I have a good idea that this topic is going to draw some debate but Im looking for advice on a strong and light 29" wheelset. Why?

Im doing the research in preparation for building my first 29er SS. Frame is going to be one of a few ive narrowed down, fork is going to be a float or revelation 140mm, and everything else I already have. Except wheels. Im going to be riding here some but mostly Pisgah style trail so im searching for a strong wheel, but not one that weighs a ton. I know you can't have both but I'd like somewhere in the middle, maybe more towards the strong than light. 

So. Questions are:

Rims:
Stan's: Arch EX v. Flow 
Mavics?
DT Swiss? Any suggestions

Hubs:
I run hope pro evo 2s on my bike now but im less than thrilled with the engagement. 
Chris Kings? Anyone?
I9s are sweet but are they worth the $?

Ill be running SS so quick engagement is a priority. Also, its gotta be fairly easy to service to service them too. Thanks for the feedback folks

+2 on the Kings if you have the scratch, they also use Stans rims for thier in house wheels, but if I was in that price range I might be also looking at the i9 (with the alum spokes) for the stiffest(er) wheel.

what about chi carbon rim?

FWIW I am buling an xc/trail ss wheel set but am looking at Blunt's 

My problem is my build budget wont allow me to buy new so I've been scouring Pinkbike and Ebay for a good set of used wheels. There's a ton of Arch EX's with hopes out there.

The ideal wheel would be strong, light, and easily serviceable. Althought "light" is objective. I would need something that can withstand the abuse of daily Pisgah rides. Flows fit the bill I guess. Im going to keep my eyes peeled for some King hubs. Sounds like those are the way to go. I9's next and then Hopes if I cant find anything in my price range. Thanks for help folks

Actually the Hope Pro II EVO SS hubs have twice the engagement of the standard Pro II EVO's. 48T vs 24t.  Their new geared hubs will get bumped up to 40t vs 24t and should be available later this month.  Don't know if that's gonna mean 80t for the SS hubs.

Chris Kings are hard to beat but need a special took kit to fully service them.  After building a fee sets of the new I-9 Torch hubs, I'm a fan of their redesign.  Has the engagement of the CK's but the ease of service like Hopes. 

Flow EX for Pisgah riding.  Don't think you'll have as big a problem with cracking rims that I've observed on the Arch's.

If your looking used keep an eye out for e-thirteen TRS.  I have been on these for about 9 months and couldn't be happier.
Super expensive new but a lot of people look for Chris King and I-9s so you may be able to get these for a good bit cheaper. (as I did)
I know you were talking about going to 29er, which in my search sold for a good bit more than the 26ers.


Not much experience with the others but thought I would give you another option. 60 points of engagement.

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