Mountain Bike Racing - Advice on good XC racing tires...

Looking for some advice on everyones favorite XC racing tires or tires that everyone prefers. I currently have 29 inch Maxxis Crossmarks on my Giant and am looking to potentially upgrade for my first race...any thoughts?

*EDIT* Or, since nobody is responding, can I get your guys thoughts on Maxxis Crossmarks/Kenda Small Block 8/Kenda Nevegal? I will be riding mostly on hardpack with a good amount of roots and rocks.

I run specialized tires, the renegade for normal hardpack racing or sometimes fastrak's for looser conditions. Great tires, set up tubeless easy and light weight. Kinda expensive, but worth it to me.

Stick with the Crossmarks unless you really want to change. Very few tires are an upgrade from the Crossmarks.

I've been running the Ignitor front / Larsen TT rear combo and it has worked very well for me. (leftovers from previous sponsorship. I should be running Kendas now but these haven't worn out :D) I see that the Larsen TTs are not yet available in 29 though.

If you want to give Kenda a go, the Nevegal front / SB8 would be the hot combo. Even better would be the Excavator up front but, alas, it also does not come as a 29er version yet.

Try out the Maxxis Ikon EXO's. Used to run the fast traks but they seem to roll the same and have a little better grip and braking. They are also lighter and wider than fast traks and small block 8's.

I picked up a GEAX Saguaro and am impressed with how smooth and fast it rolls on the back. Running a Kenda Karma on the front. I have no loyalties.

I picked up a GEAX Saguaro and am impressed with how smooth and fast it rolls on the back. Running a Kenda Karma on the front. I have no loyalties.

I love my Geax Saguaro... These are great on hardpack, pavement, snow...Also great in wet conditions, even on roots. These are a real universal tires... so don't expect them to be the best choice for deep mud or sand.
In wet, these are horrible on asphalt...
After 1400 miles of mostly gravel, hardpack and paved surfaces, Front looks almost like new, while rear is almost bold in the middle.
I recommend them to all but extreme riders...

I spun out on a hill with Crossmarks in my first race. Dropped three places in doing so. I'd be more pissed if I hadn't flatted later and it ended up not mattering. It was a wet course. The tires didn't stand a chance. I had never had a problem with them until that race; I assume the wetness is what got them as I'd ridden the trail before and never spun out.

Right now on my S-Works 29er HT I am running S-Works Captain Control on the rear and Racing Ralph on the front and have been happy.Next set up will have Maxxis Aspen on the rear and ? on the front.
Ohno

I have recently reviewed my 3 favourite XC racing tires and when and how I like to use them. http://www.theworkingclasscyclist.com/2012/05/07/top-3-xc-tires/ In short, I like the Schwalbes for groomed, forrest, wet riding and crossmarks for dry rocky 'dangerous' riding.
Hope it gives you some idea