The Search for Speed: MTB tires

Finding faster MTB tires.

Kudos to my Nevegal X: bombproof and grippy as hell.  But... slow.

At the very least I want to get
--a rear tire that's faster
--a set of race tires.

One interesting source: http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/mtb-reviews
These guys have done tests on the rolling resistance, sidewall toughness, and tread puncture resistance.  The results are a bit surprising.

At a quick read, two tires stand out: 

• The Continental Race King Protection. 2.2 width.  Around 600grams for 27.5". ProTection, BlackChili Compound, Tubeless Ready.  $55 CAD/tire.  The website above suggests that this tire is one of the most resistant to sidewall tears and punctures.  And that it has surprisingly low rolling resistance. 
• The Schwalbe Thunder Burt.  Comes in 2.1 and 2.3 wides and comes in Snakeskin or LiteSkin. Around 480grams for the Snakeskin 2.1 and only 415 grams(~!) for the LiteSkin 2.1.  Uses the PaceStar compound for speed. Tubeless ready. $54 and $52CAD.  Apparently the SnakeSkins are easier to make tubeless, and they have reinforced sidewalls, which is something I'm very drawn to.  The Thunder Burt gets a rave review as a rear from Biting Tires. 

Both tires (and their variants) are very intriguing.  Indeed, the webpage above acknowledges the debate in their strong 5/5 review of the Thunder Burt.  

• The Schwalbe Rock Razor is very intriguing.  Not tested by the above website, reviewers testify to its speed.  It is highly praised as a "semi-slick," best for the rear.  At about 700 grams, it's not nearly as light. It's a 2.35 width and it promises to have more bite. Pacestar, tubeless ready, snakeskin. $57 CAD.