Hey Martin. There are lots of factors to consider here, including rider weight and how hard you are generally on wheels and tires and of course your terrain. For the kind of riding I do at my current 160 lbs I prefer the feel and performance of an EXO or EXO+ level tire, perhaps at 2.5 and sometimes 2.6, with an insert to a DH casing tire, and I can generally accomplish this at a lower weight than many DH casing tires.
AJ's article comparing inserts to heavier casings might prove useful as well. [https://nsmb.com/articles/cushcore-preferable-heavier-tire-casing/](https://nsmb.com/articles/cushcore-preferable-heavier-tire-casing/)
This is a very personal choice even when riders are similar in terms of the variables to be considered so it's a tricky question to answer for someone else who is riding different terrain. One thing that is comparable though is weather, and I like having more grip on roots and rocks and I find lower pressures more with inserts more beneficial than Maxxterra compound (as an example). But our riding always involves lots of rocks and roots and yours does not. Wouldn't it be great if it was possible to try these without dropping all that cash?
Were you having problems with lighter tires before you went to DH casings?
Jan. 15, 2021, 12:57 p.m. - Cam McRae
Hey Martin. There are lots of factors to consider here, including rider weight and how hard you are generally on wheels and tires and of course your terrain. For the kind of riding I do at my current 160 lbs I prefer the feel and performance of an EXO or EXO+ level tire, perhaps at 2.5 and sometimes 2.6, with an insert to a DH casing tire, and I can generally accomplish this at a lower weight than many DH casing tires. AJ's article comparing inserts to heavier casings might prove useful as well. [https://nsmb.com/articles/cushcore-preferable-heavier-tire-casing/](https://nsmb.com/articles/cushcore-preferable-heavier-tire-casing/) This is a very personal choice even when riders are similar in terms of the variables to be considered so it's a tricky question to answer for someone else who is riding different terrain. One thing that is comparable though is weather, and I like having more grip on roots and rocks and I find lower pressures more with inserts more beneficial than Maxxterra compound (as an example). But our riding always involves lots of rocks and roots and yours does not. Wouldn't it be great if it was possible to try these without dropping all that cash? Were you having problems with lighter tires before you went to DH casings?