CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing X1 Plus 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+ (Plus) 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 addresses 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 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've already tested the X1 with the R casing a couple of months ago (read review), and the X1 with the standard casing (read review) just a few weeks back. With this X1+ (Plus) test, we'll finally get a clear picture of the differences between the new Panaracer casing designs.

We've tested all versions of the X1 in 40 mm size, which will provide the best possible comparison.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Panaracer
Model	GravelKing X1 Plus
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-P-D2
TPI	-
Compound	ZSG Gravel
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	40-622
Specified Weight	510 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	60
Made In	Members Only
Available Sizes	35-622 (700x35c) 40-622 (700x40c) 45-622 (700x45c)

Panaracer GravelKing X1 Plus 40 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	510 grams
Measured Weight	495 grams
Measured Width Casing	40 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	41 mm
Measured Height	37 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	1.9 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.1 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	1.70 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)	22.0 Watts CRR: 0.00659
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)	26.8 Watts CRR: 0.00803
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	1.70 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	68 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

Now that we can clearly see the differences between the new Panaracer casing designs, we see that the Plus casing has much stronger sidewalls than both the R and standard casing. The tread thickness and tread puncture resistance are nearly equal for all three versions of the X1, which shows that if you're looking for more tread puncture resistance, there is no point in going for the Plus casing.

This design choice makes sense to us. Tread puncture resistance is of less importance because the tubeless-ready tire sealant works well to seal punctures in the tread, while sealing punctures in the much thinner sidewalls is often less successful. When you use enough sealant and keep it fresh, the Plus casing should be sufficiently strong for most gravel bike conditions.

Surprisingly, all 3 versions of the X1 roll nearly as fast. We even see the Plus being the fastest rolling version at the highest air pressure, but it drops off a lot at the lowest air pressure, where we see the R version taking a definite lead over the other casings. Our results might also be slightly skewed as our R and Plus samples were relatively light, while our standard casing version was much heavier than the specified weight.

From a performance point of view, we suggest sticking to either the R or the Plus casing and forgetting about the standard casing, as we can't find a reason to pick that one over the others.

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RATING: 4.1 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Highly Recommended

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