Cyclocross - Issues with Vittoria XG Pros?!?

I am mostly writing to vent my frustration on yet another ripped sidewall on Vittoria XG Pros. I've sliced through two rear tires in less than 10 miles each. Granted, the first one was the result of hitting a rock edge pretty good, but the second one seemed to come out of nowhere. I've been riding a cross bike on these same trails for many years with many different brands of tires and have never had such bad experiences. Perhaps I'm just too heavy for these tires at 220 lbs. Anyone else out there have similar experiences with these tires? Any other clinchers that I should stay away from?

wow that is odd. I just mounted a new set to try out. I have ridden Ritchey's for some time with no real issues, but needed some new tires and this is what they had. What trails are you riding around CO?

The Vittorias are racing tires.

the first one happened at Cathy Johnson and the second one happened next to Dakota Ridge High School (site of next week's race)...I usually stay on the more "non-technical trails" like these and South Valley, Bear Creek Lake Park, etc...

so does "racing tires" mean that this should be expected?!?

as I stated before, I've tried many, many different tires and have never had this bad of luck...many of those tire are even lighter (and mayber racier?) than the vittorias... I guess I should have known I was making an unwise purchase when the box warned that gravel could cut these tires---THEY'RE cross tires after all!!

Yes, but cross is mud, not gravel. At least, traditionally. I guess they are not meant for fire roads and trails.. sorry.

Wow, I'm surprised. I've been using the V XN's for a while now with no trouble. The XN's are for dry trails only, but the sidewall construction should be similar. I have noticed that the rubber is soft and have not bombed through large rocks, but ride gravel all the time. No problems. What tire pressure are you using?

I was a little disappointed in the XGs as well. I pinch-flatted incessantly unless I pressured them up to be horrifyingly sketchy on downhills. I'll use them on the road this winter. Too bad, they felt excellent when they worked. Probably good for a grass and smooth dry dirt race. I switched to Ritcheys.

I think I was running mid-60s psi...

I really think the issue in my case is with the rear tire (and maybe my 220 lbs./riding style)--though, like I said earlier, the second torn sidewall seemed to happen from no impact whatsoever...no issues with the front (although I gave it away to a coworker after my experience)...

back on michelin mud2 tires which, for me, handle gravel as well as mud--which we've finally gotten here with a little snowfall last week...