Whether you're riding fast hardpack terrain or loose, sketchy silt, the Specialized Butcher provides strong traction and accurate steering in a wide range of conditions. It's also highly durable thanks to the dual-ply Grid Gravity casing that offers excellent puncture resistance when you're tackling rugged enduro tracks and steep downhills littered with jagged rocks. And though it might be a tad heavy for day-to-day trail riding, it's a great choice for aggressive trail and gravity riders that don't mind sacrificing a bit of weight for the best possible flat protection. For the new Butcher, Specialized developed an entirely new set of rubber compounds for targeted performance based on the conditions and discipline. This particular tire is made from T9 Gripton, which uses a tacky, slow-rebounding rubber for maximum traction and a predictable feel in the corners. It's softer and grippier than the T7 compound, meaning it favors traction over rolling speed, though the ramped center knobs do help this tire get up to speed quickly.