Rob
Joined: 12 Oct 2005
Posts: 127
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 Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 10:11 am Post subject: Tire 'Shore' Ratings |
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By RC Car Action:
UNDERSTANDING SHORE RATINGS
Shore (foam-density) ratings provide an easy numerical reference for tire selection. The ratings range from as low as 25 (very soft) to 55 (quite hard). Tires with shore ratings lower than 35 are typically used for 1/10-scale electric carpet racing; the higher-shore-rated tires are strictly for nitro cars. Although tires with lower shore ratings may be too soft for nitro cars that run on high-bite tracks, they work well when the temperature drops below 60 degrees F and when the surface is unprepared and loose. You can expect tires with shore ratings lower than 35 to wear more quickly and to be damaged by hard impacts.
For most tracks and surfaces, tires with a 40 shore rating are a good starting point for the rear wheels. If the car feels a little tight (the rear end does not want to float around the apex of a turn), use a slightly higher shore rating of 42 or 45. The tightness indicates that the rear tires are too soft, so they provide too much traction. You don’t want to fight the car around a turn; it should feel smooth and fast.
Tires with shore ratings of 45 and higher are usually used for front tires, but they can be run in the rear on hot days or when traction is really good. A shore rating of 45 is a good starting point for the front. If the steering is too aggressive, use a higher shore rating; if the steering seems lazy, run a lower-shore tire up front. Higher-shore tires will generally wear less and last longer. In general, it’s best to use the hardest tires that you can get away with so that you get more life out of them. You could always apply a little tire sauce where needed to get the car planted to your liking. |
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