I wanted to come and comment finally in this thread after riding a set of 29x2.35 Ray/Ralph Addix Speed (not grip) combo all season long.
I used these tires for my everything tire from training to racing to mud to dry slick marbles.
The tires are mounted to a set of 30mm IW rim and measure 2.3" OW of on the tire. I with bike am a combined weight of 220lbs (99.8kg) and in dry conditions ran 21.0F/22.4R and mud conditions ran 20.5F/21.9R.
I ensure consistent pressures with a homemade digital pump that is calibrated to be 1% accuracy.
So here is my statement before explanation - the tires are fast for a skilled rider
The Racing Ray is a very good tire that performed well in all conditions. It was able to handle the mud with caution and it stays planted enough in the absolute dry/sand conditions. This tire does best in what I call “hero” dirt where its slightly damp hard pack. The ray requires that you absolutely commit to a lean and get on the side lugs. If you cannot commit to this, the tire will feel unpredictable and as if it lacks traction.
The Racing Ralph is a loose tire, there is no beating around the bush on this. The tire will lose side grip well before the Ray does. Depending on the rider; this can be good or bad, I personally need the rear to slide if the corner is sharp enough. The ralph suffers on steep downhill grip so be prepared to drag it in these situations, it also is mediocre to good on steep uphill. It will hold traction, until it doesn’t and once it slips its game over in my experience. The Ralph is very fast in a straight line, and is a very good tire to “whip” the rear of the bike around in those fast flat tight technical trails. The Ralph seems to be consistent in all conditions, unless its a very deep mud bog.
My take after riding these tires all season is these truly are a great combination to put on your bike and “leave” on your bike regardless of where your XC adventures will take you. The will not perform well in very heavy downhill or enduro style events but are not intended for that. They are good to very good (not excellent) in most conditions.
The biggest improvements I think Schwalbe could make is to make these truly 2.4" tires. I will continue running this combination and they have helped take me to AG podium’s 3-times this season.
That said, I in a heartbeat will try a 2.4" continental derived XC race tire when its finally released.
I hope this helps others and please ask questions as I have a lot of time on these tires now.