There is a vast range of RC tires. Choosing the right RC tire for your RC car can be a tough one. Also, the small differences in the tire can affect the performance.
So, you need to the differences of 1.9 vs 2.2 vs 2.8 vs 3.8 RC tires.
The main difference between RC tires is the overall size. 1.9 RC tires are the smallest. Whereas, 3.8 RC tires are the largest. Yet, 2.2 and 2.8 RC tires are very compatible with RC cars. But, the shifting time is least for 1.9 and also the speed. Albeit, 3.8 RC tires give the most speed.
You might be thinking, that’s all you need to know. However, that’s not the case. You need to dive deeper to understand the compatibility of each tire.
So, without waiting let’s get started.
Short Head-to-Head Comparisons
RC cars tires like Traxxas tire sizes vary. To give you that exquisite speed and handling, RC car manufacturers craft tires carefully.
However, you may want to change the RC tires for your preferred performance. You may be wondering if it’s you can fit bigger tires on RC cars.
Yes, some RC cars do enable that. You can even fit smaller race tires for that extra burst of speed. To do so, knowing the differences between each tire is important.
With that said, let’s see a short comparison regarding each tire.
| Differentiating Factors | 1.9 RC Tires | 2.2 RC Tires | 2.8 RC Tires | 3.8 RC Tires |
| Inside Diameter Size | 48.26mm | 55.88mm | 71.12mm | 96.52mm |
| Outside Diameter Size | 120mm | 130.02mm | 135mm | 160.02mm |
| Wheel Width | 33mm | 41mm | 53.35mm | 76.2mm |
| Height | 108mm | 124mm | 156.42mm | 165.4mm |
| Wheel Hex Size | 12 or 14mm | 12 or 14mm | 12, 14 or 17mm | 12,14,17 or 24mm |
| Compatible Model Type | 1/10 Scale RC | 1/10 Scale RC | 1/8 or 1/10 Scale RC | 1/8 or 1/10 Scale RC |
| Gear Time | Least | More than 1.9 RC Tires | More than 2.2 RC Tires | Most |
| Top Speed | Least | More than 1.9 RC Tires | More than 2.2 RC Tires | Most |
| Ground Clearance | Least | More than 1.9 RC Tires | More than 2.2 RC Tires | Most |
| Racing Advantage | Most | Less than 1.9 RC tires | Less than 2.2 RC Tires | Least |
| Bashing Advantage | Least | More than 1.9 RC Tires | More than 2.2 RC Tires | Most |
If you are thinking that it’s all you need to know, then you are wrong. For the best RC tire upgrade, you need to dive deeper.
With that aim, I will discuss the in-depth comparison of these tires. So, let’s move on.
In-Depth Head-to-Head Comparisons
By upgrading the tires you can boost the top speed of Traxxas Blast. Not only for that RC, but you can also increase traction or speed for all RC. Just like the person did with his Traxxas for a better off-road experience.
Hence, this section’s in-depth discussion will come in handy. After going through this you can decide which tire size is ideal for you.
Let’s jump right in!
Overall Size:
A tire can give you the perfect speed boost that you need. But, if it makes your RC car wobble, then it’s of no use. So, the overall size of tires for your RC matters the most.
Before continuing you should know that some manufacturers won’t use the standard measurement. It can differ a bit for different manufacturers. However, the difference will be only a little.
The 1.9 RC tires are the smallest in this comparison. It has an inside diameter of 48.26mm and a 120mm outside diameter. The width of the tire is 33mm and the height is 108mm.
Whereas the 2.2 RC tires have 55.88mm inside and 130.02mm outside diameter. It is bigger than the 1.9 RC tires. Also, the width is 41mm and the height is 124mm.
Nevertheless, 2.8 RC tires are even bigger than 2.2 RC tires. The inside diameter is 71.12mm and the outside diameter is 135mm. Furthermore, the height of the RC tire is 156.42mm and the width is 53.35mm.
However, the 3.8 RC tires are massive. Its inside diameter is 96.52mm and its outside diameter is 160.02mm. Moreover, the width of the tire is 76.2mm and the height is 160.4mm. So, this is the largest tire on this list.
Summary: The 3.8 RC tires are the largest. Then comes 2.8, 2.2, and 1.9 RC tires.
Source: pitbullrc.com
Wheel Hex Size:
Perhaps one of the most important things to consider while choosing tires is hex size. Some RC tires only allow a certain hex size.
With that said, the 1.9 RC tires fit on a 12mm or 14mm wheel hex. It is also applicable for the 2.2 RC tires.
However, the 2.8 RC tires can also fit on a 12mm or 14mm wheel hex. But some RC cars will allow you to fit it on a 17mm wheel hex.
Nevertheless, the 3.8 RC tires can be fitted on 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, or 24mm hex. Because some 3.8 RC tires require the largest wheel hex to properly fit the wheel. The positive side about this is the compatibility.
Summary: Every RC tire can be fitted on a 12mm or 14mm wheel hex. However, 2.8 and 3.8 RC tires can be fitted on 17mm hex. Also, 24mm hex can be used for 3.8 tires too.
Compatible Model Types:
The burning question about this comparison is the compatibility of RC tires. So, let’s see which tires are compatible with your RC.
For the 1/10 scale RC tires, you can go for any tire as you please. The 1.9 and 2.2 RC tires are great for racing. Whereas the 2.8 and 3.8 RC tires can be used on 1/8 RC scales.
If you want a racing tire, go for 1.9 and 2.2 tires. It helps you to accelerate quickly. However, 2.8 and 3.8 RC tires can enhance the speed and traction. It is perfect for off-roading. I will discuss this more later on.
Summary: 1/10 scale RC cars can use all sizes of tires. Whereas, 2.8 and 3.8 tires can be used on 1/8 scale RC cars.
Source: rogershobbycenter.com
Gear Shifting Time:
Regardless of racing or bashing, gear shifting time is an important aspect. On the slope, while low gears are important, high gears are important for speeding.
With that out of the way, the 1.9 RC tires have the highest shifting time. Because of the small tire size, it rotates a lot. Hence, it can speed up faster. Resulting in faster gear shifts.
Compared to 1.9 RC tires, 2.2 RC tires have lower shifting time. However, it is still great for your RC car to obtain the speed faster by shifting.
On the other hand, 2.8 RC tires shift times are slow. The RPM is much lower than 2.2 and 1.9 RC tires. Hence, it takes more time.
However, 3.8 RC tires have the slowest shift time. Because of the huge tire size, it happens.
Summary: 1.9 RC tires have the least shifting time. Then comes 2.2, 2.8, and 3.8 RC tires.
Top Speed:
As RC enthusiasts, we all want a top-speeding RC. You will be surprised how each tire has influenced the speed.
Due to a high RPM, 1.9 and 2.2 tires won’t affect the speed that much. However, the 2.8 and 3.8 RC tires can affect the speed heavily.
Source: amainhobbies.com
As you can see on the image, with per shifting the tire rotates more. As a result, it increases the speed greatly. So, you may see drastic speed differences on bigger tires.
Summary: 2.8 and 3.8 RC tires influence the speed greater than 1.9 and 2.2 RC tires.
Ground Clearance:
You don’t want your RC tires to hit the ground often. It can damage the RC severely. Hence, having more ground clearance is a positive side while off-roading. However, you can achieve speed faster with the least ground clearance.
So, the 1.9 RC tires provide the least ground clearance. Due to the small size, it is possible.
However, 2.2 RC tires are bigger than 1.9 RC tires. Hence, it provides more ground clearance than 1.9 RC tires. Yet, 2.8 RC tires will give even more ground clearance. It is because of the tire size.
So, you can tell that 3.8 RC tires will have the most ground clearance on the list.
Summary: 3.8 RC tires provide the most ground clearance. Then comes 2.8, 2.2, and 1.9 RC tires.
Price:
Lastly, the price is an important factor. So, let’s see the price of each RC tire.
Good and reliable 1.9 RC tires can cost between $15-$55. Let’s see some of the best 1.9 RC tires.
- For off-roading Duratrax 1.9″ Crawler Tires are simply the cherry on top of the cake.
- To gain top speed faster Pro-Line Racing 1.9″ Rock Crawling Tires are the best.
- For overall traction, speed, and sleek design INJORA 1.9 Tires are ideal.
However, the 2.2 RC tires can cost more than 1.9 RC tires. Some of the best 2.2 RC tires on the market are mentioned below.
- For soft and sticky tires, Hobbysoul 2.2” mud slingers are good.
- The ultimate basher tire is Proline Trencher 2.2″
- A great experience on grass can be ensured by Duratrax Deep Woods 2.2″ Crawler Tires.
2.8 RC tires price range between $20-$75. Below some of the best RC tires are given.
- For high traction Duratrax Bandito ST 2.8″ is a wise choice.
- More durable and racing tires are Pro-line Racing 2.8″ MT Tires.
- To conquer sand terrains, equip your RC with ARRMA Dboots ‘Fortress MT’.
Lastly, the best 3.8 RC tires are listed down.
- To perform stunts go for ARRMA Backflip 3.8” Rc Tires.
- For optimal traction on dirt, Duratrax Hatchet MT 3.8″ is a wise choice.
- The best racing tire for 1/8 scale RC is Pro-line Racing 3.8″ MT Tires.
Summary: The price of tires varies by manufacturer.
That’s all regarding the whole comparison. Don’t forget to clean your RC car properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Higher Aspect Tire Ratio for RC give Better Performance?
No, a lower aspect tire ratio for RC will give better performance. Aspect ratio means the combination of tire and wheel. The more compatible the tire and wheel are, the less ratio will be.
Is a 4WD RC Car Faster than a 2WD RC Car?
Yes, a 4WD RC car is faster than a 2WD RC car. Because the 4WD drivetrain has more power. As all 4 wheels get equal power. Whereas for 2WD it could be pair of the front or back wheels getting power. So, with 4WD you get more throttle power than 2WD.
What Is the Fastest 4WD RC Car?
The fastest 4WD RC car is Traxxas XO-1. It is powered by the largest brushless motor. The 0-60 mph takes only 2.5 seconds. The Traxxas XO-1 has a top speed of 100 mph+.
