Proline tire foam - deteriorates

[Grant Tokumi]

I use Proline Holeshot tires with my RC10GT with the foam that comes with it, or the Proline "stiff" foam inserts. Problem is the foam in the tire don't seem to last very long. After like 10 tanks, the tires quickly lose its firmness. Enough that traction is significan't hurt. I originally thought it was due to the foam getting flattened from the centrigugal force that it is exerted on them to push them outwards. But upon slashing a pair of used tires, I found out the foam is actually crumbling away. All these foam flakes came pouring out of the tire and the outer surface of the foam had a HUGE sag in it (maybe 1/2" deep)where foam had been sanded away.

Anybody experience this and found a solution to fix it? I read in the March 2001 issue of Nitro (pg 86) that the reviewers used Trinity foam inserts because "Standard foam inserts aren't well-known for holding up over the long haul." Are they referring to this quick deterioration of the standard foams and is the Trinity ones that much better?

[XXXER]

Well, I think that pro-line foams deterioate(spelling http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif ) the fastest, my stockers were TERRIBLE, but i found that Trinity inserts are great, i know that the stiffest trinity insert is the blue ones. that is about it, check and ask the local track director/owner/fast guys what they are running, they can help probably.

[john]

Yea, i've had the same problems. They deteriorate in the middle of the foam. I currently have a set of M3 Holeshots that still are good but the foam is MUSH http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/mad.gif. I understood from Pro-Line after emailing them that they where looking into it. I sent them @3-4 sets of tires around 5 months ago at their request so they could check them out. I never heard back as to whether it's a defect or normal. I vote for defect myself! This problem started happening last year and it's consistant.
I hate spending $15 on tires then having to buy foams also but it's better than tossing out tires that still have life left.
I'm going to give Losi tires a shot.

[raffaelli]

I have had that problem. I found that I was getting the tires too wet when I was cleaning them. The foam falls apart when ut gets wet.

[SteveP]

I've noticed the same myself, but Pro-Line doesn't have the exclusive on this one. I've also noticed it with Losi tires. Even though it's more money, I've gotten in the habit of using Trinity's foam inserts. They last at least as long as the tires - In fact, I've cut them out of worn tires and used them again.
Tire manufacturers have a tough choice. If they use a high grade foam, they'd have to charge a few bucks more for their tires. If their competition uses a lower grade foam, they are able to sell their tires for a few bucks less. Average consumers have proven overwhelmingly they would opt for the less expensive tires without considering the difference in the quality of the foam inserts

[This message has been edited by SteveP (edited 02-09-2001).]

[john]

It's good for Pro-Line. Keeps the selling cost down and causes you to toss your tires earlier than you should have to if you aren't aware of the "problem". Then buy more tires.
The foams last fine in the Pro-Line front tires.
Thanks for the heads up with Losi foams, i've only used Losi fronts, never rears.

How about a line of Losi tires with Trinitys Bomb1's packaged in http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/biggrin.gif?

[Grant Tokumi]

I kind of figured Proline must know about it and like john mentions, they probably don't mind it cause it means more sales for them.
I'm kind of excited to try those Trinity inserts now. I'll be happy if they are really that good.