Iconic Italian brand Pirelli is best known around the world for its top-tier car tires. But its roots actually lie in cycling: the very first bicycle tire rolled out of the Italian factory back in 1894. So how much cutting-edge tech and motorsport expertise has made its way into Pirelli’s modern trail rubber? Can the Pirelli Scorpion MTB tires hold their own against the big names in the game – or are they more of a niche product for fans of Italian engineering? We’ve put the full lineup to the test and are here to help you navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of tire types, casings, and rubber compounds.
| Model | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Scorpion Enduro S SmartGRIP Gravity 29 x 2.40 |
1,062 g | € 76.90 |
| Scorpion Enduro M SmartGRIP Gravity 29 x 2.40 |
982 g | € 76.90 |
| Scorpion Enduro R SmartGRIP Compound HardWALL 29 x 2.60 |
1,061 g | € 76.90 |
| Scorpion Race Enduro M SmartEVO DH DualWALL 29 x 2.50 |
1,355 g | € 89.90 |
| Scorpion Race Enduro T SmartEVO DH DualWALL 29 x 2.50 |
1,336 g | € 89.90 |
| Scorpion Race DH M SmartEVO DH DualWALL+ 29 x 2.50 |
1,551 g | € 89.90 |
| Scorpion E-MTB M SmartGRIP Gravity HyperWALL 29 x 2.60 |
1,335 g | € 84.90 |
Pirelli’s casings at a glance
Pirelli’s mountain bike range offers six different casing variants: LITE, ProWALL, HardWALL, HyperWALL, DualWALL and DualWALL+, which are designed to cover the full spectrum of MTB disciplines, from efficient cross-country racing to aggressive downhill riding. You can identify the casing of each tire by the label printed on the sidewall. For this test, we focused on the models best suited to trail and enduro riding. As a result, we put the HardWALL, DualWALL and DualWALL+ casings through their paces – in the lab and on the trails.
LITE
The LITE casing is built for low rolling resistance and minimal weight, and is used exclusively in the Scorpion XC range. With its 120 TPI fabric construction and no added sidewall protection, it’s not suitable for trail or enduro riding.
ProWALL
Unlike the LITE casing, the ProWALL casing features a nylon sidewall layer and a 60 TPI fabric construction. This not only makes the tire more resistant to cuts and punctures, but also improves its stability at lower air pressures. According to Pirelli, this makes the ProWALL casing suitable for light trail use as well.
HardWALL
The HardWALL casing, developed specifically for trail and enduro riding, features a 60 TPI fabric and a bead-to-bead protective layer to support more aggressive riding styles and heavier riders. In addition, a hard rubber insert in the sidewall is intended to improve stability at lower pressures and help prevent pinch flats. While HardWALL tires are roughly 100 g heavier than their ProWALL counterparts, they still rank among the lightest in the entire test field. However, the lighter weight comes at a cost: puncture protection is limited. In our impact test, the HardWALL casing landed at the lower end of the spectrum– comparable to MAXXIS’s EXO casing or Specialized’s Trail casing. Puncture protection through the tread centre is also fairly minimal. On the plus side, sidewall puncture resistance was solid, coming close to the field average.
HyperWALL
The HyperWALL casing was developed specifically to meet the demands of eMTBs. But what does that actually mean? According to Pirelli, it’s designed to handle the high torque and increased overall weight that are typical of electric mountain bikes. The key? A thick rubber insert bonded to a layer of fabric, which is firmly connected to the bead, adding stability to the tire’s base. Pirelli claim this setup delivers downhill-level stability while being significantly lighter than traditional DH tires– and our scales back that up, with the HyperWALL weighing around 200 g less than typical downhill options. However, compared to the HardWALL casing, the HyperWALL is roughly 300 g heavier.
During impact tests in the lab, the HyperWALL casing proved noticeably more robust than the HardWALL version, placing squarely in the middle of the test field with an average impact height of 460 mm. When it comes to puncture resistance, however, it’s on par with the HardWALL, offering no significant advantage in this regard.
DualWALL
With the DualWALL casing, Pirelli target demanding enduro racing and aggressive trail riding. As the name suggests, this construction uses two carcass plies layered on top of each other. Combined with a reinforced bead featuring a rubber insert, it’s designed to ensure maximum puncture protection. Both plies use a 120 TPI fabric.
In the lab, the DualWALL casing demonstrated solid resistance against impact damage, much like the HyperWALL. However, when it came to puncture resistance through the tread, results were below average. So while you’re well protected from hard hits and rim strikes, you’ll want to keep an eye out for sharp trail debris.
DualWALL+
The DualWALL+ casing also features a dual-ply construction, but unlike the regular DualWALL, it uses a coarser 60 TPI fabric, which makes it the toughest casing in Pirelli’s MTB lineup. However, this durability comes at a cost – a significant weight penalty.
Pirelli’s rubber compounds at a glance
Pirelli offer three different rubber compounds across their Scorpion MTB range, each developed to balance rolling resistance, grip and durability depending on the intended use. Here’s a quick overview of what each blend is designed to deliver.
SmartGRIP Compound
The SmartGRIP Compound is Pirelli’s hardest rubber blend, designed to deliver grip in both dry and wet conditions. In practice, we’d only recommend using this compound on the rear wheel, where its low rolling resistance really pays off – provided you’re willing to accept a slight compromise in trail performance.
SmartGRIP Gravity
SmartGRIP Gravity is a single-compound formula, too, but compared to the standard SmartGRIP Compoundit’s noticeably softer – delivering significantly more grip. It strikes a solid balance between traction and rolling resistance, making it a versatile choice for use on both the front and rear wheel.
SmartEVO DH Compound
The SmartEVO DH Compound is Pirelli’s softest rubber blend and is used exclusively in tires from the “Scorpion Race” sub-category. It’s been developed specifically for gravity-focused racing. While you can run it on the rear wheel, be warned – the significantly higher rolling resistance will definitely make itself felt on the climbs.
Pirelli’s tread patterns at a glance
Pirelli take their naming cues for bicycle tires straight from the world of motorsport. Classic titles like PZero, Cinturato and Scorpion feature prominently on the sidewalls – with Scorpion marking all tread patterns designed specifically for mountain biking. The suffix following the Scorpion name indicates the intended use, as envisioned by Pirelli’s development team: XC, Trail, Enduro, DH, or E-MTB. Some models also include the “Race” tag, highlighting their suitability for the most demanding competition environments – this applies to all downhill tires and selected enduro models. You’ll recognise the Race models by their bold yellow branding that runs uninterrupted across the sidewall.
The final part of the model name carries individual significance. In most cases, it tells you what type of terrain the tread pattern has been designed for.
M (Mixed Terrain): for varied, changing trail conditions
MUD: for muddy terrain
H (Hard Terrain): for dry, hard-pack surfaces
R (Rear specific): tread pattern tailored specifically for rear wheel demands
S (Soft Terrain): for loose, soft ground
T (Traction): designed for maximum grip and traction
Another unique feature: some Pirelli models are available in a Tanwall version – referred to as “Classic” by the brand – which comes with beige-brown sidewalls. Alternatively, you can customise the colour of the tire lettering, a feature we’ve only seen from Pirelli so far. It’s a small detail, but one that will definitely please some riders who want to match their tires with their bike’s overall look. However, this option isn’t available across the board – it depends on the specific model, casing type and tire size.
Scorpion Enduro M
The Scorpion Enduro M is the all-rounder in Pirelli’s enduro lineup, designed to perform reliably across a wide range of trail conditions. It’s only available with the balanced SmartGRIP Gravity compound, which ensures a predictable ride feel. When it comes to casings, Pirelli let you choose between the lighter ProWALL version and the more robust HardWALL, which is the one we tested. At just 982 g, it’s the lightest tire in the entire test field – so don’t expect it to work miracles when it comes to puncture protection. In terms of grip, the Scorpion Enduro M delivers a solid, predictable performance but trails behind more aggressively treaded competitors on the descents. On the upside, rolling resistance is impressively low. The tire is available in both 27.5” and 29” diameters, though if you’re after a width between 2.4” and 2.6”, that’s only available in the 29” version. The 29” HardWALL variant also comes in a Tanwall variant or with branding in black, gold, orange and turquoise.
Scorpion Enduro S
Designed for loose, soft terrain, the Pirelli Scorpion Enduro S proved to be a well-damped companion in our test, delivering solid traction – although the relatively short knobs can’t quite match the bite of some rival tires made for softer ground. On the flip side, rolling resistance is impressively low at just 33.8 watts, especially for a tire weighing 1,062 g. The Scorpion Enduro S is available in 27.5” and 29” diameters, as well as in 2.4” and 2.6” widths. You also get the choice between the ProWALL and the more robust HardWALL casing, which is the one we tested. When it comes to rubber compounds, Pirelli give you the option of the harder SmartGRIP variant the softer SmartGRIP Gravity version, as used in our test. All 29” variants are also available with Tanwalls, and if you go for the 2.4” HardWALL version, you can choose between yellow or black sidewall lettering.
Scorpion Enduro R
The “R” in Pirelli Scorpion Enduro R denotes the rear-specific tread pattern. With rear tires, manufacturers typically focus on wear resistance, rolling efficiency and traction – so it comes as no surprise that the Scorpion Enduro R is only available with the SmartGRIP compound, which was developed to strike an optimal balance between durability and performance. Pirelli offer this tire in both 27.5” and 29” diameters, and in 2.4” and 2.6” widths, with a choice of ProWALL or HardWALL casing. Thanks to the relatively shallow centre knobs, the Scorpion Enduro R delivers an outstandingly low rolling resistance of just 27.4 watts – the lowest in the entire test field. This makes it a top pick for riders looking to shave time off the climbs – or for racers hoping to squeeze out precious seconds on uphill stages. For downhill-focused stages, however, there are stronger options available, as the braking traction doesn’t quite match the best rear tires out there. Still, with the 2.6” width tested, grip levels remain impressive, making the Scorpion Enduro R a solid all-rounder and a great choice for those prioritising a smart blend of grip and efficiency.
Scorpion Race Enduro-Modelle
Unlike the standard Enduro models, the Race Enduro variants come exclusively with a DualWALL casing and offer a slightly wider 2.5” footprint for added surface contact. And while die-hard Formula 1 fans might expect a medium compound from the yellow-lettered tires with their bold yellow accents, these Race Enduro tires are actually fitted exclusively with Pirelli’s softest SmartEVO DH compound.
This translates into maximum traction – but it also comes at the cost of noticeably increased rolling resistance.
Scorpion Race Enduro M
The Race Enduro M is the versatile counterpart of the Enduro M within the Race Enduro range. Designed as an all-rounder for mixed conditions, this version of the Scorpion is available in 27.5” and 29” wheel sizes. The centre knobs follow a two-step pattern and are relatively wide. Instead of following directly with the side knobs, Pirelli added transition knobs. These are intended to take the load off the side knobs in corners and ensure a smoother transition from centre to side knobs. The side knobs themselves show no variation and are all the same. It’s clearly noticeable that the side knobs rise quite high – almost up to the height of the centre knobs.
In our practical test, the Race Enduro M impressed with good traction. The casing is on the firmer side in terms of damping qualities, meaning that it transmits plenty of feedback from the ground. With its 2.5” width, the Race Enduro M is less prone to getting caught in ruts and provides a reassuring sense of stability on descents thanks to its predictable handling.
Scorpion Race Enduro T
The Scorpion Race Enduro T is available in 27.5” or 29” and, like all Race Enduro tires, comes exclusively with the DualWALL casing and SmartEVO DH compound. Compared to the Race Enduro M, the tread is more open, with fewer knobs and wider centre lugs, thus offering better braking traction, and making the Race Enduro T a good choice for the rear wheel. The downside: rolling resistance is high. As with the Race Enduro M, the DualWALL casing is relatively stiff, which can lead to increased arm pump on rough sections.
Scorpion E-MTB M
The Scorpion E-MTB M already reveals its purpose in the name: it’s designed specifically for e-mountain bikes and features the HyperWALL casing. When it comes to the rubber compound, Pirelli rely entirely on the SmartGRIP Gravity compound. In our practical test, the Scorpion E-MTB M delivered particularly strong traction – which suits its intended use on eMTBs, where high traction is essential, especially when accelerating. The low rolling resistance measured in the lab further supports its e-bike suitability, helping maximise range. In terms of grip and damping, the Scorpion E-MTB M also performed solidly on our descents.
The Scorpion E-MTB M is only available in 2.6” width and in both 27.5” and 29” wheel sizes. Visually, the tire comes with a choice of three lettering colour variants or classic tan walls.
Scorpion Race DH M
Pirelli contribute not only the lightest but also one of the heaviest tires in the entire test field – the 1,551 g Scorpion Race DH M. Designed as an all-rounder within their downhill range, this tire is intended to perform well across different terrains while at the same time ensuring predictable handling. Like all Scorpion DH tires, the Race DH M is only available with the DualWALL+ casing and the SmartEVO DH rubber compound. On the trail, the casing of the Scorpion Race DH M proves to be very stiff. The slow rebound of the SmartEVO DH compound provides plenty of ground contact, and the tread pattern ensures solid grip in a wide range of conditions. The 2.5” wide tire is available in both 27.5” and 29” diameters.
Our recommendation
Enduro – full throttle (f/r): Scorpion Race Enduro M / Scorpion Race Enduro T
Trail – grip (f/r): Scorpion Enduro M / Scorpion Enduro M
Trail – fast rolling (f/r): Scorpion Enduro M / Scorpion Enduro R
For more information, visit Pirelli’s website.
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Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker
