There is a wire bead Pacestar, it’ll be heavier, but it should be a nice riding tire, maybe 100-150gm heavier.
The wire bead Ardent will be heavier than the folding bead, not sure that they have a 29" wire bead, but in the 26" there is a wire bead Ardent and it weighs a lot more, ~1500gm.
I’d save for the HD Pacestar Folding, look for deals, other than that, maybe look at the High Roller if you can find it on sale.
I don’t hate the Ardent, it was a good tire when I first rode it, but the 29er tires have improved in recent years, better casings lead to better profiles, also I feel like having a constant outside knobby “edge” keeps the tire tracking better.
The only thing I didn’t like about riding the Ardent last week was with off camber trails, I felt like it was a struggle in certain situations and this got old quickly. The HD is much better in off camber situation plus it has a stiffer casing and a more aggressive tread.
I’m riding a Surly Knard now, it also has some off camber issues, maybe worse than the Ardent, but it has such great volume and cushion that I’m putting up with it for now. However, as soon as I get my lightweight 29er wheel built, then I’ll be back on the HD for Summer.
If you don’t need a super durable tire for tech muni and just want a high volume nice riding tire, the Racing Ralph 2.4 is a nice ride, though it can pinch flat at low pressures so maybe run tubeless or get a 2.25 version with the snakeskin sidewall. The RR was changed this year, so you may find old stock on sale.
If you get an HD, I’d suggest the Pacestar, it is plenty sticky for wet and rocky trails, tread is longer lasting than Trailstar. I ride a Pacestar and the wear has been average, comparable to an Ardent, but it is stickier than an Ardent.
I like Chain Reaction Cycles, but you can look around and often do better:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SCHWALBE-Dampf-SnakeSkin-Pacestar-black/dp/B006JK21SY/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1364904638&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SCHWALBE-Hans-Dampf-PaceStar-black/dp/B007HGLF6S/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1364904638&sr=1-2