Crawler foam question

[BashingBrian]

To all the crawler experts, two questions for you all.
I have various proline tyres but all the stock foams are far too soft, so..
1.. what are better for 1/10 crawlers, foam foams or these new silicone inserts I keep seeing ?
2.. is it best to run slightly stiffer harder foams in the rear and softer up front ?
I’m not trying to be a crawling god, just want a better handling rig especially when side hilling

 

[Doom!]

I have been impressed with the silicone inserts. I am far from a crawler god, but like you, do like to get the best results I can within reason. I know a lot of folks swear by two stage foam inserts,
So far silicone and 3d printed inserts have worked the best for me.

Slightly softer front, firmer rear is usually the setup the big boys go with, not sure how much it matters if your not doing any comp or extreme crawling. I haven't personally tried this.

 

[332_RC]

I've tried both. I like both. I prefer the two stage foams. The 3d printed ones have good side bite & flex well, conform. I have not tried the silicone ones. The foams seem to perform a little better in my rig I tested them on. Like Doom said, I'm no expert on crawler stuff, & I don't build for comps, just fun. If you want to do a lot of creek running & hit the water & vent your tires, the silicone or 3d printed ones would be the choice. I prefer non vented tires & the 2 stage foams, & I can hit the water, sealed beadlocks.

 

[Chapinb]

Im a pretty basic trail crawler with a mini. I like the silicone. But Iv never had proper foams in the past, usually stock or mismatched foams that I cut up into stars or remove chunks to get the squish I want, so grain of salt with my experience here.
But yes, softer in the front to aid in the pull, rather than push and flip.

 

[JimrC]

Another silicone insert user here, wouldn't go back to foams as I find the side support superior with the inserts and gives enough deformation on the tread personally. I use the Injora Blue inserts on a 10 ½ lb. rig with Falken Wildpeak tires and find this combo works great for all round trails with challenging obstacles along the way. A little trial and error finding the right insert for your specific tire of choice imo but the inserts are easily modded if need be and very cost effective.

I use same insert front and rear but the rear suspension is adjusted slightly firmer. Weight bias of the rig is about 52%_F / 48%-R, will side hill gingerly at between 25-30°.

 

[BashingBrian]

I've tried both. I like both. I prefer the two stage foams.

@332_RC .. when you say two stage do you mean like rubber/foam or dual foam??

I have these from Ali they're like hard rubber'ish in the center and foam on the outside, I've also tried the "cutting" into stars etc..

These are the silicon ones I have bought "Injora" brand, went with blues and greens, they are due tomorrow delivery I hope

 

[332_RC]

The two stage foams I have in a few different tire sets are both foam. One being a different, separate foam than the other. I have Proline & Pitbull 2 stage foams. All 4.75" 1/10 stuff. The inner foam is dense like a Styrofoam & outer is like a sponge. The Pitbull ones are both like a sponge but one is harder.

 

[RLB454]

I have been super impressed with the Injora silicone inserts in my mini's. I just installed them this past week, always have had various foam configurations until now. I got the yellows/super soft. They give great bite with just the right amount of squish, and hold the sidewall flex really good.
I like them so much I am going to order some up for my 10th crawlers.

 

[Doom!]

I've got the Injora silicone inserts in my mini's, and their green inserts in my 1/10 scale crawlers. My 1/6 scale SCX6 has 3bros 3d printed inserts. I don't think I have standard foam in any of my crawlers anymore unless they are running stock wheels.

@BashingBrian I think your going to like them.