Zipp 303 XPLR S vs SW — Which Gravel Wheelset Reigns for Journey & Racing?

For those who’re critical about gravel efficiency — whether or not you’re chasing race PRs, ripping rugged combined terrain, or hauling the bikepacking load — your alternative of wheels dramatically impacts how your bike rides, accelerates and handles. Enter two of probably the most talked-about carbon gravel wheelsets on the planet: the Zipp 303 XPLR S and its higher-end sibling, the Zipp 303 XPLR SW.

Each ship large, aero-inspired gravel efficiency, however the variations between them are delicate. We delve into the specification that can assist you resolve which is finest.

Gravel-Particular Tech at a Look

Earlier than diving into variations, right here’s what each XPLR wheelsets convey to your gravel setup:

Gravel-Optimised Rim Form: 54 mm rim depth and a mega-wide 32 mm inside width (unusually large for gravel and visually very completely different) offers a greater tyre-to-rim interface, enhancing aerodynamics and permitting decrease tyre pressures with much less squirm.

Tubeless & Hookless First: Designed for tubeless tyres, enhancing traction, consolation and puncture resistance at low pressures.

Lifetime Guarantee: Like different Zipp wheels, they arrive with a lifetime guarantee (situations apply).

Gravel Tyre Compatibility: Max stress ~50 psi and designed to pair with tyres within the 40–60 mm vary for true gravel efficiency. Each wheelsets goal riders who love huge tyres and aero pondering on dust — a transparent shift from narrower, road-derived wheels of the previous.

Key Variations Defined

🏆 Efficiency vs Worth

303 XPLR SW — Premium Efficiency

RRP – £1600

Hubs: Makes use of Zipp’s premium ZR1 hubs with larger engagement and smoother engagement really feel — wonderful for technical terrain and fast accelerations.

Carbon Layup: A extra superior carbon fibre laminate reduces weight and will increase stiffness for fast response.

Weight: Claims round ~1496 g, making them lighter and extra agile over various terrain.

• Splendid For: Gravel racers, quick journey rides, and riders who need each watt saved and a extra refined experience.

303 XPLR S — Worth + Robustness

RRP – £1100

Hubs: Outfitted with the extra funds pleasant 76/176 hubs, that are confirmed, sturdy and serviceable however not as quick-engaging as ZR1.

Carbon Layup: Barely heavier building prioritises sturdiness and affordability.

Weight: Round ~1642 g, ~150 g heavier than the SW, but nonetheless aggressive amongst premium gravel wheels.

• Splendid For: Gravel riders who need a lot of the XPLR tech with out paying the upper value — nice for endurance and combined terrain.

⚖️ Backside Line: For those who race gravel or worth each gram and fraction of a second, SW is the efficiency choose. For those who’re after real-world gravel sturdiness and worth, S hits the candy spot for many riders.

Actual-World Gravel Using: What You’ll Really feel

🪶 Acceleration & Weight

Lighter wheels make a noticeable distinction on rolling terrain and lengthy climbs — SW’s lighter setup is extra responsive and feels faster out of corners as a result of weight benefit over the S. That mentioned, the S variations aren’t any slouch and their weight could be very aggressive towards different producers.

🛣️ Dealing with & Trip High quality

Each wheelsets share the identical rim width and depth, in order that they’ll really feel equally confidence-inspiring once you drop pressures low for higher traction on tough surfaces. The large 32 mm inside width helps a flatter tyre profile, lowering the “lightbulb” impact and creating predictable cornering really feel.

The hub engagement distinction issues if you happen to navigate tight, technical sections the place fast energy switch makes a noticeable distinction.

🧩 Tyre Compatibility & Match

It’s price noting that as a result of these rims are so large, tyre fitment and body clearance are actual concerns — tyres can meausre wider as soon as mounted and should problem tight rear triangle clearances on some bikes. At all times measure earlier than spec’ing. A full record of appropriate tyres which is up to date repeatedly will be discovered right here.

Who Ought to Select What?

Select Zipp 303 XPLR SW if:

• You race gravel or goal quick timed occasions.
• You need premium hubs with faster engagement and smoother really feel.
• You prioritise weight financial savings and crisp responsiveness.

Select Zipp 303 XPLR S if:

• You experience lengthy journey routes, combined surfaces, bikepacking excursions or endurance occasions.
• You need a strong, succesful gravel wheelset with out flagship pricing.
• You worth sturdiness and slam-it-down confidence over shaving each gram.

Last Ideas

Each the Zipp 303 XPLR S and SW wheelsets are game-changers for gravel riders, providing large, aero-inspired efficiency that transforms how huge tyres deal with unpaved terrain. Selecting between them comes right down to efficiency vs on a regular basis practicality — the SW leans into race-ready velocity and lightness, whereas the S delivers most of that tech with a extra rider-friendly value and ruggedness.

Whether or not you’re chasing Strava segments or searching for gravel horizons, Zipp’s XPLR lineup units a brand new benchmark for what gravel wheels can do.

Wheelset Comparability Information