RR's side walls are made of egg shells to save weight and split on rocks too often for me.
I'm running on Maxxis Crossmark's, they seam just as fast and about as grippy but feel stronger. Also they are half the price and run tubless on 29rims much better.
Nothing to challenging for the average STWer I guess.
I was there today for a lap of each colour, the new rock slope area is open but the pump track isn't as yet. I've not ridden the red for a couple of years and the new parts of it are really nice.