Now Maxxis is bringing out lots of 29 x 2.6 and bigger versions of their tyres, I would go for a 2.6 - 3.0 Ardent.
I love the tyre.
Doesn't seem to get much love, but in the Single track survey of 2100 riders, it was the second most popular tyre of 2016 and 2017.
I guess thats because its a "do everything" tyre.
I run the 29 x 2.4 as a front tyre at around 17 - 20 psi, thats when it really starts to grip. EXO casing is great.
On tarmac, at around 30psi it rolls well as a front tyre.
Its not a beast mud tyre, but I find at low psi, when it breaks traction, it does so predictably. Same with wintery, slippery, moss covered tarmac.
It does make a great rear tyre. Just the right amount of slide without being sideways everywhere. Can spit its dummy occasionally on steep loose climbs, though.
Not sure that it would have the same characteristics in a bigger size
The 29 x 3.0 has apparently much bigger knobs than the 29 x 2.5.
So I'd imagine the same would go for a larger Ardent.
I noticed quite a difference between the 2.25 and 2.4 Ardent on the front. All in good ways.
My riding style is more cruising, bike packing, so I don't need a full on beast of a front tyre.
Must admit to having a soft spot for the 2.4 - not sure why but it feels a much better tyre than the 2.25 version. Grip is a load better and it works pretty well in the wet though not the mud! Unsure if bigger is better though.....