OK so I got my tires in from Schwalbe and was excited for goods right, they have some really good technology and casings on their tires!
Figured Id compare it to the big 3, KENDA, MAXXIS and Schwalbe!
side by side
Weights
tread patern
profile
compound
lug design (outer where cornering counts)
and of course the actuall ride!

heres the contenders: and statc thoughts
Kenda 26X2.5 nevegal DH stick :
1495g
round 1/2 balloon profile, bike rolls a little side to side on hard stuff. High volume tire possibly a little bigger than true size.
great cornering as long as you get used to the dead spot on roll over
Compound is super stickE and no pun intended it really hooks up GREAT on wet, rocks, roots and decent in loose over hard.

Maxxis minion 26X2.5 DHF 3C 
1395g
Skinny (not ttrue width) square profile, outer lugs are notched for a bite while cornering stable, instills confidence and holds a line SUPER well!
Great compound wears extremely fasy as to be expected with soft compounds! Hooks up well on wet, rocky, dusty, hard

Muddy Mary 26X2.5 DH triple compound
1250g
Heres why im excited!!!! Square profile like maxxis that I love so much, big volume like a kenda so more contack in and out of nasty stuff and corners. Side lugs are staggered like a buzz saw allowing the next one to start its bite ahead of time making it stable on its sides!
Cornering is amazing with this tire, like maxxis it hooks fast and is stable no brake away point like a nevegal and no dead spots! Outer lugs allow for a deeper corner as well as help in flat loose over hard pack cornering.
Great compound, tire feels alive but not bouncy like most otehr large profile tires. Hooks up really well and amazingly holds line on flat hard corners, grabs rocks real well. It excells in almost any terrain as far as wet or dry, lugs are a good mix for 90% of conditions!

Conclusion thus far: (based on my riding style!)
The Schwalbe corners way better than the nevegal and holds a line better not even in the same league,  Its right there with the minion DHF.
It rails nasty stuff from mudd to dry and hooks up as well as sheds quickly with little to no packing.Theres no apparent lug fold over on hard cornering but there is a definent push from it holding its line tight.
Weight wise this is the lightest of the bunch, it has durable sidewalls and a tough tread pattern.
Pedaling was easier than I though it would be,  there was actually very little drag on them.  Due to size they were more stable and controling in rocks and chutes so far, They are also more stable then the other 2 in dollhead rocks. they tend to slam less from side to side from deflection off rocks!

Id run a guey glooey in front and a triple in rear (harder compound) for effeciency in pedalling as I would with the other 2 so this is no secret!
The ticket here seems to be a big betty (like ardent, high roller, excavator style) rear for pedaling and a muddy mary front to keep it planted.

Big volume similair to kenda and square profile like a maxxis is what makes this tire stand out!

I am impressed with this tire so far, so a big thanks to Jeff at Schwalbe for the chance to run these and all the information provided to better understand the technology behind Schwalbe!

Marzocchi from Avalanche
With the change up last season on suspension sponsorship to Marzocchi I have been pleasantly surprised at the reliability and coverage they have offered me. The roco WC air has performed flawless as well as the 888 WCATA and the 66RC3. Ronnie, Chris and the guys have taken good care of me and I am proud to be running the marzocchi products.

Schwalbe from Kenda
What can I say other than Im super stoked to be riding their tires this season as I have compared them with maxis minions, Kendas etc and they have definently held their own.


SDG, E-13 nothing new to add: Still BOMB PROOF products that take some of the hardest hits and aggresive handling out there! If I had more thumbs Id give them more thumbs up!!!!!!

ODI has kept strong, rogues have endured more abuse, from 20 degrees to 110 degrees I have hammered the bars with my paws and these have not let me down once. If they had a common flaw i would have found it out by now....

Picked up a new sponsorship today from Schwalbe tires, Im excited as I ride with one of there pros and have had the opportunity to use there tires. I was pleasantly surprised at how well they hooked up as well as held a line in loose over hard pack!
I would just like to say thank you to Schwalbe North America for the ride this season, I will enjoy running your tires and look forward to good results in expert this season!

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! March is coming, school is starting (career change) and Ill be back to the land of fast cars, fast bikes and lots of sunshine!
I wont make winter series but Im in for Sea Otter (expert) and nationals, anyone going let me know and we'll hook up.
I hope summer treated everyone well and people got there skills honed, look forward to being back and even more so for the year round riding!
Boise was nice, got doubles down, drops and gaps as well as cornering so all in all I gained alot from being here and riding the natural stuff, resorts (tamarack, brundige, beacon, Bogus), Boise Bike park and urban and a slew of tight singletrack in the mountains!
If anyone gets a chance to ride Idaho, from Boise North theres a ton of stuff, email me and Ill hook you up with directions and peeps to ride with!
I added some pics to the gallery, Ill post one shortly of the step up.
Got 9'+ up and 35' out on a jump. unfortunently its a flat landing so it takes some man sized marbles to sack up. Crashed it last week hard, made it 8 times before just landed a little sideways doing a whip and couldnt correct.

Avalanche Downhill Racing Suspension

Id like to first say "Thanks" To Craig Seekins at Avalanche Downhill racing suspension! He has had me covered for over 2 years now making sure that bike can be predictable and consistant!  I have alot of respect for him and his products as well as I'm not the easiest on stuff and Avalanche shocks have never let me down!

"Thanks Craig."

TLD

Another round of "Thanks" goes to Troy Lee Designs  for the sponsorship and taking care of your riders. TLD had me taken care of in a pinch at a recent race and I thank them for that as well as the great products they supply to the market for our safety and protection.

"Thanks TLD."

Kenda USA

They have kept the tires on the course and been more than helpful in a pinch. Great support  and an even better product.

"Thanks Kenda"

AJ's Bicycles

Thanks Jeff, you are great person, not too mention you put up with me trying to get you to go ride every day while working!

"Thanks Jeff and AJ's Bikes."

Like all listed here as well in my sponsor profile I am lucky to know them and even Luckier to have them in my corner.

Thanks guys/gals