Fun fact: WTB were ahead of their time, introducing the world’s first 29” MTB tire all the way back in 1999. What began with rims, saddles and bar ends has evolved into a wide-ranging portfolio over the past few decades. Above all, it’s their tires that have made the brand instantly recognisable. But how much of that once-pioneering spirit still remains more than a quarter of a century later? We tested the manufacturer’s most relevant modern Enduro tires to find out where they shine and where they still have room to grow.
| Model | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Boss TriTec Fast Rolling Tough 29 x 2.40 |
1,538 g | € 67.95 |
| Vigilante SG1 TriTec High Grip Tough 29 x 2.50 |
1,605 g | € 67.95 |
| Verdict SG1 TriTec High Grip Tough 29 x 2.50 |
1,311 g | € 67.95 |
WTB’s casings at a glance
For trail and enduro riding, WTB offer two self-explanatory casing types: Tough Casing and Light Casing. A little less intuitive is the abbreviation “TCS,” which stands for Tubeless Compatible System – WTB use this to label all their tubeless-ready tires. In contrast, the “Comp” models are designated to be used with inner tubes. You’ll also find the abbreviations “SG1” or “SG2” on the sidewall, which refer to the specific puncture protection technology integrated into the casing.
Light Casing
The Light Casing consists of a single-ply 60 TPI carcass. It’s combined with the “SG2” puncture protection technology, which features a nylon insert running from bead to bead. This is designed to strike an optimal balance between weight and puncture protection.
Tough Casing
All WTB tires we tested came in the Tough Casing, which consists of two 60 TPI carcass layers running from bead to bead. The Tough Casing always includes the “SG1” puncture protection technology, which adds an insert beneath the tread to increase resistance to sharp objects. During our test, the heavy-duty Tough Casing proved effective against pinch flats, though there’s still room for improvement in terms of puncture protection despite the tread insert.
WTB also rely on their proprietary IP+ Technology for their Tough Casing, which offers significantly better bead protection. This is meant not only to guard the tire bead from damage but also to reinforce the sidewall structure. The latter definitely holds true– though, in our opinion, it’s a bit over the top. Out on the trail, the Tough Casing proved to be by far the stiffest in this test, even at low pressures, lacking damping qualities and turning features like brake bumps into a full-body workout.
WTB’s rubber compounds at a glance
WTB offer tires with single-compound rubber (DNA Compound), dual-compound (Dual DNA Compound), and a more advanced three-part mix called TriTec Compound. The most premium models rely on the TriTec structure, which is the one we tested. These combine three coordinated rubber layers to strike the best possible balance between grip, durability and rolling efficiency. The design follows a clear logic: a firm base compound provides structure and longevity. On top of that sit two more layers: to maximise grip, the side knobs use a softer rubber, while the centre knobs are made from a slightly harder compound for reduced rolling resistance. Based on this structure, WTB distinguish between two types of TriTec rubber: TriTec Fast Rolling and TriTec High Grip.
TriTec Fast Rolling
The Fast Rolling version of the TriTec compound is focused on rolling efficiency. That’s why WTB use relatively firm rubber for the centre tread and slightly softer – but still efficient – rubber for the side knobs. This was confirmed in our lab tests, where the Fast Rolling compound model delivered impressively low rolling resistance. As such, tires featuring the Fast Rolling label are a solid choice for use on the rear wheel.
TriTec High Grip
Rainy days, enduro racing and gnarly root sections – the High Grip version of the TriTec compound is all about providing maximum traction in all conditions. That’s why WTB use significantly softer rubber above the base compound for both the centre tread and side knobs. This makes the High Grip compound especially well-suited for the front wheel, where it delivered predictable and confidence-inspiring trail performance throughout this test.
Important: Unlike with MAXXIS, for example, WTB don’t let you mix and match compounds freely for a given tread pattern – the compound is predetermined by the tread itself and thus firmly linked to its intended use.
WTB’s tread patterns at a glance
For trail and enduro use, WTB developed four key tire models: the Trail Boss and Judge are designed specifically for the rear wheel, while the Vigilante and Verdict are aimed at delivering top performance up front.
Trail Boss
Steep ramps on the climbs, dry berms as hard as concrete, and rock slabs – that’s the Trail Boss’s natural habitat. This low-profile tire, much like Schwalbe’s Hans Dampf, relies on a dense arrangement of small knobs. These are evenly distributed across the tread, allowing for a seamless transition from centre to shoulder knobs without any noticeable loss of grip. The Trail Boss is only available with the 60 TPI Tough Casing and the Fast Rolling version of the TriTec Compound. True to its name, the Fast Rolling version delivers decent rolling performance, though not quite on par with Schwalbe’s tires. Thanks to its strong braking traction, the Trail Boss is a solid choice for the rear wheel. For a fast-rolling trail bike setup, it can also work well up front – but in steep enduro terrain, aside from hardpack surfaces, it doesn’t offer enough grip to be a reliable front tire.
The Trail Boss is only available in a 2.4” version, but comes in both 29” and 27.5” diameters. WTB also offer a narrower 2.3” variant with the DNA Compound and a 30 TPI casing. However, this “Comp” version isn’t tubeless compatible.
Vigilante
The Vigilante is a long-time staple in WTB’s tire line-up. Originally launched in 2013, this all-rounder tire is designed to shine in loose terrain, featuring tall, square-edged knobs that are said to offer strong self-cleaning properties. Raised centre knobs serve as support for the side knobs when cornering, helping to prevent them from folding over. In our real-world test, the Vigilante impressed with strong traction and grip, offering consistently predictable handling. That said, there are a few important things to note: in the tested version with Tough Casing, the Vigilante tips the scales at a hefty 1,605 grams – which makes it the heaviest tire in the entire test field. Despite that, the SG1 version didn’t stand out for its puncture protection. Rolling resistance is very high, too, only narrowly surpassed by the MAXXIS Shorty. Still, both tires are designed for front-wheel use, where rolling resistance is less critical. The 2.5” wide Vigilante SG1 is also available with the lighter Light Casing.
Verdict
Big knobs everywhere! Also designed for front-wheel use, the Verdict is only available in the High Grip version of the TriTec compound – which fits perfectly with its positioning as the most aggressive front tire in WTB’s line-up. It’s built to perform in all weather conditions, and in our test rides, it delivered a well-rounded performance with excellent grip and traction.
There’s more to like about the Verdict: It’s lighter than the Vigilante, has nearly 10 watts less rolling resistance, and delivers slightly better results in puncture protection. The Verdict is available in both 27.5” and 29” sizes, each in a fixed 2.5” width. The 29” version is also offered with the lighter Light Casing.
Our recommendation
Enduro – full send (f/r): Verdict SG1 Tough Casing High Grip / Trail Boss SG1 Tough Casing Fast Rolling
Trail – fast rolling (f/r): Trail Boss SG1 Tough Casing Fast Rolling / Trail Boss SG1 Tough Casing Fast Rolling
For more information, visit WTB’s website.
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Words: Lars Engmann Photos: Peter Walker
