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

Why Buy Your Zipp 303 XPLR Wheels from Merlin Cycles?

At Merlin Cycles, we don’t just sell premium gravel wheelsets — we ride them. With decades of experience supplying performance cycling kit, Merlin is trusted by gravel racers, endurance riders and adventure cyclists alike.

When you buy your Zipp 303 XPLR S or SW wheelset from Merlin Cycles, you benefit from:

• Competitive UK pricing on genuine Zipp products
• Fast, reliable delivery from our UK warehouse
• Expert product knowledge from riders who understand gravel tech
• Full manufacturer warranty support and aftersales peace of mind
• A carefully curated range of compatible tyres, sealant and components to build the perfect gravel setup

Whether you’re upgrading for racing, endurance events or big-mile adventures, Merlin Cycles makes it easy to choose the right equipment — and get the most from it.

👉 Explore the full Zipp gravel wheel range at Merlin Cycles today.