Mountain Biking - Time for new tires

My current ride is a Fischer Mamba with a front suspension and I am looking at replacing the tires before next winter. The current tires are 26 x 1.95 and I am thinking I want at least 2.25 on it for the snow. I commute 8.5 miles to work and ride all year so I am looking for something that isn't too heavy or sluggish. My main paths are paved but in the winter I will need to battle upwards of 3-4 inches of snow. I don't want studded tires because the bike paths are usually cleared very quickly around here just a good tire that can handle some snow and some easy trail riding.

2.35 Kenda Kinetics

Panaracer. You'll be animal climbing hills, if you decide to use them there.

I used the Panaracer Dart & Smoke for a long time. Very good tires. I just switched to the Panaracer Fire XC. Have yet to use them, but they look good.

If you get the Fire XC, make sure you get the 127tpi in stead of the 66tpi. The 127 tpi are labled made in Japan. The others are made in Taiwan.

If you get the Fire XC, make sure you get the 127tpi in stead of the 66tpi. The 127 tpi are labled made in Japan. The others are made in Taiwan.

Heaven forbid we use anything made in Taiwan...?

I used the Panaracer Dart & Smoke for a long time. Very good tires. I just switched to the Panaracer Fire XC. Have yet to use them, but they look good.

If you get the Fire XC, make sure you get the 127tpi in stead of the 66tpi. The 127 tpi are labled made in Japan. The others are made in Taiwan.

I think that's a myth that Jenson USA is responsible for. I believe you can get the 127's from the Tiawan factory also. I love the fires myself and I use the 127 casing for it's supleness, and lighter weight. The 66 TPI, though a bit heavier, has a more durable sidewall from my experience.

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I am going to go with the Dart and Smoke Panaracers.