The surface you're drifting on plays a massive role in tire choice.
Think of it like this: you wouldn't wear ice skates on a basketball court, right? Similarly, the wrong tires on the wrong surface will have you spinning your wheels.
Popular Surfaces
Polished Concrete/Smooth Tile: This is the classic, slick surface most indoor drift tracks use. It offers low grip, requiring tires with minimal tread and a harder compound. Think of it as the "ice rink" of RC drifting. It's where you can really slide into those perfect drifts.
Carpet: Carpet offers significantly more grip than polished surfaces. You'll need tires with softer compounds and some tread to maximize control. It's a bit like drifting on a slightly damp road – you can really carve those lines.
Specialized Drift Tiles/PVC: Some dedicated drift tracks use special tiles or PVC surfaces designed for consistent grip. These often fall somewhere between polished concrete and carpet in terms of grip levels. They're a great way to dial in your setup.
Tire Compounds: The Grip Factor
Tire compound refers to the softness or hardness of the tire.
Softer compounds offer more grip but wear out faster, while harder compounds offer less grip but last longer.
Soft Compound Tires
- Grip: High
- Wear: Fast
- Feel: "Sticky," responsive, lots of control
- Best for: High-grip surfaces (grippy asphalt), beginners learning throttle control
Hard Compound Tires
- Grip: Low
- Wear: Slow
- Feel: "Slippery," less responsive, requires precise control
- Best for: Low-grip surfaces (carpet, polished concrete, tile), experienced drifters who want long, smooth slides
Key Differences
In Simple Terms
Imagine soft tires like sticky notes – they grip well but wear out quickly. Hard tires are like plastic – they don't grip as much but last a long time.
Which Should You Choose?
- New to drifting? Start with hard / firm tires on a surface with decent grip (like carpet). This will give you more control as you learn.
- Drifting on polished concrete? You'll need hard tires to get those long, smooth slides.
- Want maximum grip on carpet? Hard tires are the way to go, but be prepared for them to wear out faster.
Important Note: The ideal tire compound can also depend on your RC car's setup, driving style, and even the temperature of the surface you're drifting on. Don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.
Tire Types: What about tread?
For drifting, tread pattern is less important than compound. In most cases, slick tires (no tread) are preferred, especially on low-grip surfaces. Some slight tread may be beneficial on carpet or asphalt to provide a little extra bite.
Slick Tires: These are the go-to for most RC drifters, especially on polished concrete. They provide minimal grip, allowing for smooth, controlled slides. They are the kings of the slide.
Treaded Tires: These tires have a tread pattern. They can be useful on high-grip surfaces like carpet or for beginners who are still developing their throttle control. However, they can sometimes make drifting more difficult on low-grip surfaces.
Anything else to add?
If you have anything else to add, whether it be some photos from your experiences, tyre wear, what surface, videos of drifting don't be afraid to add to this discussion!
Let me know if you found this guide helpful.
