Launched late last year and already a regular feature on the enduro and downhill World Cup circuit, the Pirelli Scorpion Race tyres have now become accessible to everyday biking enthusiasts like us, mere mortals. The Scorpion Race series expands the comprehensive Scorpion range with a softer, dual-compound option featuring enduro and DH casings. Time to get rowdy.
This review delves into the technical aspects of these tyres, helps demystify the range of options, and shares impressions from our hands-on experience of riding and testing these tyres across various trails.
Too meaty? Check out our recent review of the lighter ProWall and HardWall versions of the Scorpion range here – Pirelli Scorpion M & R tyres.
Seeking Pirelli XC rubber? Check out our first experience with the Pirelli MTB tyres, on an XC race bike here – and an explanation of the range here.
Technical Details
The Scorpion Race DH and EN tyres are the result of a collaboration between Pirelli and three-time Downhill World Champion, Fabien Barel. Designed with racing in mind, these tyres offer:
- Four distinctive tread patterns (M, T, S and MUD)
- One diameter, 2.5in
- Two casing options (DualWall and DualWall+)
The tyres feature the advanced SmartEVO DH compound, a derivation from Pirelli Motorsport, which introduces a super-soft compound that prioritises grip over durability and rolling speed. This feature offers what Pirelli describes as ‘chemical grip’ (the rubber component) and ‘mechanical support’ (the tread pattern component), striving to maintain low rolling resistance using dual compounds and particular focus on knob height.
With four distinct tread patterns – Mixed Terrain (M), Traction (T), Soft Terrain (S), and MUD – there are plenty of choices, and it’s relatively easy to understand. The tyres are available in two casings: DualWall+ and DualWall. The DualWall+ provides puncture protection and stability at high speeds, making it suitable for aggressive riders, downhill, and hard-enduro racing. On the other hand, DualWall is lighter and delivers a more pliant ride, making it a fitting choice for lighter riders and less demanding applications.
The claimed weight for the M and T DualWall tyre is 1260g. The DH DualWall+ casing carries an additional 190g compared to the EN DualWall tyre. For comparison, a Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5in with the Double Down casing and the softest MaxxGrip compound is reported to weigh 1325g.
First Impressions
We opted for a pair of EN DualWall Scorpions, the M on the front and T out the back, for our mixed wheel Levo. The fitment process was a breeze, requiring only a track pump via Peaty’s tubeless valves and some Peaty’s sealant to snap into place. The large side knobs sit proud of the body of the tire, maintaining a rounded profile on the 30mm internal width Roval Traverse rims, set up with 19 and 21 PSI.
The Scorpion Race EN tyres made a strong impression from the first ride, and even prompted a laugh as we began to trust their hold on the dirt. They proved to be a perfect match for our Specialized Levo test bike as we tackled the roughest, rowdiest trails and loosest corners we could find.
Testing the Scorpion Race Tyres
The tyres showcased their versatility across various terrains. The front tyre (M), in particular, handled dry gravel and loose-over hardpack exceedingly well while also performing admirably on sections of raw rock; the soft and slow-rebounding rubber felt like it was sticking while also biting well. Under hard braking, they resisted skipping out, especially the rear tyre with its deep paddle-shaped centre knobs, and that prompted us to brake late, ride with aggression and confidence.
On the rear, we opted for the Traction (T) pattern. It dug in impressively when climbing back up the trails, resisting spinning and breaking traction even in full-turbo mode when out of the saddle.
Having transitioned from a pair of Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres with the Super Soft compound, which aren’t nearly as soft as the Pirelli’s, the bike felt smoother and less pingy as the tyre’s side knobs caught the edges of rocks and roots. While softer isn’t always better – with XC race tyres often relying on firmer rubber for faster rolling – in this case, it proved beneficial.
Price
Pricing for the Scorpion Race DH and EN tyres sits at the upper end of the market, with the Scorpion Race EN priced at $134.99 AUD, and the Scorpion Race DH at $129.99 AUD.
Flow’s Verdict
The Pirelli Scorpion Race DH and EN tyres serve as a testament to Pirelli’s commitment to the MTB tyre world. They complete the broad range of Scorpion tyres, now featuring a soft compound option for eMTB, downhill, and enduro racing. The relative newcomers to the scene now have a solid range of Scorpions for everyone, from XC to trail, enduro and DH.
From our experiences riding and testing these tyres, we can confidently assert that they perform exceptionally well, up there with the new Continental Super Soft gravity range and the proven and trusted Maxxis MaxxGrip options. They grip the terrain effectively and hit an impressive weight and size specification, and will certainly remain fitted to this bike for plenty of time to come.
