I was given a set of 20 in sand stars and used them this weekend @ pismo beach they did ok . use them till u have the $ for a 22 then sell them

 

Any quad thats over 400 plus lbs requires more floatation, get a hold of Dave over at Fullerton Sand Tires, For play dunning run a 9" to 10" wide rim, 22" O.D min, if you have a longer swing arm look into 24", the DS floats on the sand way better, your handling and fun will double, be the best money you spent.
As for tires that all up to your riding type, Sand Stars are a very heavy tire, scat trac extrems, Hauler or Edges and paddle qty all depend again on your dune set up (Hill Shooter, Dune Cruising, ect)
I run a Sand Tires Unlimted comp cut, but im ordering a set of 24" x 10" x 11" edges for Pismo next month to try out

 

what do you suggest in the price range of sandstars?

 

The 8 paddle Extremes standard buff I ran were just 1 Lb lighter than a Sand Star, so 2 Lb per set. The 10 Paddle Edges were the same weight. The Sand Star is a good all around duning tire. (but in a 22in for our pigs)