We tested this E*thirteen gravity tyre last year and it blew us away with its performance. The Grappler is available in two casing and compound options, including a thick dual ply version designed for DH and enduro racing on the hardest tracks in the world.

After a dubious start with its TRS enduro tyre – that offered incredible grip and damping but sidewalls that collapsed under huge loads – we’ve been pretty happy with E*thirteen’s revised models for the last few years. Made in Thailand by Vee, it’s continuously tweaked the tread and casing since the first version and offers excellent friction in the rubber (especially in the super soft versions) and casings that have proved reliable and tough on multiple Alpine trips and races for us.

There was always a sense though that E*thirteen’s TRS line-up performed a smidge below ultimate grip monsters like the Maxxis Assegai and Schwalbe Magic Mary – the pair of leading front options favoured by many hard-charging UK riders. The older tyre never did anything weird, but the new model is a huge step up in grip.

The Grappler tread pattern is considerably tweaked with more space in the centre compared to the TRS, and the small, tapered transitional knobs and central double/triple block layout now looks almost identical to an Assegai. 

Grappler edge blocks are slightly more regularly shaped than Maxxis’s tyre though, and have straight-through diagonal slits rather than enclosed siping. But again there’s not much in it. E*thirteen’s new tyre also blows up to a similar size and shape with a pretty flat crown and gently sloping curve to the angled shoulder knobs.

This Enduro version uses a 2x120tpi casing with a nylon breaker, and Apex inserts around the bead to resist bottoming on the rim, which could cut the tyre at the point where it’s hardest to plug. This butyl bumper is also lighter and thinner by around 5mm compared to the dual ply, 72TPI DH model.

On alpine trails, even in wet conditions, the grip and conformity from the extra sticky MoPo blend is excellent. The tyre squelches against the ground with a super calm and composed ride that tracks every bump and dulls vibrations and chatter. Plus the rubber has superb friction so it sticks to any and every surface from greasy dirt to roots and rocks. 

What are the alternatives? Check out our guide to the best mountain bike tyres to find out. Or if you’re sorted for tyres, how about new hoops? Our best mountain bike wheel guide will see you right.