CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC 40

The Plus version of the Panaracer Gravelking SS (Semi-Slick) TLC is a reinforced version of the non-Plus GravelKing SS (read our review) that we tested a couple of months ago. The non-Plus GravelKing SS turned out to be quite a strong performer in our tests as it already offers much better puncture resistance when compared to the "regular" GravelKing while being just a bit slower.

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The Gravelking SS Plus comes with an extra layer of "ProTire Shield Plus" anti-puncture material that protects the tire's tread and sidewalls. The bead-to-bead protection is different from the "regular" Gravelking Plus (read our review) that we tested a while back as that one comes with an anti-puncture strip that only covers the tread. Our initial thought was that all the Panaracer "Plus" versions would offer the same protection, so we're a bit surprised by these differences.

Another indication the "Plus" versions do not always offer the same protection can be found in the specified weights of the Gravelkings. The "regular" Gravelking is just 10 grams heavier than the non-plus version in the same size, while the GravelKing SS Plus comes in 50 grams heavier than the non-plus version. As there are many more versions of the Gravelking available, and it's a good idea to check the specified weights to get an idea about the added protection of the Plus version.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Panaracer
Model	GravelKing SS Plus TLC
Year	2021
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	RF738-GK-SMS-P-D
TPI	-
Compound	ZSG
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	40-622
Specified Weight	460 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	75
Made In	Members Only
Available Sizes	32-622 (700x32c) 35-622 (700x35c) 40-622 (700x38c) 43-622 (700x43c) 48-584 (650x48b)

Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC 40 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	460 grams
Measured Weight	474 grams
Measured Width Casing	36 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	36 mm
Measured Height	43 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	0.2 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.5 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	3.40 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Members Only
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	None (30 ml sealant) (current protocol)	Conti Cross28 (160 gr) (test protocol)
Measured Width	36 mm	36 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar 39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 barHigh Air Pressure (54 psi / 3.7 bar)	Members Only	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar 33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar 39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 barMedium Air Pressure (45 psi / 3.1 bar)	Members Only	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar 33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar 36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar 39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 barLow Air Pressure (36 psi / 2.6 bar)	25.5 Watts CRR: 0.00764	29.3 Watts CRR: 0.00878
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar 36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar 39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 barExtra Low Air Pressure (27 psi / 1.9 bar)	30.0 Watts CRR: 0.00899	35.0 Watts CRR: 0.01049
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	70 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness	3.40 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Members Only

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	64 Points
Wet Grip Center	Members Only
Wet Grip Edge	Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center	0.2 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.5 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

The Panaracer Gravelking SS Plus TLC offers massive protection with very high scores in both the center and sidewall puncture tests. Given the high level of protection, rolling resistance is still reasonable, but we wouldn't advise this tire if you're looking for a fast-rolling gravel bike tire.

The main thing that we've learned from this test is that not all Plus versions of the Panaracer Gravelking come with the same level of protection. The Plus version of the regular Gravelking only offers a protected tread, while the Plus version of the GravelKing SS adds full tire protection, including the sidewalls. If you want to know the protection levels of the other versions of the Gravelking, look at the specified weights -> If it's just 10-20 grams higher, it's protection under the tread; if it's 40-60 grams higher, it's bead to bead protection.

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RATING: 3.3 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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