Cyclocross - Tire for SUPER-tight rim

I have a set of neuvation R-28sl5 Wheels, which I'm putting on my (nearly) complete CX Build. And I spent 30 minutes yesterday WRESTLING to get the bead on. It simply wouldn't go. For the record, I'm a pretty experienced mechanic and tried everything but the tire and rim just won't love eachother.

I'm looking for any recomendations on a 30-32 tire that might fit. I've heard Maxxis tires are a little easier to mount but was hoping for some first-hand info. I'll be using this for training and racing in Colorado. Thanks.

The offending tire was a Kenda Kwick 30c.

Maxxis Raze went on Ksyriums w/out any problems.

I have a set of neuvation R-28sl5 Wheels, which I'm putting on my (nearly) complete CX Build. And I spent 30 minutes yesterday WRESTLING to get the bead on. It simply wouldn't go. For the record, I'm a pretty experienced mechanic and tried everything but the tire and rim just won't love eachother.

I'm looking for any recomendations on a 30-32 tire that might fit. I've heard Maxxis tires are a little easier to mount but was hoping for some first-hand info. I'll be using this for training and racing in Colorado. Thanks.

The offending tire was a Kenda Kwick 30c.

As the owner of 2 different sets of Neuvations (R28sl2 and M28Aero), I'll agree that some tires can be challenging to mount. I've never had anything that bad, though. The R28s have never had anything other than Conti road tires mounted to them, so I can't offer specific advice there, but I've had good luck mounting everything from Michelin Jets to Speedmax to Panaracer CinderX (personal fave) on the M28's. The Excavaders were a little tight, but everything else was fine. I think the Kenda was probably just as much to blame as the rim.

I don't even both bringing levers when I'm using Michelin Mud 2s or Jets. That's on Mavic Aksium rims.

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking of trying a Michelin Jet in the back and Mud 2 in the front... Although the wider 35 Maxxis looks pretty nice too.

UPDATE: The Michelins went on without levers or sweat/blood/tears. Thanks!