1:8 RC car tires explained – Shore hardness, foam rubber vs. hollow chamber
Who in 1:8 RC car Area is active, knows: Choosing the right tire can be the difference between victory and defeat. But what do they actually mean? Shore hardness, foam rubber and hollow chamber? We explain the differences and help you find the perfect one 1:8 RC tires for your use.
What is the shore hardness of RC car tires?
The Shore hardness indicates how soft or hard a tire compound is. The lower the value, the softer the tire - and the more grip it offers on smooth or loose surfaces. The higher the value, the harder and more durable the tire is.
Typical Shore values in 1:8 RC range:
- 30-35 Shore – very soft, maximum grip, short lifespan, ideal for carpet or damp asphalt
- 37-40 Shore – medium mix, good all-rounder for most surfaces
- 45+ Shore – hard, durable, ideal for rough asphalt or long races
Rule of thumb: Softer = more grip but faster wear. Harder = less grip but longer lasting.
Foam rubber vs. hollow chamber – what’s the difference?
Foam rubber inserts
Foam rubber tires have a closed-cell foam insert that supports the tire from the inside. They are the most popular choice in the 1:8 RC racing and offer:
- ✅ Constant contact area and even grip
- ✅ Light weight
- ✅ Precise steering behavior
- ✅ No tire pressure required
- ❌ More sensitive to extreme heat
- ❌ Insert may settle over time
Ideal for: Asphalt, carpet, indoor racing, 1:8 buggy and on-road.
Hollow chamber tires
Hollow chamber tires work like real car tires - they are filled with air and therefore offer a more natural suspension. They are particularly common in the off-road sector:
- ✅ Better cushioning on uneven terrain
- ✅ More robust on stones and rough surfaces
- ✅ Tire pressure can be individually adjusted
- ❌ Tire puncture possible (flats)
- ❌ Heavier than foam rubber
- ❌ Tire pressure must be checked regularly
Ideal for: Offroad, Truggy, Rough Terrain, Crawler.
Which tire for which use?
| Use | Type | Shore hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor carpet racing | foam rubber | 30-35 Shore |
| Asphalt/Outdoor Racing | foam rubber | 37-42 Shore |
| Rally / gravel | foam rubber | 40-45 Shore |
| Off-road/truggy | hollow chamber | – |
| Crawler/Terrain | hollow chamber | – |
The SP Racing tires – our tip for 1:8 Racing
For the 1:8 buggy and on-road area we recommend that SP Racing complete wheels – available in different Shore hardness levels and profile types:
- SP 1:8 complete wheel GT foam rubber #37 Shore Rally Game – soft compound for maximum grip on asphalt and carpet
- SP 1:8 complete wheel GT foam rubber #40 Shore Rally Game – All-rounder for most surfaces
- SP 1:8 complete wheel GT Sport hollow chamber profile hard – for rough surfaces and long races
Conclusion: The right 1:8 RC tire makes the difference
The choice between Foam rubber and hollow chamber as well as the correct one Shore hardness are crucial for performance and driving pleasure. For most 1:8 RC Car Driver on asphalt or carpet is a Foam rubber tires with 37-40 Shore the best choice. Off-road drivers are better off using hollow chambers.
Check out our complete selection of 1:8 RC car tires in the Artexio shop - all products in stock ready for shipping: