Black Sting, Emperor and Red Claw bring new tread choices to Pirelli’s MTB range, with four casing options covering lightweight trail bikes through to full-power eMTBs and downhill racing.
The new Pirelli Scorpion Gravity tyres have launched, introducing three tread patterns and a revised naming system intended to make choosing the right mountain bike tyres easier. For eMTB riders, the key news is that every casing in the range is compatible with electric mountain bikes.
That includes both lightweight and full-power eMTBs. Pirelli’s approach recognises how broad the category has become: a short-travel electric trail bike and a long-travel machine spending its weekends on rocky bike-park tracks have very different demands. The choice therefore comes down to matching the tread, casing and rubber compound to your bike, terrain and riding, rather than looking for a single eMTB-specific tyre.
Developed with input from three-time downhill world champion Fabien Barel, the new range covers trail riding, enduro, freeride and downhill. For alternative front and rear combinations, see our best eMTB trail tyres guide.
Pirelli Scorpion Gravity tyres: three tread choices
Black Sting for hardpack and faster rolling
Black Sting is the new hardpack option, using low-profile, closely spaced tread blocks with reinforced shoulders. Pirelli says the design prioritises rolling speed while maintaining braking control on firm, compact ground.
The brand suggests running Black Sting front and rear for fast trail riding, or fitting it to the rear with an Emperor up front for enduro and downhill use. That latter combination is one to consider for riders who want more grip at the front while keeping the rear tyre relatively fast rolling.
The launch tech sheet lists 27.5in and 29in versions in 2.4in and 2.6in widths. The available width depends on casing and compound, so check the exact configuration rather than assuming every version comes in every size.
Emperor for mixed trails
Emperor takes the all-rounder role, building on the previous Scorpion Race M with a revised tread design. Its medium-spaced blocks are intended to balance traction and rolling efficiency as surfaces change.
Pirelli positions it as a front tyre to pair with Black Sting, or a front-and-rear option for mixed terrain. On paper, this is the most obvious starting point for riders whose usual loop combines surfaced trail-centre sections with rockier or looser ground.
Emperor has the broadest size selection of the three, with 27.5in and 29in options spanning 2.4in, 2.5in and 2.6in widths. Again, those sizes are spread across different configurations.
Red Claw for loose ground and winter riding
Red Claw develops the previous Race T design, using a more open tread with sharp-edged blocks intended to dig into loose surfaces and clear debris. Its brief includes loose-over-hard ground, dusty trails and off-camber sections.
Pirelli also pitches it as a winter front tyre, paired with an Emperor rear, or as a matching pair for softer ground. Our eMTB mud tyre guide explains the options for consistently soft UK trails.
There is an important difference in the available builds. The launch tech sheet lists Red Claw in DualWALL with Soft rubber or DHWALL+ with Supersoft rubber, rather than offering all four casings and all three compounds. Listed sizes are 27.5 x 2.4in, 29 x 2.4in and 29 x 2.5in, with the 2.5in version confined to DHWALL+ Supersoft.
All four casings are compatible with eMTBs
The casing is the structure beneath the tread. It affects how well the tyre supports the bike through corners and resists cuts and impacts, as well as its weight and feel.
| Casing | Intended role |
|---|---|
| ProWALL | The lighter option, with sidewall reinforcement for trail riding and longer days out. |
| HardWALL | Additional structural support and bead protection for harder trail and enduro riding. |
| DualWALL | Dual-ply construction for enduro racing, bike parks and freeride. |
| DHWALL+ | The heaviest-duty option, with tougher dual-ply construction and extra reinforcement for downhill use. |
E-bike compatibility does not make those casings interchangeable. Riders still need to consider their weight, riding speed, tyre pressures and how frequently they encounter sharp rocks or hard landings.
A lightweight eMTB ridden hard on rough ground may warrant a stronger casing, while owning a full-power bike does not automatically mean choosing the downhill option. The useful distinction is how much support and protection your riding demands.
Medium, Soft or Supersoft rubber
Pirelli has also simplified its compound names. Medium prioritises a balance of grip, rolling efficiency and wear, Soft targets more aggressive riding, and Supersoft puts the greatest emphasis on grip and damping.
Damping describes how the tyre absorbs movement and impacts rather than springing straight back. Pirelli recommends Supersoft particularly for front-wheel use, while also suggesting it for the rear in racing or especially demanding terrain. These are the manufacturer’s intended performance differences; we have not yet tested the new range.
Pirelli Scorpion Gravity tyres: sizes and availability
Across the launch line-up, there are options for both matching-wheel and mullet eMTBs, which combine a 29in front wheel with a 27.5in rear. All three tread families include both wheel diameters, but buyers should check the exact size, casing and compound combination before ordering.
In its Scorpion Gravity launch announcement, Pirelli says the range is available now online and through selected cycling retailers. UK pricing is not included in the supplied launch documents.
For eMTB riders, the useful change is the freedom to choose protection and grip around the riding they actually do. The motor alone no longer dictates which Scorpion casing to buy.