I’ve been going over a lot of the same info as I’m also putting together a 26" and wanted something that has good volume but lower weight. I went with a Continental Trail King 2.4 (AKA Rubber Queen in other parts of the world).
I haven’t finished my build yet so can’t comment on the ride, but the tire has a lot of volume. Sidewalls are thicker than most 29er tires but not as thick as a true 26" DH tire. I’m planning on running it with a 24x3 tube to give it some additional support at the cost of some added weight (and because I had an extra).
There are a few people using it here and they all have good things to say about it. The few negative comments I found seemed to come from some negative experiences that bike trials riders have had with the tire.