Played around with WTB tyres last summer – Light/fast Vigilante on the front, tough fast Trailboss on the back.
The tough casing is noticeably harsher than a Maxxis Exo or Spesh Grid tyre. Sure you can drop pressures (I usually run 30 psi in the back), but then you’re adding more rolling resistance. Bombproof though.
The Vig tread pattern was great where mechanical grip was available, but the fast rolling compound is poor on wet roots and absolutely lethal on limestone. I gave up riding Cavedale with these tyres on as it worse than being on ice. Swapped back to Maxxis 3c on the front/60A rear and all was fine again.
I’d give a light/high grip version a go on the front, but they don’t do ’em in 26″…