What do you think is the ultimate hardtail wheelset?
Thinking of doing some upgrades to my bike and I feel like the wheels are probably the best place to start in terms of noticeable (weight, ride quality etc) upgrades. Currently on the stock WTB ST i30 which I've heard are pretty heavy - never weighed them myself but from what I gather online they could be up to around 2300g. I'm using the bike for a bit of everything, but generally it's just UK trail riding (more roots than rocks around here), occasional cased jumps on flow trails at the bike park etc.
I'm thinking I want to go somewhere down the middle in terms of weight and strength (and price!) - ideally I want the bike to feel lively and fast, with a bit of compliance to smooth things out, but not be too worried about dinging or damaging rear rims on rougher trails. Basically something to compliment the "hardtaily-ness" of the bike, rather than overbuild it into a dead feeling wannabe enduro bike, if that makes sense!
In the UK, Silt and Hunt seem to be well priced, or could maybe go DT with an E1900 R/M1900 F to balance something lighter at the front with a burlier rear? Or spend a bit more on the Reserve HD AL and have that peace of mind with the warranty?