I had the same experience with GK+. Never rode the SS+, and haven't felt the need, but the SS is not bad riding. Not sure I would call it supple, but nothing like the + versions I rode. This is 700 x 38c, which measure just over 41mm on 25iW rims at 38 psi.

The tire has been a real performer off road on the rear of my bike. A bit too sketchy for anything loose over hard on the front. Punches way over it's weight and, knock wood, never a flat, cut or leak in 2 years. This is on terrain that in some cases is stuff I should have been riding a hardtail on. The SS is a fantastic compromise tire for pavement/gravel. I would not hesitate to recommend it for your needs.

 

CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC 40

Tire lab test of a Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC 40 bike tire. Includes rolling resistance tests, puncture resistance tests, wet grip tests, and detailed weight and size measurements

www.bicyclerollingresistance.com

and

CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40

Tire lab test of a Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40 bike tire. Includes rolling resistance tests, puncture resistance tests, wet grip tests, and detailed weight and size measurements

www.bicyclerollingresistance.com

Disclaimer: I have no experience with panaracer gravel tires, I just remembered the reviews

 

CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC 40

Tire lab test of a Panaracer GravelKing SS Plus TLC 40 bike tire. Includes rolling resistance tests, puncture resistance tests, wet grip tests, and detailed weight and size measurements

www.bicyclerollingresistance.com

and

CX/Gravel Tire Test: Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40

Tire lab test of a Panaracer GravelKing SS TLC 40 bike tire. Includes rolling resistance tests, puncture resistance tests, wet grip tests, and detailed weight and size measurements

www.bicyclerollingresistance.com

Disclaimer: I have no experience with panaracer gravel tires, I just remembered the reviews

Ya, rolling resistance is of no real concern. Sidewall compliance is however as it makes for a more comfy ride on a rigid drop bar gravel type bike. I think I've seen those reports already and they do include other parameters like puncture resistance and wet stopping data but they don't really talk about how a tire "feels".

The SK+ tires sidewalls are waaaaaaay heavier than the SK, so much so it runs like a completely different tire altogether. I just don't know if the same holds true between the SS and SS+.

 

From the article, 405g measured weight for SS vs. 474g for SS Plus, both 38C

"The main thing that we've learned from this test is that not all Plus versions of the Panaracer Gravelking come with the same level of protection. The Plus version of the regular Gravelking only offers a protected tread, while the Plus version of the GravelKing SS adds full tire protection, including the sidewalls. If you want to know the protection levels of the other versions of the Gravelking, look at the specified weights -> If it's just 10-20 grams higher, it's protection under the tread; if it's 40-60 grams higher, it's bead to bead protection."

SK listed weight is 40g lighter than SK Plus for a 38C, so it's safe to assume SK plus has the same construction as SS plus

SS Plus has roughly 25% higher rolling resistance than SS.

So if the SS Plus looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck and rides like a brick.

 

So if the SS Plus looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck and rides like a brick.

Lol. So true. thks

 

How much do you weigh?

I've run regular 700x43 SKs on my gravel bike, they are great. 25mm rims.

Last year I converted a cross bike for commuting duty and put the SK+ on the front (700x35) and SS+ on the rear (700x32). Those are on 24/23mm rims f/r.

I'm 215lbs. When I switched to the heavier casing tires I noticed much better sidewall support and I could run low pressures. It feels more sturdy underneath me, but definitely not harsh in any way. I like the way these tires ride.

May not be helpful for the purposes of this thread but I have no complaints with the + casings for my purposes.

 

Onespeed,
I'm ~190lbs on 25mm ID rims.

I still have my SK+ tires in 43c hanging in the garage. Maybe I'll throw one on the bike and drop the psi from ~32/33psi (rear) down 3,5,8,10 psi and see what happens.

 

Well I ordered an SS in 43c, found it on Amazon for 38 bucks so I will give it a try in the rear.

I'll keep the SK up front for now. I like having at least some tiny nobbies up front.

If anybody wants some like new SK Plus tires you can come get them for 20 bucks. I'm in the Mesa AZ area

 

I can't say I dislike my SS+ but don't love them as has been the case with some more supple tires. Their beauty if it exists is sort of total mediocrity across the board. They work for lots of stuff and don't cost a lot. Friends have those and the non-+ versions. It seems to be the overall or all around layer of protection fabric that hurts the magic feeling.