What exactly does offset mean in RC

[skids929]

trying to wrap my head around what offset exactly means as I build this monster truck out? I think I know but I want to confirm with the experts here! So my questions are as follows:

1) what will 0 degree offset do to performance and overall look
2) what will 1/2 offset do to performance and overall look


I think it's just a wider look but I want to make sure I am not going to make a decision that will majorly impact the performance of the truck. (Tekno MT410)

 

[gotnitro]

Offset is where the hex is on the inside of the rim. 1/2 offset would be in the middle of the rim giving you a wider stance. 0 offset would be on the outside of the rim giving you the least amount of stance.

 

[Sandracer_NL]

With 1/2 (negative) offset means the contact between the wheel hub and rim is 1/2 towards the chassis, i.e. pushing the rim 1/2 outside and making the total stance 1/2 wider on each side, based on the same rim width of course.
If you want wider wheels at some point you need (negative) offset to prevent the rim rubbing the hub/chassis.
Wider stance -> more aggressive look, more stable stance, less flipping over the car, larger turning circle.
I like the way my buggy drives with 1/2 offset (way less flip-overs).

 

[Jerry-rigged]

But to add insult to ignorance, some wheel MFGR's measure offset from the centerline of the wheel, some measure from the face of the wheel. So if the wheel is listed as a "Zero offset" be sure to look at the pics to see if the wheel nut is at the face of the wheel, or recessed into the rim (centerline).

Edit - look at this Proline wheel - They call it a "Zero Offset" wheel, but then they clearly show a 0.56" offset...
https://www.prolineracing.com/wheels/velocity-vtr-4.0-wheels.asp

 

[JvG]

To keep it simple more offset means:

- Wider stance
- More stability, less aggressive cornering
- More strain on bearings
- More strain on shock springs (because of more leverage), but in my experience not really noticable with 1/2 inch offset

 

[skids929]

thanks guys, very helpful...I want a set of these and was just trying to figure it out since they're not cheap.

https://www.eurorc.com/product/27692/louise-tires--wheels-st-uphill-38-black-mft-12-offset-2

 

[olds97_lss]

I think I've always seen it as in inches. .5" offset or 1/2" offset, meaning the hex is 1/2" from zero offset making the stance 1" wider.

 

[Le-Berry]

Offset is where the hex is on the inside of the rim. 1/2 offset would be in the middle of the rim giving you a wider stance. 0 offset would be on the outside of the rim giving you the least amount of stance.

Zero offset is the middle of the rim (makes sense most balanced is 0 offset not straining the servo)

https://blog.rcmart.com/rc-rc-tutorial-what-is-offset-how-to-calculate-it/

 

[gotnitro]

Zero offset is the middle of the rim (makes sense most balanced is 0 offset not straining the servo)

https://blog.rcmart.com/rc-rc-tutorial-what-is-offset-how-to-calculate-it/

Correct. We always called it 1/2 meaning in the middle of the rim, standard 0 offset. Mind was all there, improper wording. Thanks for the correction.

 

[GRC]

But to add insult to ignorance, some wheel MFGR's measure offset from the centerline of the wheel, some measure from the face of the wheel. So if the wheel is listed as a "Zero offset" be sure to look at the pics to see if the wheel nut is at the face of the wheel, or recessed into the rim (centerline).

Edit - look at this Proline wheel - They call it a "Zero Offset" wheel, but then they clearly show a 0.56" offset...
https://www.prolineracing.com/wheels/velocity-vtr-4.0-wheels.asp

That's a zero offset wheel. There's a slight recess, but all zero offset wheels have that. I don't think you can find a completely flat faced wheel. That recess is not a 1/2 inch offset. A 1/2 inch offset looks like this:
https://www.amainhobbies.com/duratr...ire-white-2-c2-soft-dtxc3667/p968767?v=642374
https://www.amainhobbies.com/duratr...uggy-tire-white-2-1-2-offset-dtxc3662/p642372

EDIT: Just read through the post, I didn't realize some call recessed to the middle of the wheel, zero offset. I've always considered offset to be measured from the face.

 

[slick2500]

That's a zero offset wheel. There's a slight recess, but all zero offset wheels have that. I don't think you can find a completely flat faced wheel. That recess is not a 1/2 inch offset. A 1/2 inch offset looks like this:
https://www.amainhobbies.com/duratr...ire-white-2-c2-soft-dtxc3667/p968767?v=642374
https://www.amainhobbies.com/duratr...uggy-tire-white-2-1-2-offset-dtxc3662/p642372
View attachment 204239

This is the closest thing I have seen to a flat faced wheel. https://www.amainhobbies.com/de-racing-speedline-plus-1-8-truggy-wheel-white-4-der-pt4-8w/p705687

 

[Le-Berry]

Offset is where the hex is on the inside of the rim. 1/2 offset would be in the middle of the rim giving you a wider stance. 0 offset would be on the outside of the rim giving you the least amount of stance.

oeps wrong quote sorry guys