Tyre choice

The weather in the uk seems to improving a little and the mud trails i usually ride are drying out. Just finished a long ride on my trailrakers and I was having difficulty keeping up with my mates so I think its time to change the tyres the problem is to what. In my arsenal I have Panaracer Cinders 2.1's and an the oirginal tyres that came with my Epic Comp Carbon, Specialized The Captain and Fast Track LK I do like to feel under control but have never used the original tyres. Suggestion or experience with the these please?

Thanks

Tony