Continuing on the front tire discussion. Ive noticed there are a few differents combinations that are popular for each different class of 12th. Obviously there are plenty of setups that differ from the below... But this is what I have been noticing the fast guys using at bigger races. If I am missing something, or have something wrong, please point it out.

Blinky 17.5, I see people using:
1) Black/Yellow
2) Black/Orange(Grey-Low)
3) Magenta/Yellow
4) Magenta/Pink

13.5 Open:
1) Magenta/Yellow
2) Magenta/Pink
3) Magenta/Magenta

Mod:
1) Magenta/Pink
2) Magenta/Magenta


What is the reason for this hierarchy? More to the point, what is the reason for the Black/Yellow or Black/Orange combo being so popular in Stock/17.5, but not really used in the other classes?

Im guessing that as the motors get faster, the potential for higher corner speed increases... thus you want a car with more steering to maintain that corner speed? Is this correct?

If that is the case, are there situations where you would want to use a Magenta/Magenta combo in, say, 17.5 Blinky?

I disagree on your body handling information.

R8C is less aggressive, car is easier to drive overall.

Bomb'R has more down force all around and definitely gives you more steering. This body is similar to the Protoform AMR12. Both these bodies are used in Mod racing which would lead one to believe they have more grip. I gained .1 to .2 seconds on average in 17.5NT by switching to the Bomb'R.

Not sure on the other 2 I've never ran them.

Are either of the Protoform bodies good?

Repost so it doesn't get lost on the bottom of the last page...

This is my first 1/12 scale so it sounds like the R8C would be best for me. I race WGT now and do pretty good so I decided to give 12th scale a shot.

I haven't done much testing in 17,5 in a long time but most guys run the yellow/black combo because it has less grip and makes the car run a little more free. Less steering and less rear grip. If the track has low grip the pink/magenta family could certainly be faster, I have even seen it at big races but it is less common.

My personal experience with 13.5 and faster is the yellow family just does not have the traction the pink/magenta family of rubber does. The yellow rears have less forward bite than pink or magenta and usually chunk and wear out much easier/faster. I have seen them used and work but only in certain circumstances.

Hope that helps a little.

Hello 1/12th scale racers.
I'm looking at getting into 1/12 scale 17.5 boosted. Two members at my club have offered to sell me their used 1/12 rollers.
1st
Associated 12R5.1
2nd
Serpent S120L
both in great shape.
Which one would you buy if you were just getting into 1/12 scale & Why?

I gotta try one of those R12 Mohawks, just on the basis of looking badass.

I would look at condition of the cars first. Second, I would look at how much help is there for a particular car. If everyone else is running AE you would probably do better quicker with it. As a newbie, I would not go buy something that no one else is running and can't help you with. Third look for parts support at your local track. Something is going to break and you are not going to have it. I just think it is easier for a person getting into a class for the first time to go with the flow. Then, after you have mastered it, you can go your on direction.

All of the cars are about equal, just get the one that has better part support at the track (probably not the serpent)

Thanks for the input... Very helpful.

Thanks guys, good points been made. The AE 12R5.1 will be the best choice for me.

Thats the best way to put it WES... its been said many of times.. Just because the pros are running it desnt mean its the best for you... i feel the same way about crc tires compared to jaco/parma... just a completely different feeling car to me..... same with bodies... i like the feel of the amr12.. in all classes..

jamesl

i know urdoing alot of tire research... heres some food for thought.. just because what ur reading they ran on the net or what u seen in results doesnt mean its all true....like the good old saying "dont judge a book by its cover" pretty much now a days tires and tires setup is the only thing setting these "pros" apart.. so why are they gonna give there little bit of edge... I mean i seen it with my own eyes local king of there local track on weekly races winner are going to the extend to actually removing the clor codes of one tire and switching them to another..(taking a mag dot and putting on a yellow)..sicking i know... best is i seen race scribe off the real pinion numbers and put in a new one so if it was looked at or tech when marshaling they see a completly different number then used....

I would rather loose a hard fought battle, than win by a country mile.

If we want RC and 12th scale to grow, the best thing to do is give everyone the best advice possible.

Steel sharpens steel as a friend of mine said a while back.

The small minded camp won't be happy till there is no one left to race against

I don't know if it's the case in the USA, but in the UK I find that 12th scale drivers are by far the most helpful of any class of racing. If you ask for help or advice you get it, and to the best of their ability. I've even seen top guys rebuild cars for other people at the nationals.

Trev