[outback82]

Ho guys, I'm going to buy a new wheelset for my Hightower V2. Mainly I ride all mountain and trail. First i was convinced about xm model but today I found ex at a really good price.
Just wondering if ex could be good for my type of riding. I read a review which states that are much stiff and you have to push them into the holes and ride aggressively. That's not my riding style, i like more to feel smoothness and choose cleaner lines.
Can you give me any advice?

 

[OneTrustMan]

The xm is lighter and for trail and all mountain.
The ex is heavier and for enduro and dh.

I have a 1501 ex and xm. And honestly riding them feels the same. The tires make a bigger difference.
However the ex is definitely more durable. I had to repair some broken spokes on my xm and the rear rim has a very small dent.
The ex which is ridden harder has not a single defect so far.

 

[parkmeister]

what's more important to you: lightweight or durability? that's the main decision driver.

stiffer wheels are almost always better than loose or flexy wheels: they are more durable and tend to hold trueness longer, and feel more precise and predictable by putting power to the ground more efficiently and reacting more quickly to steering inputs.

even if you ride smooth and clean, unexpected rim shots happen, and burlier rims can provide a good safety margin, like at the end of long rides when you're tired and not quite on your game or even downright sloppy.

i am currently running EX532's and they are hands down the best rims i've ever had. i love 'em. not light, tho!

 

[outback82]

Thank you very much for your points guys. After reading your posts and thinking about it i gone for ex 1700. I found an offer: I payed 500€ for a wheelset just removed from a brand new bike, shipped with XT 203 center lock disks. I think it is a good price.