CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing ZX R 45

Following the recent renewal of Panaracer's GravelKing lineup, the GravelKing ZX is a new addition and features a more modern semi-slick tread pattern than the GravelKing Semi-Slick. While the standard GravelKing ZX offers versatility, the ZX R is built with Panaracer's fastest, lightest casing construction, engineered for the demands of gravel bikers seeking maximum performance. There's also the ZX+ (Plus), which comes with a reinforced casing for extra protection.

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Like the rest of the updated range, the Panaracer ZX R benefits from the new TuffTex casing layer, which balances structural integrity with improved tubeless sealing. We also see the inclusion of the updated BeadLock bead, which significantly simplifies tubeless setup, even without compressed air. The "ZSG Gravel" compound, a variation of Panaracer's ZSG compound for road bike tires, offers a good balance between wet grip and rolling resistance.

The ZX falls in the semi-slick category, and we have seen significant competition among semi-slick tires recently, with high-performing tires such as the Hutchinson Caracal Race (read our review), Continental Terra Competition (read our review), Schwalbe G-One RS Pro (read our review), Specialized Pathfinder (read our review), and others. We're curious to see how the ZX R performs in our tests.

Normally, we start with the 40 mm size for a gravel tire, but with the ZX R, we are starting with the 45 mm version because Panaracer made the 45 and 50 mm sizes available first. The smaller 35 and 40 mm versions will be available later, so you'll need to be a bit patient for those.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Panaracer
Model	GravelKing ZX R
Year	2026
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	HIgh
Buy At	Ad Amazon.com
Manufacturer part number	RF745-GKZX-R-SX2
EAN	4931253036552
TPI	-
Compound	ZSG Gravel
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	45-622
Specified Weight	510 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	58
Made In	Pro Data
Available Sizes	40-622 (700x40c) 45-622 (700x45c) 50-622 (700x50c) 55-622 (700x55c)

Panaracer GravelKing ZX R 45 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	510 grams
Measured Weight	504 grams
Measured Width Casing	43 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	44 mm
Measured Height	Pro Data
Tire Circumference	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.0 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	3.10 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Pro Data
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	43 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 (46 psi / 3.2 bar)	Pro Data
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 (38 psi / 2.6 bar)	Pro Data
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 (31 psi / 2.1 bar)	20.2 Watts CRR: 0.00606
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 (23 psi / 1.6 bar)	Pro Data
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	44 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Tread Total Tire Thickness	3.10 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Pro Data

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	71 Points
Wet Grip Center	Pro Data
Wet Grip Edge	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.0 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 ZX R offers well-rounded performance in our tests, with performance coming in somewhere in the middle of the pack in nearly all tests. We don't see any significant shortcomings, but rolling resistance is on the high side for a semi-slick tire, especially given this is the R version of the GravelKing ZX.

When we compare the ZX R to the GravelKing X1 R (read our review) and GravelKing Slick R (read our review), we see it slots right in between those tires, making it an interesting addition to the GravelKing lineup. We know some of you swear by Panaracer's GravelKing tires, and a new GravelKing means more choice to find the perfect tread that suits your conditions.

When we include tires from competing brands in the comparison, we see some tires that outperform the GravelKing ZX R in certain areas, and they might be a better choice if they suit your exact requirements.

Compare the GravelKing ZX R, GravelKing Slick R, and GravelKing X1 R on our comparison section.

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RATING: 4.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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