I put some Kenda small block 8 tyres on today.

I have a 2.1 as a back tyre.

I understand that they were runner up in SingleTrack reader awards a couple of years back.

They are certainly very fast rolling and grippy in the dry (i think you would have to be bonkers to ride em in the wet).

However the tyre seems really flimsy? the side walls seem very thin. Are they not very suseptable for snake bite punctures?

I have the 2.35 non-ust version. Currently running them with stan's spoof and rim strips and am having no probs.

I agree they don't feel that robust but have (touch wood) not had any issues yet.

Update on the Kenda's, Used them in damp trail conditions yesterday, Tyre gripped really well!! I was surprised. Still wouldn't like to use em in gloopy mud, but its nice to know i don't have to change my tyres in summer if it rains a bit.

Thinking about it i have a Panaracer Razer MX 2.3 on the front that only lives on my bike during summer, come the muddy season a Panaracer FireXCpro goes on.
Seems i have been a seasonal tyre user all along

I've just put the 2.35's on my hardtail and think they're great. Big air volume so lovely floaty feel and very fast rolling with good grip.  Only complaint is the cost, but i guess you get what you pay for.

Sidewalls always seem thin on most tyres these days, i had my Bonti Mud Tyres blow out on me after a light brush with a rock. Sounded like a rifle shot, scared the sh1t out of me!!!  The Kenda's appear to be no worse than any other 'lightweight' tyre.