what do you think is the best for:

Strength: Mavic 823

Weight: XTR

Both: ??

Mavic without a doubt.
An XM819 would do you for most riding tbh.

Ditto!!

I have 823’s!

I was wondering if there’s anything as strong, but lighter and still UST?

Crossmax – How cheap?! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mavic-CrossMax-Enduro-Disc-MTB-Wheels-Center-Lock-NEW_W0QQitemZ360133032369

highonbikes are a very reputable seller too! damn thats good value! (if you don’t mind centerlock or running adapters)

819’s are strong enough for just about anything, 823’s only needed if you’re a DHer/Freerider that dings rims regularly really.

Stick with 819/823’s on your preferred hubs for ease of maintenance and spares/spoke availability should you go abroad, etc..?

819’s are pretty tough, dont know what tires youre using but i wouldnt want some beefy 2.5’s on them though

you considered stans arch & flow rims?

819s are great and a very tough rim. Only downside is slightly narrow. I run them with Schwalbe Fat Albert 2.35s and they are fine. I use them for trail riding and the odd jump/drops. TBH I prefer them to my old Mavic Crossmax SX wheelset as I can run “ordinary” spokes & my favourite hope hubs.

819’s will let you run a 2.35 LUST High Roller with no probs. I run them all the time.
Use 50ml of JRA wheel milk and you’ll be laughing.

yup, 2.35 HR lust no problem, i’ve had a larger bonty big earl 2.3 on them which were ok but dont think i’d want anything bigger

that said ive seen people on 717 and 2.5’s!

weight? stan’s by a mile

well I have 2.35 HR’s on my 823’s (DT spokes, Pro 2 hubs), I have a recurring nightmare involving pringles! 😀