• Hutchinson Scorpion Gold Elite 2.3
• WTB Moto Raptor Race 2.4
• Intense CC 2.25
• Nokian Gazzaloddi Jr. 2.6
  Also used WTB Weir Wolf Race 2.5 on the rear

Location/conditions:

Kalama Horse Camp, on Mt St Helens WA. 4.6 mile loop. Two mile paved climb (~+500') to the Kalama Ski Trail and back the the Campground. The trail surface is dry and sandy and loose from heavy horse use with plenty of roots, small logs and rocks. There are a couple of short trail climbs. I rode each of the above tires for one full loop over the space of three days, in the order listed above. I used the Weir Wolf 2.5 on the rear during all rides. The trail surface remained consistent throughout the trials. I am riding a full rigid bike.

Note that test conditions are moderate to deep sand (as described above) and the comments below relate to these surfaces. Individual reviews (will) consider performance in more conditions.

The Report

First I will say that the WTB Weir Wolf 2.5 is an outstanding rear tire in the sand. Good floatation, cornering, drive and braking traction. Very comfy, too. It is a slow roller on pavement.

On to the front tires (in riding order):

Hutchinson Scorpion Gold Elite 2.3

Kevlar bead. Very thin casing. Inflated to 28-30 psi.OK rolling on the pavement. Once I hit the trail it is easy to control. Directional stability in the sand is good and float ion very good. I am able to carve turns without washing out. Braking grip is very good. Rocks and roots are absorbed well. Not too much shock is transferred to the hands. A very consistant, predictable tire.

WTB Moto Raptor Race 2.4

Kevlar bead. Medium thin casing. Inflated to 28 psi.Rolls a little better than the Scorpion on pavement. Steering/directional control is good but not quite up to the Scorpion. It will carve a turn with little washing out. On the rocks and roots the Moto absorbs a bit more shock and is deflected less. Overall deep sand float ion is a short step below the Scorpion, too. Good tire.

Intense CC 2.25

Kevlar bead. Thin casing. 30 psi.Best rolling of the four on pavement. The CC corners well but lacks the floatation of the other tires and washes out a bit easier than the other tires. While still a comfortable tire it is the harshest ride. Handles the rocks and roots well.

Nokian Gazzaloddi Jr. 2.6

Wire bead, Double DH casing. 18 psi.The Gazzaloddi is the only downhill tire of this bunch. As such its weight is nearly twice the next heaviest tire. Riding I did not notice the extra heft except when making quick direction changes around big rocks.It rolls OK on the pavement. On the trail it really comes into its own. No washout. It carves corners with ease. I can loft the front wheel easier than with the other tires. Riding over the roots and rocks with transmits minimal shock. On the previous loops I was stopping at a trail junction to rest my hands (if needed) and think about the tire performance. With the Gazzi I just blew through the intersection before I realized I was there. By far the best floatation, too. On one short, deep sand climb the other three front tires bogged down and I had to walk. The Gazzi kept going and I rode the slope. I never thought a front tire would make much difference climbing. Great tire. Well worth the extra weight.

Conclusion

None of these tires are bad. I like them all (I choose them because I thought each would work well for the conditions).I really like the Gazzaloddi 2.6. Its weight is not notice most of the time and the advantages are worth it.Next, the Scorpion Gold Elite 2.3 does most of the what the Gazzi at the expense of durability and out-right DH speed.I rank the Moto Raptor Race 2.4 slightly behind the Scorpion overall and better on the rocks.The CC 2.25 is slightly harsher riding and a bit behind in directional stability compared to the other two XC tires. It is the fastest rolling and the best braking.