I’m fortunate enough to have both 29+ and full fat 4.8″ Shands. Almost identical geo so a good comparison.
To me, there is a world of difference between the two. The 29+ is much closer in feel to a normal 29er than a fatbike. The full fat is totally different. It has much more float, more grip, faster on proper terrain and more fun (for me).
It’s annoying, after ploughing a load of cash into the 29+ it doesn’t get used much. The full fat just seems to make more sense more often.
Yes it’s heavier, but my opinion is that heavier wheels are better in many ways. Yes, they spin up slower, but that flywheel effect carries you through a lot of stuff a lesser wheel will be hung up on.
This isn’t really a sand /snow thing. My last two rides have been Torridon rockiness, being able to ride across stupidly boggy ground and sand is an added bonus.
Welcome to have a go if you’re North at all.