..