Kenda Booster Pro 2.4 SCT (120 TPI)

XC race tire with aggressive knobs and SCT protection — a lighter, confident alternative to the Maxxis Ikon.

As of October 2025, I’ve logged some solid training rides on the Booster Pro and it’s earned a spot among my go-to front tires for rough XC terrain. I’ll continue to update this page as I get more race time on it.

Why I Like It

The Kenda Booster Pro feels like Kenda’s offering in the neighborhood of a Maxxis Ikon — but with more bite due to its taller knobs, more stable feel at the edge, and lighter.

On my first outing it struck me as:

As anticipated - slower-rolling than something like a Rush Pro, but still efficient for an aggressive XC tread.
Planted in corners — the taller side knobs bite hard, saving me on a couple of off-camber slips that would’ve had me dabbing on most tires in my quiver.
Predictable on edge — smoother transition to side knobs than an Ikon, with more outright grip than a Rekon Race.

This feels like the tire you want when the course is just a little too rowdy for a Rush, Aspen, or Rekon Race up front. I keep thinking about the Breck Epic this year, which was exceptionally dry and loose, where this tire would’ve excelled in those conditions.

Quick Specs

2.4” width
753 grams (my scale) — ~60g heavier than the Rush Pro but lighter than a Maxxis Ikon 2.4
120 TPI casing with SCT (Sidewall Casing Technology)
Aggressive XC tread with tall, closely spaced knobs
BRR Rolling Resistance @ 25 PSI: 35.3w — rolls slower than the Rush on a steel drum, but with more braking and cornering control

Mounting & Setup

I had some difficulty mounting it the first time — reached for a lever after the bead proved to be a little stubborn, accidentally nicked the rim tape, re-taped the wheel, and then it went on by hand no problem the second go around. Sometimes that’s just how it goes.

Seated easily with my booster pump.
Ran it with Vittoria Air-Liner Light inserts ↗️ .
14 PSI front, paired with a Rush Pro ↗️ rear at 16 PSI.

Check out Cole Patton’s Booster Pro / Rush Pro Setup for Moab Rocks

Trail Impressions

Terrain: Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt — loose limestone, slab, chunky creek bed, techy climbs, rooty, hardpack dirt.
Felt especially confident in loose off-camber sections and chunky, rocky descents. It let me point and go instead of being more at the mercy of the where the rocks send the bike.
Braking traction stood out — I was able to brake hard up front and cut inside on a blown-out corner I normally have to take wide and duck under a tree branch. This moment really stood out to me that this tire allows you to really stick to optimal, confident lines through sketchy sections.
Picked up plenty of large thorns that all sealed instantly and smashed through lots of sharp rock gardens. No rim strikes - no flats.

Durability

Tire still looks brand new after the first rocky ride, aside from a couple small cuts in the side knobs where they were working hard through sharp chunk.
Sidewalls felt supple but also confidence-inspiring in terms of flat protection. With taller knobs and SCT protection, I felt confident I wouldn’t get sliced pushing through sharp, chunky lines.

Who It’s For

If you love the speed of the Rush Pro but want more forgiveness up front, the Booster Pro fills that gap. Perfect for:

Racers tackling gnarlier XC marathons like Moab Rocks, El Paso Puzzler, Grand Junction Rides & Vibes, or Breck Epic.
Riders who find an Aspen, Rekon Race, or Rush too sketchy up front in loose or rocky terrain.
Pairing with a faster rear (Rush or Aspen) for a race-focused but confident combo.

Not sure if the Booster Pro is the right tire?

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Notes

Rolling resistance is higher than something like a Rush, but offers a level of confidence that’s difficult to find its weight class.
Transitions to side knobs are smooth and predictable.
Feels like an Ikon with more confidence — more cornering and braking control.
I’d run it for rowdier XC races where descending confidence tips the scale away from a more speed oriented tire.