Plastic or metal bead locks?!?

[Ty3]

I’m a newb to crawlers and electric. So can someone tell me if plastic or metal bead locks are better than the other? I know what a P.I.T.A gluing tires is, so I am going for bead locks. Any help is greatly appreciated.


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[midwest_rippa]

metal will generally be heavier and help the center of gravity. also arguably hold the bead of the tire way better

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[durok]

HIGHLY recommend metal (either aluminum or steel) beadlocks over plastic...

If you want a easy to mount and realistically priced metal beadlocks, the SSD lineup of steelies are definitely worth checking out.

Available in black, silver, or chrome - and spoked, 8-hole, or 5-slot.

(Oh, saw your other post - if you are worried about steel being too heavy, the SSD wheels are actually pretty light, their hubs are aluminum)

They make fancier ones as well...

https://www.rpphobby.com/category_s/...ge=1&brand=SSD

[colbynobo]

Most of my current wheels are SSD steel wheels and that's my top vote. I have a few pairs of plastic Proline wheels and I'm set to receive a set of the plastic Element Enduro 1.9 wheels later on today, so I'm still plastic friendly. The main issue I have with the plastic wheels is that I've begun to strip out a number of the holes on a few of them. I repeatedly change tires around so the screws get worked a lot. This is not a problem with the SSD steel wheels. I have a couple of different crawlers and have to be mindful of which wheels will clear which steering knuckles or portals.

[Ty3]

Thanks for the info. I realize the metal ones will get scratched up and I’m ok with that. They are not for looking pretty on a shelf. I never thought about the holes getting stripped out in plastic but makes sense.


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[colbynobo]

I was driving a line yesterday which required me to aggressively use the tire sidewalls to get up. I hesitated for a moment in fear of the scratching that was sure to happen on my SSD metal wheels. Of course, I shrugged and went for it. It reminded me of the exact reason I won't upgrade the wheels on my full-sized Jeep. Whenever I get into situations with ice and rocks and I hear it all bouncing off my OEM wheels I don't have to cringe.

[cubalz]

Metal for sure. As was said earlier, they will give you extra weight down low where it is needed

[Egsise]

Pro-Line Impulse plastic beadlocks are the easiest I've used, also they fit RC4WD, Pit Bull, Pro-Line, Redcat, and even chinese tyres without any problems.
I could do them eyes shut and with one hand, only six screws.

Metal beadlocks are much much more demanding how to get them right.

[austin-92]

What’s the difference between a 38$ set of 4 aluminum bead locks on eBay compared to 50$/pair from ssd?


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[bgredjeep]

Originally Posted by austin-92

What’s the difference between a 38$ set of 4 aluminum bead locks on eBay compared to 50$/pair from ssd?


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$62

[austin-92]

Originally Posted by bgredjeep

$62

S.O.B., the mathematician I’ve been hunting for has been here the whole time, now I know the cost difference lol


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[twade984]

One thing I’ve heard, all of the knock off Chinese wheels use all metric hardware, which has a shallower thread depth. Also, they are all pretty much copies of real companies designs, and usually have poor customer support.

I’ve run several different sets of Chinese knock off wheels without any issues, but I struggle with the dilemma of supporting companies that provide quality product and designs for the hobby vs saving some money and supporting businesses that steal designs to make a quick buck.

[DavidVonDoom]

I just put a $40 set (4) wheels on my 10 iii, aside from shearing a bolt on the beadlock I there’s no issues with them. Went on fairly easily (even with 120 bolts to put in). Since I got them thru amazon they swapped the wheel (in very anal and you could barely notice, plus didn’t affect the function at all) so I’m happy now

I say let ‘em get scratched. Shows you love the truck and if they get bad enough you have an excuse to get new ones


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[ScaleLifeNewbie]

I ordered a set of 5 plastic beadlocks from China with 2.2s Swampers for $60 on Amazon, there good, no complaints, but definitely going to get metal ones to go on the tires that came with them. The tires are great!

https://www.amazon.com/hobbysoul-5pc...1196237&sr=8-3


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