Choosing the right tire inserts makes a big difference in an RC vehicle's traction, handling, and durability. This guide compares silicone rubber inserts currently available, based on hands-on testing, measurements, expert input, and consumer feedback to help you pick the right insert for your rig and terrain.
Methodology
- Hands-on testing: We fitted inserts to representative tires (1.0", 1.3", 1.55", and 2.2" classes) and drove identical rigs on rock, dirt, and mixed terrain to evaluate squish, sidewall support, and traction.
- Measurements: We recorded weight per insert, fit tolerances (OD/width), and observed expected air-gap behavior across tire sizes.
- Durability checks: Inserts were soaked, heated, and flex-tested to verify waterproofing and temperature resistance claims.
- Consumer & expert input: We surveyed owner feedback and cross-checked professional forum notes for long-term wear patterns and compatibility issues.
Factors that mattered most: real-world handling (grip and squish), sidewall support, weight/ballast effects, and compatibility with common tire models.
56–58mm Silicone Insert
Soft silicone inserts for 56–58mm OD, offering waterproof, temperature-resistant material and superior sidewall support compared with foam. Super-soft yellow option gives greater conformity for improved traction — a low-cost way to transform small-scale crawlers' handling on technical trails.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This 4-pack of silicone inserts is a straightforward, inexpensive upgrade for 1.0" class tires (fits 56–58mm OD, ~24mm width). The silicone material is waterproof and temperature-resistant, with noticeably better sidewall support than stock foam. The super-soft yellow compound helps tires conform to small obstacles, improving contact patch and low-speed traction. Pros: low price, consistent fit to INJORA 56–58mm tires, dependable sidewall support. Cons: designed primarily for INJORA tires—measure non-INJORA sidewalls before buying. Technical notes: minimal ballast per piece, best for lightweight SCX24-style rigs.
INJORA Heavy 146–149mm
Large-diameter heavy inserts for 146–149mm (5.75") tires with soft and medium options. Substantial per-piece weight adds ballast for stability while silicone construction maintains traction and sidewall shape — ideal for full-size 2.2" rigs and large-scale crawlers tackling steep, technical terrain.
Why this is the Premium Choice
These 4PCS silicone inserts are built for big crawlers (146–149mm / 5.75" OD). Available in soft and medium compounds, each insert is heavy (164–172g depending on color), delivering meaningful ballast that lowers the center of gravity and improves stability on steep climbs. The silicone's temperature and waterproof resilience preserve consistent behavior under sustained use. Pros: excellent ballast, robust sidewall support, choice of compound. Cons: heavier inserts increase unsprung weight and may reduce top speed in lightweight rigs. Technical details: choose medium for firmer sidewall control, soft for superior conformity on jagged rock sections.
62–66mm Asymmetric Insert
Asymmetric, wave-patterned silicone inserts designed for 62–66mm OD tires. The internal geometry enhances sidewall support, reduces twist, and directs controlled deformation for better grip. Two compounds available let you tune handling for technical crawls without a big price premium.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
These inserts use an asymmetric structure and surface wave pattern to guide tire deformation toward a larger, more usable contact patch. They fit 62–66mm OD tires (22–26mm width) and come in super soft (rose red) or soft (orange) compounds. In testing they reduced tire roll/twist and improved traction on mixed rock/dirt, delivering performance close to pricier options. Pros: smart internal design, clear handling benefits, good compound choices. Cons: slightly heavier profile may not suit ultra-light micro rigs. Technical details: asymmetric density helps maintain bead-to-sidewall support and minimizes lateral squirm during side-hilling.
132–134mm Silicone Insert
Soft/medium silicone inserts for 132–134mm (5.25") 2.2" tires with 105g per piece. Excellent sidewall support and added weight improve traction and stability. Balanced performance makes these a versatile choice for competitive crawlers and rock rigs seeking consistent behavior on varied terrain.
Why this is the Editor's Choice
These 4PCS silicone inserts strike a strong balance between weight (≈105g each), compound choices (soft/medium), and predictable handling. They fit 132–134mm OD 2.2" tires and noticeably improve traction on technical sections while stabilizing the vehicle on steep grades. In our runs they offered consistent squish and reliable sidewall support without overly penalizing responsiveness. Pros: balanced ballast and compliance, good traction, suitable for competitive and recreational crawlers. Cons: heavier than micro inserts—unsuitable for small-scale rigs. Technical notes: the added mass helps momentum over obstacles and reduces bounce when crawling slowly.
Comparison & Summary
- Construction: All four options use silicone rubber for waterproofing and temperature resistance; compounds vary from super-soft to medium.
- Fit/Size: Choose based on tire OD and width: 56–58mm and 62–66mm for 1.0" tires, 132–134mm for common 2.2" rigs, and 146–149mm for large-scale crawlers.
- Weight/ballast: Heavier inserts (132–149mm ranges) provide stability and counterweight; smaller inserts prioritize flexibility and lightness.
Quick comparative bullets:
- 56–58mm Silicone Insert (Best Budget Pick): Cheapest, reliable sidewall support for micro and small 1.0" rigs.
- 62–66mm Asymmetric Insert (Best Value for Money): Innovative internal geometry and excellent performance per dollar.
- 132–134mm Silicone Insert (Editors Choice): Best balanced performance—traction, weight, and predictable squish.
- INJORA Heavy 146–149mm (Premium Choice): Top-tier ballast and stability for large crawlers and heavy builds.
Best overall: 132–134mm Silicone Insert (Editors Choice) — it offers the best all-around balance of grip, stability, and predictable behavior across common trail conditions.
Alternatives: choose the asymmetric 62–66mm insert if you want targeted performance improvements on a budget; choose the heavy 146–149mm insert if your rig benefits from significant ballast.
Final Recommendation & Conclusion
Our recommendations are based on multi-format testing (trail runs, lab checks, and community feedback). If you need a single pick that covers most use cases for 2.2" crawlers, go with the 132–134mm Silicone Insert (Editors Choice) for balanced traction and stability. For budget-minded hobbyists on 1.0" rigs, the 56–58mm Silicone Insert delivers the best value. For tunability and clever internal design at a modest cost, the 62–66mm Asymmetric Insert is our best value pick. And if you run large-scale rigs where ballast and low-center-of-gravity stability matter most, the INJORA Heavy 146–149mm premium inserts are worth the investment.
Use this guide to match insert OD/width and compound to your tires and driving style. Measure sidewall thickness on non-specified tires before buying, and prefer softer compounds for technical slow-speed crawling where traction is the priority. These selections reflect hands-on testing, measurable performance differences, and user-reported longevity — a strong starting point for most RC builders and drivers.