SCX24 Tires & Wheels Guide: How to Choose the Right Setup (Beginner to Advanced)

Introduction

The Axial SCX24 platform is one of the most popular micro crawlers today.
However, choosing the right tires and wheels can be confusing:

• What size should you use?
• Do bigger tires always perform better?
• Do you need to modify your body?

This guide will give you a simple and clear answer, from beginner setups to advanced builds.
If you already know what setup you need, you can start here:
→ Shop 1.0" Tires
→ Shop 1.0" Wheels

1. SCX24 Tire Size Guide

Most stock SCX24 tires are under 54mm.

Here’s how to choose the right size:

✅ 1. Stock-Friendly Setup (No Modification)

• Recommended size: ≤55mm
• No body trimming required
• Minimal or no rubbing

👉 Best for:

• Beginners
• Clean look builds
• Daily crawling

💡 Tip:
For the C10, slightly smaller tires often look more scale and realistic.

⚡ 2. Performance Upgrade (Best Balance)

• Recommended size: 56–60mm
• Will rub the body a little

👉 Why choose this?

• Better ground clearance
• Improved obstacle climbing
• Noticeable performance gain

🔥 3. Extreme Crawling Setup

• Recommended size: 61–65mm

👉 Benefits:

• Maximum obstacle capability
• Better approach angles

⚠️ Downsides:

• Significant body rubbing
• Requires modifications
• Higher load on motor & drivetrain

❌ 4. Not Recommended (For Most Users)

• 66mm+ tires or 1.3" wheels

Only for:

• Experienced builders
• Fully modified rigs

👉 Why not?

• High center of gravity
• Increased stress on electronics
• Poor balance without full upgrades

→ Still want to explore 1.3" Tires & Wheels

2. Tire Compound (Grip Matters More Than You Think)

We have continuously improved our rubber compound, and the latest version is: S5 Compound

• Extremely soft
• Very sticky
• Designed for maximum traction

👉 Ideal for:

• Rocks
• Technical crawling
• Low-speed control

3. Tire Inserts (Foam vs Silicone)

All our tires come with free foam inserts, which already provide excellent performance.

🧽 Foam Inserts (Included)

• Good all-around performance
• Budget-friendly
• Great for beginners

🧪 Silicone Inserts (Upgrade Option)

Our silicone inserts feature a dual-character design:

• Soft front → better grip
• Strong side support → prevents deformation

👉 Recommended for:

• Experienced users
• Performance-focused builds

⚠️ Important:

• Must match tire size correctly
• Not universal

→ Browse 1.0" Silicone Inserts

4. Wheels (Offset & Materials Explained)

Offset (Why It Matters)

Some wheels feature negative offset:

👉 Benefits:

• Wider track width
• Better stability
• Reduced rollover risk

Brass Wheels (Lower Center of Gravity)

Options:

• Aluminum wheels + brass rings
• Full brass wheels

👉 Advantages:

• Adds weight down low
• Improves traction
• Keeps tires planted

⚠️ Trade-offs:

• Higher load on motor & servo
• May require upgrades

5. 1.0" vs 1.3" Wheels

Both 1.0" and 1.3" wheels use the standard 7mm hex, which is fully compatible with SCX24 axles.

✅ 1.0" Wheels (Recommended)

• Most popular size
• Largest tire selection
  

⚠️ 1.3" Wheels

• Limited tire options
• Requires advanced setup

👉 Not recommended for most SCX24 users

6. Compatibility Notes (Important)

• Our wheels and tires are not compatible with stock SCX24 wheels/tires
• All our 1.0" wheels are compatible with all our 1.0" tires

👉 This allows you to mix and match freely.

7. FAQ (Highly Important for Buyers)

Q1: Do bigger tires always perform better?

Not always.
Bigger tires improve clearance, but also:

• Increase weight
• Raise center of gravity
• Add stress to electronics

Q2: Will my tires rub the body?

• ≤55mm → No
• 56–60mm → Maybe
• 61mm+ → Very likely

Q3: Are brass wheels worth it?

Yes, if you want:

• Better traction
• More stability

But be aware:

• You may need stronger motor/servo

Q4: Should beginners upgrade inserts?

No.
Foam inserts included with our 1.0" tires are enough for a great crawling experience.
Silicone inserts are optional and mainly for advanced users who want extra performance.

Q5: Why are 1.0" wheels more popular?

Because they offer:

• More tire choices
• Easier compatibility
• Better overall balance
• Provide a more scale appearance

Q6: What else should I upgrade besides tires & wheels?

If you're aiming for better performance, upgrading parts like the motor, servo, and other parts can make a big difference.
→ Explore SCX24 upgrade parts