I wanted to try a different set of tires on my 29er (Gary Fisher HiFi). I currently have Bontrager Jones ACX tires, 29x2.2 but wanted to try something with a little more traction. I live in South FL and most trails contain roots, rocks, and sand. Any recommendations?

I don't ride off road because of my age, however I have a friend that swears by the Racing Ralphs (Snakeskins). His thing is being light weight and tough. I have the Big Apples and they are lined with Kevlar and they really work against punchers. I ran over a nail the other day and all it did was stick into the outer layer of the tire. When I removed the nail I just knew the tire would go flat! It did not and I am still riding. That Kevlar really works!

I like the Specialized Captain Control tires. I run them in 29x2.2 and they work great in sand and loose over hard type conditions. They handle rocks great, and do well with roots too, though there's not much in the way of big roots in my area. They're OK in mud, with a tendency to pack up but they still bite.

continental mountain kings are good tires. they come in two sizes 2.2 and 2.4.

X2 on the Mountain Kings. I run 'em on my On One Scandal in New England and they grip the slippery slime up here pretty well. The tend to be on the narrow side, however.

Currently I am running Specialized Fastrak LT 2.0 in the rear and Spec Capt 2.0 up front with excellent results, both tubless. The Conti Mtn Kings are a great choice also.