RC enthusiasts pursuing on-road speed and predictable handling can benefit from specialized road course tires. This guide highlights five top options that balance grip, durability, and compatibility across popular 1/10 and 1/8 scale setups. Each product includes key features to help you compare performance, installability, and longevity for on-road racing sessions and casual practice.
| Product | Brand | Hex Size | Diameter / Width | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chanmoo 1/10 RC Short Course Truck Tires And Wheels With 12mm 14mm 17mm Hex 113mm 1/8 Rubber Tyres | Chanmoo | 12, 14, 17 mm | 113 mm OD | Versatile for 1/8 and 1/10 scale on-road cars; not pre-glued on rims; multiple hex options |
| EPINON 12mm Hex Wheels and Tires 1/10 Racing Short Course Truck Slick Tires | EPINON | 12 mm | 105 mm OD | Slick tires for smooth road use; lightweight wheel with built-in foam cushions |
| RC Station 12mm Hex RC Wheels and Tires for 4×4 2WD Traxxas Slash | RC Station | 12 mm | 110.1 mm OD | Assembled tires with foam inserts; pre-matched for common 12 mm hex layouts |
| Dantenron 1/10 RC On Road Tires OD 2.68″ | Dantenron | 12 mm | 68 mm OD | Dedicated on-road rally and touring tire set; includes multiple color options |
| Chanmoo 1/10 RC Short Course Truck Tires And Wheels With 12mm 14mm 17mm Hex (Black B) | Chanmoo | 12, 14, 17 mm | 113 mm OD | Similar to Black A variant; on-road compatible with multiple hex sizes |
Note: The selections above emphasize on-road performance characteristics—durability, stable cornering, and reliable traction—while staying compatible with common 12 mm hex platforms found in many 1/10 and 1/8 scale RC cars.
Chanmoo 1/10 RC Short Course Tires – Black A
Chanmoo’s on-road focused short course tires are designed for 1/8 and 1/10 scale trucks. Inner diameter is 74 mm (2.9″), outer diameter 113 mm (4.44″), width 45 mm (1.77″), with drive hex options of 12, 14, or 17 mm. The tires are not pre-glued to rims, so gluing the tires on rims allows direct control over tire fit and adhesion. They are compatible with popular models like Traxxas Slash variants and similar 1/8/1/10 on-road setups. This option provides versatility for mixed hex configurations and is suitable for track sessions requiring stable on-road contact. Install time may be higher due to gluing.
Chanmoo 1/10 RC Short Course Tires – Black B
This variant mirrors the Black A design with similar dimensions and hex options, tuned for consistent on-road performance. The inner diameter is 74 mm, outer diameter 113 mm, and a width of 45 mm, with hex options of 12, 14, and 17 mm. It is also not pre-glued to rims, so drivers can tailor the wheel-tie setup based on track surface and driving style. Ideal for racers who want reliable grip across dry and mildly damp conditions, with straightforward customization during installation.
EPINON 12mm Hex Wheels and Tires – 1/10
These EPINON tires are designed for 1/10 RC short course trucks and use a slick tread profile, offering a smooth road feel, even wear, and extended tire life. The kit includes lightweight plastic wheels with built-in foam cushions to dampen vibrations for improved stability at high speeds. They are compatible with TRAXXAS Slash, ARRMA Senton, LOSI, and other 1/10 scale platforms. The smooth design favors predictable handling on paved circuits and asphalt surfaces, reducing rolling resistance while maintaining grip in dry conditions.
RC Station 12mm Hex Wheels And Tires – 4PCS
RC Station offers a complete 4-piece set featuring 12 mm hex compatibility, outer diameter of 4.33 inches (110.1 mm), width 1.72 inches (43.5 mm), and inner diameter 2.38 inches (60.3 mm). The tires come premounted with foam inserts, ready for immediate use on 1/10 scale short course trucks. The material blends premium rubber and plastic wheels to balance grip and durability. This option suits drivers who want a simple, preassembled upgrade with reliable road-hold and straightforward installation across compatible models like Traxxas Slash and HSP variants.
Dantenron 1/10 RC On Road Tires – Black
Dantenron focuses on on-road performance for 1/10 scale drift and touring cars, with a 2.68 inch (68 mm) outer diameter, 45 mm inner diameter, and 27 mm width. The 12 mm hex is standard for many 1/10 platforms, and the set typically includes four tires with options for different colors to match vehicle aesthetics. The notes emphasize gluing both inner and outer surfaces to prevent tire separation during rapid acceleration and high-speed corners, a common requirement for drift and touring setups on smooth tracks.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations For Road Course Tires
When selecting on-road RC tires, consider the following factors to optimize performance across tracks and conditions.
- Compatibility: Verify hex size (12 mm is common, with 14 and 17 mm options in some Chanmoo sets) and inner diameter to ensure a proper fit on your rims and hubs.
- Tread design: Slick or shallow-tread tires excel on dry, smooth asphalt; more pronounced tread patterns improve grip in mildly dusty or wet conditions but may wear faster on clean tracks.
- Material and compound: Softer compounds offer better grip but wear faster; harder compounds last longer but with less bite. Foam inserts help dampen vibration and stabilize handling.
- Pre-glued vs. unglued: Pre-glued tires save setup time but limit customization; glued tires allow precise wheel-tire bonding and can be tailored for track conditions.
- Durability: Look for combination of rubber, foam, and wheel material to withstand repeated sessions without rim deformation or tire delamination.
- Track compatibility: Road course tires are designed for paved tracks; verify that tire width and contact patch suit your vehicle’s suspension geometry and steering response on the intended surface.
- Color and aesthetics: Some sets offer color options (black, white, or other tones) to match body kits and wheel designs, adding a visual match to performance upgrades.
- Installation effort: Some sets arrive premounted; others require gluing or assembly. Plan for time and adhesive choices to secure tires properly.
- Maintenance: Regular inspection for tread wear, sidewall cracks, and foam integrity helps maintain consistent handling and safety during high-speed runs.
- Model-specific notes: Check for model-specific notes (for example, compatibility with Traxxas Slash, HSP, TT02, TT01, and other popular 1/10 platforms) to ensure reliable fit and performance.
Overall, the best road course tires balance predictable grip, track-friendly wear rates, and straightforward installation. For a track-ready setup, combine a high-quality tire with properly chosen foams and a compatible wheel that matches your hex size and track surface conditions. Regularly consult manufacturer guidance and user feedback for the most up-to-date recommendations on tread compounds and wear characteristics.