Zipp 303 Firecrest and 303 S wheels long term tested

[@davidwargin1766]

Very nice review -- it really helps when making such purchases. Cheers!

[@Arevernus]

Just waiting for my pair.(Canada) Yes we do have terrible tarmac especially in the province of Québec.Zipp should just give them to you.

[@CarbonRider1]

Ride feel on these is amazing, and they are very stiff. They have been one of my favorite set of wheels to date. The only downside is I got a lemon rear wheel and cracked the rear wheel doing a tiny bunny hop over a pot hole (I weigh 70kg - had 1 partially filled water bottle - on my road bike)...they warrantied it right away though. Beautiful Stig, I have the same one.

[@monkeymerv]

Agree they are amazing wheels. Although I've now had two wheels fail, cracking the rim. Can't help but think they've pushed the weight savings too far?!

[@CarbonRider1]

@@monkeymerv 2 wheels? ouch. I actually tested my firecrest against my winspace 50mm hyper wheels and my Hypers were faster on everything, even the climb, so I loved them over to my gravel bike.

[@andrewmcateer8231]

Well this video has just made a decision for me! Cheers Guy!

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

The wheel stickers... I appreciate this. I mean it allows options. If you don't like, you can peel them off. Some wheels are so ugly I wish I could do that 🤣👍

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Im a big fan of Josh Poertner, from his early work at Zipp to his many contributions at Silca today. Zipp wheels are probably very good and hookless is probably very safe, but why limit yourself? There are hooked tubeless ready wheels that allow use of all tires, all tubes, no tubes, and honest tire pressures beyond this 70 psi limit. No limits versus limits. I know which I'd choose 😀👍

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

I'm glad to hear Zipp is working with dealers for feedback to improve their hubs. I agree these wheels have so many great points.. but the hubs, man. When competing against indestructible hubs like DT350 and Shimano, you have to be more than just "good".

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

I have as seen in my pro profile pic zipp 404 nsws with the cognition hub , I have absolutely no issues with them ,and they are solid ! Rear hub has magnets and will use a special ion for maintenance, but otherwise these are solids wheels. I can expect these new 303s to be great too ! Just not delivering till September !

[@srh148]

I’m 81 kg I have been using the Continental 28 5000 tires with 50 psi with no issues

[@Panos_Sfa_Gr]

nice video sir!thanks

[@jackliang6061]

Do they have drain holes for water? Specifically the 303 firecrest. I know the 303s don’t. So they will be full of water at some point

[@lefousuisse]

Can i ask the wheight by wheel with cassette/disc brake and tyre ? Each wheel separately :-) ?

[@gerrykelly9511]

Which would you choose to purchase (303S or Frirecrest version)? How do they compare to other Wheelsets?

[@highmountainfarmersoffgrid]

What tire would you put on this tubeless that would be good for light gravel and Road

[@GuyKesTV]

For ultra smooth speed Schwalbe G-One RS, best value Specialized Trigger, durability probably Pirelli 👍🏻

[@highmountainfarmersoffgrid]

Thank you….

[@simoncove1]

What do you think a year on? Have there been more rim cracking reports? I think I’m coming down on the 303s… maybe it’s a bit tougher as less light. I’m a road user with a bad back so comfort is key. I realise the fire crest would be the most comfy but my domane can run up to 35mm so I would run them with 30/32 maybe… any thoughts appreciated

[@rosabal56]

Hi there, how would you compare the 303s VS Roval CL50? please advise

[@1placer]

zipp has new 303s , the Zipp 303 XPLR S, which has a width of 32mm compared to 23mm in the 303s. If you are going to used 42mm tires (teravail washburn or Goodyear XPLR Slick), and thinking of 70% road 30% gravel, would you go for 303s or 303 XPLR S? that is, would you use 40-43mm tires on 23mm or on 32 mm wheels?

[@GuyKesTV]

@@1placer I should have my test set of 303 XPLR later this week so I’ll let you know ASAP

[@1placer]

@@GuyKesTV awesome! looking forward. also, great video! I´m looking at the 303s (and the new xplr), so it was good to get to know the 303s a bit better

[@1placer]

@@GuyKesTV in your view, what would be more efficient on road, 303s or 303 xplr s? I guess the difference is the wider rims (32mm compared to 23mm), and the rimm depth (54mm compared to 45mm). Zipp argues that 303 xplr s are more efficient on gravel. But, in your view, what is more efficient on road?

[@GuyKesTV]

@@1placer The XPLR felt pretty quick on my first ride tonight but it depends what width of tire you're likely to use on the road. 35mm on the XPLR blow up to 39mm!

[@1placer]

@@GuyKesTV that's useful, thank you. So, if you use the same 40mm tire, let's say the goodyear xplr slick that is recommended for the 303 xplr s, would you see any performance difference on road? they argue that the tire should perform better in gravel, I got this point. however, I´m wondering if the larger rim width and the possible lower pressure (50psi compared to 73 psi in the 303 s), could make the 303 xplr less optimal for road. Which rim would you get if you want to keep a decent road performance? thanks in advance for any info.

[@running9334]

Great review Guy! I enjoyed watching it. Have a question if you don’t mind - I’m getting a new bike with 2 sets of wheels, road and gravel. Road will be 80% of riding and gravel 20%. I’m getting 303 Firecrest which I intended for the road and already got 303s intended for gravel. Any thoughts on whether this is the right way to go, or should I use Firecrests on gravel instead? And other question - for gravel wheels, would you recommend 40 or 45mm tires. Bike is 2022 Grevil and will have the required clearance. Thanks!

[@GuyKesTV]

The Firecrests have a smoother feel and a wider rim so work really well on gravel. But then you're mostly riding road and the lighter weight of the Firecrests will feel great there too. I presume you'll be running different tyres on each set?

[@fivebarmax]

When swapping between the 303s and Firecrests did you have to readjust the breaking calipers? The two wheel sets have different hubs but both come from Zipp so maybe there is not much of a difference in size?

[@amerajram2913]

If my bike frame only fits up to 28mm tyres, will the firecrests fit well with my frame?

[@grecudanalexandru]

I would have the same concern, I got a Merida Scultura 6000 disc and the spec is max 28 tires. But a 28 tire on a 25mm inner width rim would measure probably 30-32. Cheers

[@fraserblade]

I'm looking for a light/nippy road wheelset which would be suitable for audax (600-1500km). I was initially looking at the 303S although looking at you review the 303 Firecrest would also be suitable and slightly quicker. I was concerned about being stuck in the back of beyond if I punctured/pot holed although given their gravel capabilities then these appear unfounded. Can you share your thoughts on the above?

[@GuyKesTV]

There's always a risk with new hubs etc. especially if you're a really high mileage rider, which you clearly are. That said I had no issues whatsoever and I really hammered them. Like MTB level hammered. They feel fantastic for comfortable speed sustain with a pair of 30-32mm tyres on at low pressure too.

[@dennisdischler6541]

Are you able to run beaded tubeless ready tires on the Firecrest?

[@marceloaraujo7386]

Another great review as always, Guy. Well done! Your channel became my main source of bike related content. Also bought my Stigmata CC Force AXS 2021 after your review but unfortunately the bike in stock had aluminum wheels (Race Face) and I am now considering an upgrade. What are your thoughts between the Gravel Reserve 22 (or 32) and Zipp 303 Firecrest? Thank you very much and keep up the amazing work! Cheers.

[@GuyKesTV]

Glad you enjoyed Marcel. Firecrest all the way on that one 👍🏻

[@marceloaraujo7386]

@@GuyKesTV So Firecrest it is! Many thanks once more!

[@pgeldof1]

Can you run them with an inner tube, for example to ride home after a puncture?

[@GuyKesTV]

Yes absolutely no problem to use a tube

[@alolympic]

Hey Guy, useful stuff as always. A bit slow on this one so you may not be monitoring, but I’ll ask all the same. I’m looking for a getting a new set of gravel wheels for a 2nd bike. I currently run JRA Monitor wheels - bought off the back of your review for Bike perfect. For chunky gravel riding with a 45mm tyre - would the Firecrests be any upgrade over the Monitors? I can get some at the same price basically. Thanks as always

[@GuyKesTV]

If you are looking for a more aero wheel that worked well on the road too, I'd say yes, go for the Firecrest, but for chunky gravel riding with a larger tyre, Monitor is pretty much ideal. The only wheel to potentially look at is the Zipp 101 with the flexy rim bed. Those things are insane - like caterpillar tracks for your gravel bike - but not everyone likes the really soft feel.

[@monkeymerv]

The firecrest are fantastic wheels, they feel amazing, are fast rollimg and climb well out of the saddle. My favourite wheels so far, but I've now two wheels fail, cracking the rim, the front failed a month after purchase, which was eventually replaced under warranty, and the rear after 8 months, still waiting on this one. Neither have been involved in collision or hit any significant pot holes, I'm just unlucky? Not sure I trust them any longer.

[@GuyKesTV]

That's really bad news Mel. Hopefully you get it sorted soon.

[@RyanTurner]

Did your wheels fail on gravel or just on the road? And did you get the rear wheel replaced.

[@paul_hd1875]

In your experience would you consider either of those wheel sets a viable option for a road bike?... or do you feel they are gravel specific? Thank you. Sub'd.

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks for the sub Paul. Yes both wheels work great on the road (it's where I use them most TBH). You'd need to use at least 28mm tires with the Firecrest though.

[@paul_hd1875]

@@GuyKesTV Can I ask you to take that a step further and consider the following scenario?... Which wheel set would you choose?... Roval C38... 303 S... on a SL7 Comp.... and most importantly, Why?Thanks.

[@Sweeeet06ify]

Hey thanks for this clear review. I am considering the 303s ; but this look like a gravel wheel; i am looking for only road aero wheel that capable to climb replacing my actual aluminium wheel (DT P1800 spline). This new wheel seems amazing; but having heavier tire (28mm) at lower pressure around 5bar max sound weird in term of road performance. what do you think ?

[@GuyKesTV]

303S can take a 25 as it’s a bit narrower and both sets are pretty light. The strength and width for gravel is just a bonus. If you’re after a pure climbing wheel there are lighter options from DT Swiss, Hunt and others

[@Sweeeet06ify]

@@GuyKesTV OK. So you said that these still are good wheels for road practice even with so low pressure.?

[@simoncove1]

Any views on zipp wheels getting full of rain water….?

[@HarishChouhan]

I am thinking of buying these and my other option in the same budget is the Pacenti Forza 30mm. Someone who works in bike shop told me Zipp 303S might have hub issues but I have not found any information about this. I live next to the coast and so the air is humid and salty with always sand on the bike. Did you face any issue with the 303S? Also do you have experience with the Pacenti brand?

[@GuyKesTV]

The 303S uses the same hubs as the previous Zipp wheels which are OK but not outstanding in wet conditions. The 303 Firecrest uses an all new hubset that's a lot better sealed which means Zipp know it needed an upgrade. Unfortunately I've never spent much time on the Pacenti wheels so can't compare.

[@martinwale3266]

The new conti 28 GP5000 TR are compatible with these, just got that set up and it’s amazing

[@GuyKesTV]

That’s exactly what I’m running on mine ATMO

[@markkavanaugh1899]

Great review, thanks. Given the same 28mm road tires on each, which is the better pure road wheel, the S or the Firecrest?

[@josephphillips865]

Firecrest would be best for 28mm tires mainly for a better aerodynamic profile with that size tire.

[@andrewgavin1490]

Thanks! Do you have any thoughts on the 303 Firecrest vs the new 353 NSW? Obviously the later is a lot more money, but does it ride better?

[@GuyKesTV]

Hi Andrew, I’ve not ridden the new NSW only the old ones and they’re very very different. The new ones look to be a lot more versatile as the old ones were skinny tyre specific straight liners and heavy too.

[@andrewgavin1490]

@@GuyKesTV the new ones are crazy light. A would have to assume they are a bit high performance than the firecrests, 90-100g lighter, have that saw pattern, and are maybe more stable. Hubs probably snappier. But they are double. How do you find the firecrest hubs? The 303 fcs can be built by wheel builder with dt hubs or Chris king or whatever as well

[@RaYdMyth]

Torn between firecrests and enve 4.5 AR, any thoughts?

[@GuyKesTV]

TBH I’ve not ridden the latest ENVE but the Firecrest will take some beating and they’re a lot cheaper

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Zipp wheels, for the most part, seem reasonably priced. I agree about Firecrest, quite nice, but the base version seems perfectly suitable for non racers, no?

[@kirkshammett94]

I see a ton of people buying these for gravel bikes. I’m looking at these for my road bike. And I also ride in some very fast group rides 25plus mph. Can anyone recommend these for road cycling?

[@GuyKesTV]

Sorry for delay Troy, I used this a ton on the road with 28s even with the wide range gearing you can push 55kph plus without spinning out

[@JnFTff]

Any additional updates on these wheels from folks who are riding them?

[@GuyKesTV]

Sorry John, need to get the review updated. Been riding them a lot since and they did develop a sticky rear bearing over summer. They've also had a couple of spokes replaced as I knocked the rear mech into them in a bike packing on MTB single-track incident. They've trued up fine though and the bearing is running free again (if slightly dry feeling).

[@JnFTff]

@@GuyKesTV Thanks Guy! Primarily a roadie here. NW Oregon, lots of hills and chip seal roads. Thinking these could work well for me. Again, thank you!

[@DDRider-DD]

I got my 303 Firecrest set today. I see a pin hole on each side of the rim on both wheels. Do you have this also?

[@GuyKesTV]

Yes don’t worry that’s just to let water drain out if you ride through a really deep puddle

[@DDRider-DD]

@@GuyKesTV Thanks for the reply!

[@jackliang6061]

Hi David so there are drain holes on these wheels? I ordered these wheels too but I was afraid it didn’t have holes for water

[@DDRider-DD]

@@jackliang6061 the holes are there. Zipp confirmed they are for drainage.

[@jackliang6061]

@@DDRider-DD that’s great! Thanks!

[@pakelly99]

hookless rims for myself as a hovering around 100kg rider would be a bridge too far, (as even gcn recently conceded actually, despite singing its praises from the rafters to date), I’m looking elsewhere roval, hunt etc, carbon clinchers I dare say, as it seems tubs have become harder to track down of late. Nice presentation by the way!

[@GuyKesTV]

More wheel reviews including a FFWD that might suit you really well coming soon 👍🏻

[@GuyKesTV]

Damn, just checked and the FFWD's are hookless too. I've yet to smash a Hunt gravel rim even doing the three peaks mountain CX on them and I've got a set of the 4 Season Superdura Discs on my gravel tandem.

[@user-nu5fx6en9h]

I am 105kg and I use 303, been a year already no puncture no crack

[@ДмитрийРоманенок-с3й]

Hey! Which wheels are best for road workouts, zipp 303 firecrest or 303s?

[@GuyKesTV]

Go for the Firecrest if you can afford them and run 28mm or wider tyres. 303S for narrower tyres 👍🏻

[@FRamirez1A]

Any experience with FFWD wheels? Thanks for your time!

[@GuyKesTV]

Not for a while Felipe, but there are some of the latest ones on the way for early next year. They're normally stiff and tough as hell.

[@FRamirez1A]

@@GuyKesTV Thank you so much. I am trying to decide between the 303 and the FFWD RYOT44. They costs approximately the same, but the FFWD have DT hubs and both companies offer life time warranty. The "problem" is that here in US, FFWD isn't really that know, there is almost non reviews, I haven't seen any at local shops or anyone riding them and that makes me doubt. I believe they are more popular in Europe, would you give me your input? Thanks again for your time!!!

[@GuyKesTV]

@@FRamirez1A hi, I don’t know if you already bought the wheels but I’ve just got some Ryot arrived for test so I’ll be getting tires fitted and riding them ASAP

[@FRamirez1A]

@@GuyKesTV Thank you! I actually got the RYOT44. I haven't tried them yet since it is sooo cold here in NY, but they look amazing. I'm looking forward for your video anyways!!!

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

200 psi? I wish Zipp would increase their stated max pressure then.. if it were actually safe. Since they haven't, we must assume 70 psi is the absolute limit, which is ridiculously low and a deal breaker for all hookless carbon.

[@laurentaudibert9632]

Thanks Guy for another insightful video. For a gravel bike in South East England, would you recommend the 303 Firecrest or the 404 Firecrest?

[@GuyKesTV]

Sorry for delay Laurent, definitely 303 but I’ll have the new 101s to test next week which could be a total game changer.

[@laurentaudibert9632]

@@GuyKesTV no problem at all Guy! Sounds intriguing, looking forward to the video!

[@GuyKesTV]

@@laurentaudibert9632 if you want an idea where they’re going with them have a look at the Zipp Moto 3 Zero MTB wheels

[@847lifestyle]

might buy some off ebay but with tax an shipping its so expensive

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Rims are included with the wheels? 😀👍Actually I'd be ok if the valves and rim tape were NOT included if it does anything to reduce cost and waste. Like brake rotors for example. Every rotor comes with a new lockring, which most people simply throw away. Wasteful!

[@connorcaba2492]

Do these take 12 speed?

[@GuyKesTV]

Yes, you just need to specify SRAM or Shimano freehub when you order

[@StefanoSangregorio]

Good rims, but the hub really sucks! Brakes after a year

[@GuyKesTV]

Yeah I've definitely heard mixed things but for the record mine are still going. Did a 200km gravel race on them last weekend.

[@nuttynut722]

your dog clearly doesn't care..

[@GuyKesTV]

🤣 no respect!