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

If you’re serious about gravel performance — whether you’re chasing race PRs, ripping rugged mixed terrain, or hauling the bikepacking load — your choice of wheels dramatically affects how your bike rides, accelerates and handles. Enter two of 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.

Both deliver wide, aero-inspired gravel performance, but the differences between them are subtle. We delve into the specification to help you decide which is best.

Gravel-Specific Tech at a Glance

Before diving into differences, here’s what both XPLR wheelsets bring to your gravel setup:

Gravel-Optimised Rim Shape: 54 mm rim depth and a mega-wide 32 mm internal width (unusually wide for gravel and visually very different) gives a better tyre-to-rim interface, improving aerodynamics and allowing lower tyre pressures with less squirm.

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

Lifetime Warranty: Like other Zipp wheels, they come with a lifetime warranty (conditions apply).

Gravel Tyre Compatibility: Max pressure ~50 psi and designed to pair with tyres in the 40–60 mm range for true gravel performance. Both wheelsets target riders who love big tyres and aero thinking on dirt — a clear shift from narrower, road-derived wheels of the past.

Key Differences Explained

🏆 Performance vs Value

303 XPLR SW — Premium Performance

RRP – £1600

Hubs: Uses Zipp’s premium ZR1 hubs with higher engagement and smoother engagement feel — excellent for technical terrain and quick accelerations.

Carbon Layup: A more advanced carbon fibre laminate reduces weight and increases stiffness for quick response.

Weight: Claims around ~1496 g, making them lighter and more agile over varied terrain.

• Ideal For: Gravel racers, fast adventure rides, and riders who want every watt saved and a more refined ride.

303 XPLR S — Value + Robustness

RRP – £1100

Hubs: Equipped with the more budget friendly 76/176 hubs, which are proven, durable and serviceable but not as quick-engaging as ZR1.

Carbon Layup: Slightly heavier construction prioritises durability and affordability.

Weight: Around ~1642 g, ~150 g heavier than the SW, yet still competitive among premium gravel wheels.

• Ideal For: Gravel riders who want most of the XPLR tech without paying the higher price — great for endurance and mixed terrain.

⚖️ Bottom Line: If you race gravel or value every gram and fraction of a second, SW is the performance pick. If you’re after real-world gravel durability and value, S hits the sweet spot for most riders.

Real-World Gravel Riding: What You’ll Feel

🪶 Acceleration & Weight

Lighter wheels make a noticeable difference on rolling terrain and long climbs — SW’s lighter setup is more responsive and feels quicker out of corners due to the weight advantage over the S. That said, the S versions are no slouch and their weight is very competitive against other manufacturers.

🛣️ Handling & Ride Quality

Both wheelsets share the same rim width and depth, so they’ll feel similarly confidence-inspiring when you drop pressures low for better traction on rough surfaces. The wide 32 mm internal width supports a flatter tyre profile, reducing the “lightbulb” effect and creating predictable cornering feel.

The hub engagement difference matters if you navigate tight, technical sections where quick power transfer makes a noticeable difference.

🧩 Tyre Compatibility & Fit

It is worth noting that because these rims are so wide, tyre fitment and frame clearance are real considerations — tyres can meausre wider once mounted and may challenge tight rear triangle clearances on some bikes. Always measure before spec’ing. A full list of compatible tyres which is updated regularly can be found here.

Who Should Choose What?

Choose Zipp 303 XPLR SW if:

• You race gravel or target fast timed events.
• You want premium hubs with quicker engagement and smoother feel.
• You prioritise weight savings and crisp responsiveness.

Choose Zipp 303 XPLR S if:

• You ride long adventure routes, mixed surfaces, bikepacking tours or endurance events.
• You want a robust, capable gravel wheelset without flagship pricing.
• You value durability and slam-it-down confidence over shaving every gram.

Final Thoughts

Both the Zipp 303 XPLR S and SW wheelsets are game-changers for gravel riders, offering wide, aero-inspired performance that transforms how big tyres handle unpaved terrain. Choosing between them comes down to performance vs everyday practicality — the SW leans into race-ready speed and lightness, while the S delivers most of that tech with a more rider-friendly price and ruggedness.

Whether you’re chasing Strava segments or seeking gravel horizons, Zipp’s XPLR lineup sets a new benchmark for what gravel wheels can do.

Wheelset Comparison Guide