Reposting this since my post from yesterday got lost in the black hole...

Just bought a '94 Kodiak in nice condition for a steal of a deal. Has a couple minor maintenance issues and will also need new tires one of these days. I've done a lot of reading on this forum about tires but still have a few questions since there are conflicting arguments from different people. After riding the Kodiac I've found that it seems to be geared a bit low for the power of the engine (even in high range), causing me to keep looking for a 6th gear so I'm wondering if I could go to a 27" tire instead of the stock 25". The tires at the top of my list are the Executioners, MudLites or Mud Bugs, with my personal interest focused on the Executioners. I live in the midwest and this quad will see general utility work, trail riding and some mud and snow. I do not like to buy something then regret it, having wasted money, so I'll likely have these tires a long time. Having said these things, here are my questions:

1. Some say the Executioners are rough riding, some say smooth.
2. Many say they wear long, some say they wear quickly.
3. Some say they're easy steering, some say difficult.
4. If I use a 26" will the 10" wide tires clear everything under the front? (am told the MudLites WILL)
5. If I use a 27" will the 10" wide tries clear everythign under the front? What if I dropped to a 8" wide 27" MudBug, would that work without a lift kit?
6. Some say the MudLites are not as tough as the Execs, is this true? They will frequently experience corn and soybean stubble, as well as who knows what else.

I also have a few questions comparing characteristics all 3 model of tires:
7. Rim protection
8. Puncture resistance
9. Trail riding performance
10. Smoothness
11. Ease of steering

Thanks in advance, and I'm looking forward to people's opinions.