10 Best RC Car Tires & Rims
RC car tires are no different from those in the real world in that they wear out and need replacing. Some are much better than others too. There are two things to consider when buying new tires and RC wheels for your model. One is the size, and the other is the surface. The table below explains.
| TYPE OF RC TIRE: | BEST SUITED FOR: |
|---|---|
| Slick Mini Spikes Full Spikes Mini Pins | Hard surface, pavement, tarmac Good general-purpose tire Soft, wet surfaces, grass, and mud Ideal indoor choice for carpets |
A common mistake the uninitiated RC’er makes is a failure to match the tire with the surface they need it for. The ground you want to drive over determines which tires to choose.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Hobbypark OD Rubber RC Tires |
| 4.7/5.0 |
| For Models: 1/10 Scale |
| With Rims: Yes |
| Affordable, durable rubber, and excellent grip. |
| Check Amazon |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| INJORA RC Short-Course Tires |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| For Models: 1/10 Scale |
| With Rims: Yes |
| Durable rubber and long-lasting tread pattern. |
| Check Amazon |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Traxxas 6973 S1 Tires |
| 4.9/5.0 |
| For Models: 1/5 Scale |
| With Rims: Yes |
| It has a superb multi-surface traction. |
| Check Amazon |
Know Your RC Model
Various R/C models drive on specific surfaces. Take a rock crawler, for example. These are not high-speed racers—they’re off-road multi-terrain vehicles. They need tires that can tackle rocks, gravel, mud, streams, and so on. Knowing your car type helps you to choose the right tires.
We can match the type of RC vehicle with its surface compatibility like this:
| GRASSY TRACKS | SAND & DUNES | DIRT AND GRAVEL | PAVEMENT/TARMAC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stadium Truck Short Course Truck Monster Truck Rock Crawler | Stadium Truck Short Course Truck Monster Truck Rock Crawler Buggy | Stadium Truck Short Course Truck Monster Truck Rock Crawler Buggy | Stadium Truck Short Course Truck Monster Truck Rock Crawler Buggy Drift Car Touring Car |
Get familiar with the table above as it helps to match the electric or gas model with the right tires. Don’t always rely on the manufacturer’s hype either, read what real users say about the product.
Know Your Tire Treads
Tire treads can be super-smooth, ultra-nubby or knobby, and anything between the two extremes. Smooth treads are the ones to choose for harder, flat surfaces. Off-road adventures need a nubby tread. The tires of your RC vehicle are its shoes. We want the tread pattern of a shoe to grip the surface we intend to walk or run over. It’s the same concept with R/C car and truck tires.
Know Your Tire Inserts
The foam inserts of an RC tire are its substitute air. Make sure you note the insert type advertised with tires. The regular kind is the cheapest and adds nothing to a car’s performance. Dual stage foam and molded inserts are more expensive and contribute something to tire performance. Foam can either be preinstalled and non-removable or swappable.
Hobbyists who like to tweak their models care more about the inserts than average enthusiasts. They may want the tire but choose to use a different type of foam. The general rule is that softer compound tires need denser inserts. Some RC’ers choose to compete with no foam in medium compound tires.
Most sales pages tell you what model(s) the tire is for, its compound, and the type of insert, etc. Ads also specify the model scale and a vehicle’s name if its brand specific.
About My ‘RC Car Tires’ Guide
There are 10 mini-tire reviews below and current favorites in the RC community. I created this short list after extensive research. I included user feedback as part of the decision-making process, along with opinions from industry experts. The first three are Best Budget, Best Value, and the Top Pick. The 7 RC tire reviews below those are in price order for convenience, lowest to high.
The table here shows the RC car and truck tires as they appear below.
RC Car Tires Comparison Table
| Make and Model | For Models | With Rims | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobbypark OD 2.99″ Rubber 1:10 RC Car Tires | 1/10 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| INJORA Wheel Rim & Tires Short-Course Truck | 1/10 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| Traxxas 6973 S1 Compound Tires and Wheels | 1/5 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| Hobbypark 26mm Hard RC Drift Car Tires | 1/10 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| BQLZR Black F/R Rims W/ High Grip Rubber Tires | 1/10 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| INJORA Super Large RC Rock Crawler Tires | 1/10 Scale | No | Check Price |
| JIUWU 12mm Hub Wheel Rim & Tires | 1/10 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| Duratrax MT 2.8″RC Monster Truck Tires | 1/10 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| Pro-Line Trencher 2.8″ All Terrain Tires | 1/10 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
| Hobbypark RC 3.2″ Monster Tires W/ Wheel Rims | 1/8 Scale | Yes | Check Price |
1. Hobbypark OD Rubber RC Car Tires | Best Budget
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5
Compatibility: 1/10th scale touring rally racing cars (not Traxxas models)
Hobbypark OD Highlights
Our Best Budget pick goes to the Hobbypark OD rubber RC car tires. They come with foam inserts and smart plastic rims. They’re an affordable choice, durable, and provide excellent grip. This 4 piece tire and rim set includes locknuts.
The Not So Good
You must glue the tires onto the rims. It’s not a major setback, but it can be a tedious task. The most important thing here is to use a high-quality, purpose glue for the job.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Hobbypark |
| Number: 4 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions: 1.18 x 2.99” |
| Product Weight: 5.4 oz. |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: Rubber tires/plastic rims |
| Drive Hex Hub: 12mm |
| Tread: V |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Affordable |
| Durable rubber |
| Excellent grip |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Needs gluing to rims |
2. INJORA Tires RC Short-Course Truck | Best Value
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5
Compatibility: 1/10 short course racing trucks
INJORA Short-Course Tire Highlights
These are decent tires at an affordable price. They should make an RC short course truck go faster than its stock tires. The set has a good look and an attractive, long-lasting tread pattern. The product uses high-quality rubber and has outstanding side and forward bite on a range of surfaces.
The Not So Good
You must glue the tires, but avoid cheap adhesive or they may peel off. Opt for a proper CA tire glue instead. You’ll be glad you did.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: INJORA |
| Number: 4 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions: 1.88 x 4.25” |
| Product Weight: 3.8 oz./piece |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: Durable rubber |
| Drive Hex Hub: 12mm |
| Tread: Mini pins |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Durable rubber |
| Long-lasting tread pattern |
| Excellent bite |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Tires unglued |
3. Pro-line Racing Badlands MX43 | Top Pick
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5
Compatibility: Traxxas X-MAXX Monster Truck
Racing Badlands MX43 Highlights
These aggressive-looking tires are a perfect fit for the Traxxas X-MAXX. The traction is remarkable across any surface. The material is highly durable and uses an anti-ballooning compound. Pro-line Racing has reinforced the tire’s bead for added strength. The wheels are thick, durable, and can take severe abuse. Best of all is that you can change the tires or inserts and reuse the wheels.
The Not So Good
This tire/wheel set is expensive but then so is the phenomenal Traxxas X-Maxx monster truck. The stock tires are not in the same league, though. These tires are heavy on purpose, but that has a little impact on top speeds. Still, the extra weight is worth the small sacrifice.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Pro-line |
| Number: 2 tires w/ wheels |
| Dimensions: 3.82 x 8.30” |
| Product Weight: 1/1 lbs./piece |
| Scale: 1:5 |
| Material: Durable rubber |
| Tread: knobby |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Superb multi-surface traction |
| Zero ballooning |
| Realistic tire sound |
| Reinforced tire bead |
| Foam inserts included |
| Reusable wheels |
| Change tires and/or foam |
| Made in the USA |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Expensive |
| Heavy |
4. Hobbypark Hard Plastic RC Drift Car Tires W/ Rims
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
Compatibility: 1/10 scale 12mm Hex on-road R/C cars, e.g., HPI, HSP, Redcat, Himoto, Exceed, etc.
Hobbypark Drift Car Tire Highlights
This 4 piece set performs just how you’d expect it to. The tires even drift on carpets if that’s your thing and you have space. They provide hours of hardcore drifting on hard surfaces. And the fluorescent green color adds extra bling.
The Not So Good
There isn’t anything negative to say for these drift set considering the price tag. They deliver as advertised when fitted to a compatible RC drift car.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Hobbypark |
| Number: 4 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions: 1.02” x 2.48” |
| Product Weight: 5.6 oz. |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: Hard plastic |
| Tread: None |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Exceptional drifting qualities |
| Drifts on carpets |
| Attractive fluorescent finish |
| Affordable price tag |
| The Cons |
|---|
| None |
5. BQLZR Black F/R Rims W/ High Grip Rubber Tires
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5
Compatibility: 1/10 scale RC buggies only (not cars or trucks)
BQLZR High Grip Rubber Tire Highlights
The BQLZR set comes with pentagram plastic rims and high-grip rubber tires. They’re a perfect match for 1/10 scale RC buggies and have an attractive price tag. The tires use a soft compound with soft foam inserts and afford impressive traction. They can take buggies over multiple terrains and are much better than most stock versions. They get a lot of compliments on the way they look too.
The Not So Good
This tire/rim set needs gluing, and the plastic is kind of slippery. Make sure you use a purpose glue or, it may prove difficult sticking the tires to the rims. Another con is that the rubbery smell of the tires can be overpowering for a few days.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: BQLZR |
| Number: 4 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions Front: 1.34 x 2.2” |
| Dimensions Rear: 1.65 x 3.34” |
| Product Weight: 4.2 oz. |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: High-grip rubber |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Good looking tire/rim set |
| Soft compound tires |
| Soft foam inserts |
| Superb traction |
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Excellent value |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not glued |
| Smelly |
6. INJORA Super Large RC Rock Crawler Tires
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5
Compatibility: RC Crawler tires for Traxxas TRX-4, Tamiya CC01, Axial SCX10 90047, D90, D110, TF2.
INJORA RC Rock Crawler Tire Highlights
INJORA, rock crawler tires use a high-quality, durable rubber material and sport aggressive lugs. They easily tackle most off-road terrains, including rocks, mud, dirt, and slate, etc. The tires boast high water-resistance and have incredible grip-and-stick characteristics. Consider this set if you’re on a budget and can’t justify the brand-name equivalents.
The Not So Good
The foam lets the tires down, but it’s not a big deal considering the price. Make sure you order decent foam to avoid disappointment. The other negative is that they lose gripping power on wet rocks. Explore other options if you regularly compete on slippery surfaces, but consider these if you don’t. Finally, the tires are smelly, but the stench dissipates after a while.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: INJORA |
| Number: 4 tires |
| Dimensions: 1.77 x 4.72” |
| Product Weight: 3.15 oz./pcs |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: Rubber |
| The Pros |
|---|
| High-quality and durable |
| High water-resistance |
| Aggressive lugs |
| Grip well on multiple terrains |
| Great value |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Sub-standard foam |
| Not good on wet rocks |
| Smelly when new |
7. JIUWU 12mm Hub Wheel Rim & Buggy Tires
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5
Compatibility: 1/10 scale off-road car, truck, monster truck, Traxxas Bigfoot, and others.
JIUWU Off-Road Buggy Tire Highlights
This off-road tire set is another quality product made with durable, waterproof rubber. They come complete with thick foam inserts and rims. The semi-soft hobby-grade rubber grabs the surface well. The material feels a tad vulnerable to the touch, but it’s not. The tires are unattached, so there’s an option to mount them on even better wheels if you have them.
The Not So Good
Make sure you have some R/C tire glue if you choose this set. Also, check the direction of the tire tread before applying the glue. Both the above are common newbie mistakes. Unfortunately, the rims are not to the same standard as the tires, especially the center hub.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: JIUWU |
| Number: 4 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions: 2.64 x 4.9” |
| Product Total Weight: 1.4 lbs. |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: Rubber/plastic |
| Tread: Gravel |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Durable, waterproof material |
| Attractive gravel pattern tread |
| Nice grabs on various terrain |
| Thick foam inserts |
| Pleasing aesthetics |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not glued |
| Low average rims |
8. Duratrax MT 2.8″RC Monster Truck Tires
Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5
Compatibility: 1/10 scaled RC monster truck, Traxxas Stampede, Traxxas Rustler, Axial, etc.
Duratrax Monster Truck Tire Highlights
The Duratrax monster tire set is a popular choice among newbies. They have a six-pack tire tread that provides exceptional off-road performance. They’re the perfect truck shoes for driving over dry, loose surfaces, dry hard-packed terrain, and across grass tracks. The meaty scale tires and six-spoke rims guarantee to beef up the appearance of any RC monster. They’re pre-mounted too, so no gluing.
The Not So Good
This tire/rim set is a solid choice for monster truck fans still learning. It may not be the best option for hardcore aggressive racers. The traction is good but not exceptional, which is what you would need for bashing. The tires can also balloon a bit at higher speeds.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Duratrax |
| Number: 2 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions: 2.6 x 4.7” |
| Product Weight: 8.8 oz. |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: Rubber/plastic |
| Tread: 6 pack pattern |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Superb grip with average use |
| Work great over grass track |
| Smart 6-spoke rims |
| Pre-mounted w/ foam inserts |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Average traction |
| Some ballooning |
9. Pro-Line Trencher 2.8″ All Terrain Tires
Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
Compatibility: Traxxas Jato, Nitro Stampede, Nitro Rustler trucks
Pro-Line Trencher All-Terrain Tire Highlights
This pair of 2.8” Pro-Line Trencher tires come mounted on black Desperado wheels. They give any truck a more menacing look as well as enhanced performance. The tires can tackle any terrain type be that loose gravel, hard-packed mud, street, snow—you name it. That’s thanks to the ultimate traction provided by the horizontal H-shaped tread. It’s a long-lasting and durable product to boot.
The tires are thick with lugs carefully shaped so that they can dig right into any surface. They’re bigger and weigh more than Traxxas stock tires. That’s a good thing, but aggressive users should monitor their motor temperatures carefully. The price is another key attraction of this tire/rim set.
The Not So Good
You’re sure to come across some user reviews that say the tires balloon, and they’re right. But they’re off-road tires and not build for high speed. They only balloon if drivers take their trucks above 30mph.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Proline |
| Number: 2 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions: 2.86 x 4.87 |
| Product Weight: 12.6 oz. |
| Scale: 1:10 |
| Material: Rubber/plastic |
| Tread: Horizontal H shape |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Mounted on Desperado wheels |
| Pre-mounts (no gluing) |
| Good-looking tires/wheels |
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Long lasting and durable |
| Exceptional traction, thick lugs |
| Reasonably priced |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Balloons at speeds 30+ mph |
10. Hobbypark 3.2″ Monster Tires W/ Wheel Rims
Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
Compatibility: 1/8 Scale off-road RC monster trucks.
Hobbypark 3.2″ Monster Tire Highlights
The last of the RC car tire reviews go to Hobbypark’s 3.2” monster tires with 17mm Hex. They’re made from high-quality rubber and come with foam inserts. The tires are wear-resistant and highly durable, but then they should be at this price range. It’s a capable multi-terrain, long-lasting product that performs as advertised.
The Not So Good
These tires come with foam inserts, but they’re not pre-mounted. Only use professional R/C tire glue to attach them to the rims. The set is quite expensive compared to some rivals.
| Tech Specs |
|---|
| Brand: Hobbypark |
| Number: 4 tires w/ rims |
| Dimensions: Xxx 3.5 x 5.9 |
| Product Weight: 2.4 lbs. |
| Scale: 1:8 |
| Hex Size: 17mm |
| Material: Wear-resistant rubber |
| The Pros |
|---|
| Nice looking tire/wheel set |
| Thick chunky rubber |
| Thick lugs |
| Multi-terrain capable |
| Superb grip |
| Long-lasting, durable |
| The Cons |
|---|
| Not glued |
| Expensive |
Contents
- Know Your RC Model
- Know Your Tire Treads
- Know Your Tire Inserts
- About My ‘RC Car Tires’ Guide
- RC Car Tires Comparison Table
- 1. Hobbypark OD Rubber RC Car Tires | Best Budget
- Hobbypark OD Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 2. INJORA Tires RC Short-Course Truck | Best Value
- INJORA Short-Course Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 3. Pro-line Racing Badlands MX43 | Top Pick
- Racing Badlands MX43 Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 4. Hobbypark Hard Plastic RC Drift Car Tires W/ Rims
- Hobbypark Drift Car Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 5. BQLZR Black F/R Rims W/ High Grip Rubber Tires
- BQLZR High Grip Rubber Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 6. INJORA Super Large RC Rock Crawler Tires
- INJORA RC Rock Crawler Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 7. JIUWU 12mm Hub Wheel Rim & Buggy Tires
- JIUWU Off-Road Buggy Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 8. Duratrax MT 2.8″RC Monster Truck Tires
- Duratrax Monster Truck Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 9. Pro-Line Trencher 2.8″ All Terrain Tires
- Pro-Line Trencher All-Terrain Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good
- 10. Hobbypark 3.2″ Monster Tires W/ Wheel Rims
- Hobbypark 3.2″ Monster Tire Highlights
- The Not So Good