Thanks for the advice and welcomes. I've tried on some X-Talon 212's and found them very light and flexible compared to my SC3's but can't comment on grip. Haven't tried the Mudclaws (yet.) How much stuff does Pete Bland normally take to those sorts of races? If it's worth holding out then I'm happy muddling through with the Salomon's then trying to pick something afterwards - I'm not going out to set any records, just have an enjoyable run this time.
Can someone talk me through the pro's/con's of more or less drop - is it just more heel/ankle support?
Sounds like a 3L waist pack/bumbag/arse luggage should do the trick then. The OMM one that people are referring to - is that just the standard one or the Phantom (which looks like a fair old chunk of change extra?)
And thanks for the welcome.