I agonized over that very question a month ago on a first mtb for XC/trail fun, not for DH or to race. Now with only 25 hours on a Santa Cruz Tallboy D+ I'm not yet pushing it hard, (except climbing). So far the 27.5" x 2.8" Maxis tires have absolutely awesome confidence inspiring traction. They roll over pretty much everything easily and suck up the smaller bumps. I'm 180 lbs running tubeless 16.5/18.5psi F/R. No regrets here on choosing the plus tire.
Here is a really nice review.
Santa Cruz Tallboy 27.5 Plus Review ? meticulist