I have created tire pairings based on personal testing and use on our dry hardpack and loose over hard technical terrain. These are pairings that I consider "smart", tried and true real world tested by a veteran biker. Many of them use a staggered F/R sizing practice. If that is not your practice, you can always size up the rear. The following commentary will help you decide if this pairing is right for you. See the "more ads by this user" link above this text to see other pairings and parts.
Rear: Vittoria MARTELLO 2.6 ENDURO. Measures 2.50". 1100g fast, square profile tire with rock solid puncture resistance for rear tire tasks. Virtually pinch proof also. The Martello is almost without weaknesses, except for a heavier casing, but that negates using an insert as you will never pinch flat. The graphene compound is hard (fast) and long lasting, hard to find in a rear tire this fast. $59ea for 2.
Also available
Front: Vittoria Mazza 2.6 TRAIL. 1050g. Vittoria doesn't make a "slow" tire, but this front tire, designed by the same creator of the Minion DHF, is everything the DHF is, only faster. About the same volume as the 2.5 DHF, but possibly a bit rounder, thus faster rolling. This is the tire you want holding your line when descending double blacks. $69
Combination Cost $125 (Shop price $175 if you can find them) The F-R combination for heavier tech riders who want more confidence on National trail, without dragging slower rolling DH tires.