T stands for traction. The Pirelli Scorpion Race DH T is therefore not a tyre for Larifari lines or forest highways. It was built to work where things get rough, wild and technical. Behind the abbreviation DH lies the so-called DualWALL+ carcass: two layers of fabric with 60 TPI, reinforced sidewalls and an additional rubber insert in the bead area. This not only ensures puncture protection, but also brutal stability - it doesn't get any more robust than this in the Pirelli portfolio.
The rubber compound of our test tyre is called SmartEVO DH Compound - ultra-soft, race-proven, temperature-stable and with maximum wet grip. It is used exclusively in the Scorpion Race tyres and is specially designed for gravity racers.
BIKE test editor Max Fuchs is currently riding the DH T in an endurance test - mounted on the front and rear wheel of his E-Enduro. But more on that later - the detailed riding impressions will follow.
Back to the facts: The tyre is available in 27.5" and 29", each with a width of 2.5 inches. Recommended retail price from the Italians: 90 euros. As a 29er, the tyre weighed in at an impressive 1,513 grams in the BIKE lab. Absolutely no lightweight - not even compared to other downhill tyres.
Gravity tyres from Pirelli at a glance: the facts
| Model | Carcass | Profile type | Size(s) | Weight (29″) | Grip focus |
| DH T | DualWALL+ | T-Traction | 27,5×2,5 / 29×2,5 | approx. 1500 g | Highest traction |
| DH S | DualWALL+ | S-Soft | 27,5×2,5 / 29×2,5 | approx. 1,450 g | Loose ground, soft trails |
| DH M | DualWALL+ | M-Medium | 27,5×2,5 / 29×2,5 | approx. 1,450 g | All-round grip & speed |
| EN T | DualWALL | T-Traction | 27,5×2,5 / 29×2,5 | approx. 1,260 g | Traction with less weight |
| EN S | DualWALL | S-Soft | 27,5×2,5 / 29×2,5 | approx. 1,260 g | Rough & soft |
| EN M | DualWALL | M-Medium | 27,5×2,5 / 29×2,5 | approx. 1,260 g | Versatile grip/speed mix |
The Pirelli Scorpion Race DH T is powerful and extremely stable!
From the very first contact with the trail, it becomes clear that the Scorpion Race DH T is not a tyre for everyone. The carcass? Extremely stable. The self-damping of the lugs? Amazingly slow. But that's exactly what makes the ride feel of this tyre so special - or rather: so consistent.
This is because the stiff DualWALL+ carcass provides impressive stability even at low air pressures of around 1.3 bar. Perfect for shooting at the limit. Shralping through dry berms at Mach 10? Where other models start to burp or float away even with more air pressure, the Pirellis sit on the rims like a rocket. No wallowing, no bending - just control.
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But the Pirelli DH T can also be technical. In rough terrain, it scores with direct feedback, clearly implements steering impulses and reacts precisely to the rider's physical effort. The well-damped SmartEVO DH rubber compound ensures plenty of ground contact even during fast sequences of hits in stone fields or on root carpets - the riding feel remains full, controlled and predictable. However, it is also clear that in combination with its stiff carcass, the DH T offers neither massive comfort nor ultimate grip. There are stronger models in this respect.
The profile of the DH T can cope with a lot: wet, dry, loose or hard - a real all-rounder. Particularly striking: the extremely wide centre blocks grip like an anchor when braking and deliver super braking traction, especially on the rear wheel. There is some criticism of the rolling behaviour from left to right: without transition lugs, the tyre tilts quite abruptly from the large lugs on the tread to the shoulder lugs. However, this phenomenon can only really be felt in open bends on hard, smooth surfaces. And what about durability? Fits. After half a season, the once sharp-edged rear wheel lugs are rounded, but show neither cracks nor is the tread frayed. The wear pattern looks clean.
Conclusion from BIKE test editor Max Fuchs
The Pirelli Scorpion Race DH T is brutally direct, instils you with confidence and shines with its wide centre knobs as a real brake booster on the rear wheel. Those who ride fast, hard and precisely will love its rough character. But one thing is also clear: with its stiff carcass, the DH T offers neither massive comfort nor maximum grip. The tyre is best suited to bike park riders or E-Endurists who are looking for a durable, stable and direct tyre. For touring riders, enduro all-rounders or riders who want a tyre with maximum grip, there are grippier alternatives - which are also significantly lighter.
Max Fuchs
Editor
