The “minor” weight penalty of an 823 over an 819 isn’t so minor. It’s about 200g per rim.
823 including nipple beds is circa 715g
819 including nipple beds is circa 515g
I love the 819’s, they’re as stiff and strong as anything pretty much, just a pity they’re relatively narrow. The 823’s are great too, but too heavy for anything except a DH bike IMO.
WHEN OH WHEN are mavic going to bring out an 821? Would be the perfect solution for a lot of us! As it it, because I didn’t want the weight of 823’s, nor the skinniness of 819’s on my new long travel bike, I went down the route of “normal” rims running ghetto.
How heavy are you though Scruff? Might make the difference as I know lighter riders using 819’s on their DH bikes, but I also know of heavier guys having killed 823’s cos they are animals!