is Panaracer’s newer aggressive gravel-race/adventure tyre that sits between a fast race tyre and a high-protection all-terrain tyre. Compared to the older SK+ pattern, the X1+ is designed to roll faster, corner more predictably, and clear loose terrain better while still maintaining strong puncture resistance.
What makes the X1+ special
The X1+ is positioned between:
- a pure fast gravel race tyre,
- and a heavily protected adventure tyre.
It is designed to:
- roll faster than the older SK+,
- corner more predictably,
- clear mud and loose gravel more effectively,
- and maintain excellent puncture resistance.
Panaracer describes it as:
“The fastest GK ever.”
Tread design
The completely new X1 tread pattern focuses on:
- aggressive but fast-rolling center tread,
- improved mud shedding,
- better braking and cornering control,
- more predictable handling on rough terrain.
Compared to the SK+:
- smoother on hardpack,
- more controlled in loose corners,
- quieter on tarmac,
- and better in mixed wet/dry conditions.
Key technologies
ZSG Gravel Compound
Panaracer’s latest rubber compound designed for:
- low rolling resistance,
- strong grip,
- consistent performance in hot or cold conditions.
TuffTex+ casing
A reinforced 120 TPI bead-to-bead protection layer providing:
- excellent puncture resistance,
- improved durability,
- strong sidewall support,
- confidence on sharp gravel and rough roads.
The “+” version specifically targets riders doing:
- rough gravel,
- bikepacking,
- ultra-distance events,
- aggressive terrain riding.
BeadLock TLR
Developed for modern tubeless and hookless rim systems:
- easier tubeless setup,
- secure bead retention,
- lower-pressure compatibility,
- improved rim interface security.
Ride feel
The 700x50c size gives:
- huge comfort,
- excellent vibration damping,
- strong traction,
- stability at lower pressures,
- reduced fatigue over long rides.
Despite the large size, the X1+ is designed to feel:
- faster,
- more responsive,
- and more lively
than traditional high-volume adventure tyres.
Terrain focus
Excellent for:
- rough South African gravel roads,
- mixed hardpack and loose terrain,
- gravel racing,
- long endurance rides,
- technical gravel descents,
- bikepacking,
- wet and dry mixed conditions.
X1+ vs SK+ (simple comparison)
| Feature |
X1+ |
SK+ |
| Rolling speed |
Faster |
Moderate-fast |
| Cornering precision |
Improved |
Good |
| Mud clearing |
Better |
Moderate |
| Road noise |
Lower |
Higher |
| Ride comfort |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Puncture protection |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Terrain versatility |
Very high |
High |
| Adventure durability |
High |
Very high |
Ideal rider
The X1+ suits riders who want:
- one tyre for almost everything,
- high-volume comfort,
- race-capable speed,
- aggressive terrain confidence,
- and excellent tubeless durability.
Bottom line
The GravelKing II X1+ 700x50c Brown is essentially Panaracer’s modern “do-it-all fast gravel” tyre:
- quicker and more refined than the SK+,
- highly capable off-road,
- strongly protected against punctures,
- and ideal for riders balancing speed, adventure, and rough-terrain reliability.
