When I bought the wheelset for my Trance (from the classifieds) they came with a set of Eskars on. So far they seem fine in a straight line but either they lack grip on the shoulders of the tyre or I need to mtfu and trust the tyre and lean more into corners.
Both my Kenda Karmas and Panaracer Fire XC Pro don't suffer the same problem but both sets were on my HT.
It's a known personality of these tyres. There's a updated design coming out soon.
http://www.leelikesbikes.com/new-improved-specialized-eskar-tires.html
I run them tubeless on my hardtail. I have always run pretty low pressures on the front, which may well give me a bit more grip.
I rate them as a really good all-round tyre, when you get to the extremes in mud etc., then there are better tyres, but if you're only going to run one pair I'd reccomend them.
Matt
Nice explanation on that site. Vague is about the best feeling for it. Made me glad I'd left the eggbeaters at home on a few occasions today.