Okay...so I've been commuting on Panaracer Crossblaster tires and while I like them, and have only had one random flat (which I believe is more the fault of rim tape gone bad). Unfortunately, I don't spend as much time offroad as I would like and I'm looking to throw some road tires on since the road buzz from the knobbies is starting to get old.

I'd say I've "narrowed" my search down to these, but it's not a very narrow, so bare with me. It just so happens that Velo-Orange is selling just about every tire I've considered.

Gran Compe ENE Ciclo Tire (I've never heard anything about these tires, but they seem right up my alley...a nice rando/touring tire according to Velo-Orange's description, does anyone have any experience with them?)

Challenge Parigi-Roubaix (Out of the 7 choices, everything I've read would indicate these are the nicest rolling tires out of the bunch and supposedly have a tubular "feel" to them. Unfortunately I can't find anything that speaks to the durability/flat protection.)

Panaracer Pasela Tour Guard (I've read a lot about these tires, and outside of all the good things, and "best bang for your buck," I've read that heavier riders (which I am) have a hard time with the sidewalls blowing out, is this a problem they've fixed in recent years, or does this persist?)

Panaracer Ruffy-Tuffy (I haven't heard much about these, but I've read that they're a solid touring tire. Decent ride, decent flat protection. Aaaaaaaaaand, if Rivendell is willing to associate themselves with the tire, they've got to be decent, at the very least.)

Schwalbe Marathon (I've heard these will outlast me, but I've heard mixed things about the ride quality.)

Vittoria Cross XN Pro (Very small diamond tread, I'm kind of interested with keeping a little bit of CX-style stuff on my bike, just incase I ever get the urge to climb up a hill...offroad!)

Challenge Grifo XS (Only one not available on Velo-Orange, I haven't heard much about these, but I've read one review that said they were quite durable and flat resistant while rolling nicely.)

I've heard good things about most of these tires, but I'm torn.

Price isn't an issue, but the Challenge tires are by far the most expensive, and while I don't mind saving a buck if I can, if they're the nicest mix of flat resistance and ride quality, I'll make the leap.

Does anyone have any insight to the flat protection/durability/ride quality of these tires (or have any other suggestions)? I know this has been discussed to hell and back, but there are a couple of tires up there that not everyone has ridden.