CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing X1 40

Panaracer has recently revamped its entire line of GravelKing tires with the introduction of the new GravelKing X1. The GravelKing X1, along with other new GravelKing models, is offered in three different casing versions. The regular X1 provides balanced performance and versatility, while the X1+ features a reinforced casing. The X1 R offers the fastest and lightest casing for gravel enthusiasts seeking top performance.

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All casing constructions have been enhanced with a special TuffTex layer developed by Panaracer, providing improved protection and sealing capabilities. Additionally, the updated beads incorporate a unique BeadLock design, making it easier to inflate the tire, even without access to compressed air. This represents an evolution towards a more user-friendly tubeless-ready construction, addressing previous challenges with sealing and inflating the original GravelKings.

The compound used in the new GravelKings has also been updated to the "ZSG Gravel" compound, a variation of Panaracer's high-end ZSG compound. This change aims to address previous concerns about wet grip performance, offering an improved compound for better traction on various surfaces.

While all GravelKing models benefit from the new casings and compound, the X1 stands out as a completely new addition to the GravelKing lineup. It features a new tread design and a versatile tread pattern suitable for a wide range of conditions. Unlike most other GravelKings, which are available in a wide range of sizes, the X1 is offered in 35mm, 40mm, and 45mm sizes.

We tested the X1 with the R casing a couple of weeks back (read review), and this time, we're going to take a look at the regular X1 with the standard casing. We've tested the 40 mm versions, and this will provide an excellent comparison between the new Panaracer casing designs.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Panaracer
Model	GravelKing X1
Year	2024
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	RF740-GKX1-D2
TPI	-
Compound	ZSG Gravel
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	40-622
Specified Weight	480 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	75
Made In	Members Only
Available Sizes	35-622 (700x35c) 40-622 (700x40c) 45-622 (700x45c)

Panaracer GravelKing X1 40 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	480 grams
Measured Weight	493 grams
Measured Width Casing	40 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	41 mm
Measured Height	38 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	1.9 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.1 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	1.90 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)
Measured Width	40 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 (50 psi / 3.4 bar)	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 (42 psi / 2.9 bar)	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 (33 psi / 2.3 bar)	22.1 Watts CRR: 0.00662
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 (25 psi / 1.7 bar)	24.8 Watts CRR: 0.00743
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	28 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	1.90 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	65 Points
Wet Grip Center	Members Only
Wet Grip Edge	Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center	1.9 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.1 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

In our evaluation, we found that the Panaracer GravelKing X1 with the standard casing underperformed compared to the X1 with the R casing (read review) across all our tests. This is a rare occurrence, as casings typically possess distinct strengths and weaknesses. The Panaracer R casing is the superior design and, disregarding cost, is consistently the better choice over the standard casing.

We are eager to test the X1 with the Plus casing, and we anticipate a more noticeable disparity between the casings when the Plus is included. Currently, the new Panaracer "Standard" casing primarily enhances user-friendliness over the older GravelKings.

Compare the GravelKing X1 to the GravelKing X1-R side by side on our comparison section.

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RATING: 4.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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