Delrin Wheel Advantages/Disadvantages?

[area51caraudio]

Looking for Info, I'm building my first crawler and I just ordered my axial axles, and now i 'm looking for wheels. (custom tube chassis) I am between Ericksons Delrin Beadlocks, and Mayhems Aluminum and I want to know the advantages and/or disadvantages of the delrin over the aluminum? Also, on the rccrawler.com main page it has erickson beadlocks listed being made by MSD, but on the MSD webpage there are no Delrin Wheels - am I missing something?

[chrisjlittle]

Originally Posted by area51caraudio

Looking for Info, I'm building my first crawler and I just ordered my axial axles, and now i 'm looking for wheels. (custom tube chassis) I am between Ericksons Delrin Beadlocks, and Mayhems Aluminum and I want to know the advantages and/or disadvantages of the delrin over the aluminum? Also, on the rccrawler.com main page it has erickson beadlocks listed being made by MSD, but on the MSD webpage there are no Delrin Wheels - am I missing something?

MSD no longer sells the ericksons, check the vendor section for threads by eritex for those wheels. Delrin wheels are cheaper, and still pretty durable. If you break them you can glue them back together, unlike aluminum which must be welded. Either one's a good choice, both are built well, high quality stuff. Which one do you like the looks of better? Get that one. You're unlikely to break either. Some more care must be taken with delrin wheels to avoid stripping threads.

[JasonC]

The Mayhems have a lifetime warranty, so if you ever did manage to break them (I don't know how you could) then they are replaced. I am not sure about th Eriksons in the warranty department.

There would also be a weight different between some designs of the wheels, so that can also play a factor in your decision.

As for price, I am pretty sure they are both around the same price, I just saw a set of Ericksons in the vendors section that are $100, I think Mayhems are $85 (atleast that is what I paid).

[Mayhem Eng.]

We currently sell the delrin in the 2.2 comp. style with bearings and they sell for $120.00 a set and they do have a life time replacement warranty. I have seen some delrin wheels bust out the center where the axle passes thru from real big hits. With the center boss in the 2.2 comp wheels it beefs up this same area we also increased the floor thickness. One advantage to running the Mayhem delrin wheels is you get 16 threaded holes (m3) and can run the 8 hole rings, if you loose a thread just clock the ring to the next set of holes. Thanks Mayhem Eng.

[area51caraudio]

on mayhems wheels I have a couple of concerns but I haven't been able to find any posts on either concern. my concerns are:

#1. I really like the look of the "custom" ring but does it have as good of holding power as say his nuke plus (concerned about the small area between the screws)

#2. I'm torn between Phattys and Spyders - (concerned about the strenght of the spiders if the truck was to fall from height) (I understand he really stands behind his products but I dont think that he should have to replace a bent, cracked, or broken wheel just because I can't drive! and I don't want to have to buy a replacement cause I've always been a racer and I don't think I ever paid more that $10.00 for wheels before and I've even got quite a few free from my sponsered buddies)

Mayhem if you see this please give me your .02 since you would know best!

[Mayhem Eng.]

On the spot.....#1 The custom is one of our best sellers and to date have not had one customer say they have lost a bead due to the ring or ring design. #2 As far as the warranty if your wheeling and damage a wheel send it back no questions asked we will replace it. The spider is a strong wheel the floor of the spider is .325 8.2mm thick and the legs are .125 3.1mm thick. Thanks Mayhem Eng.

[Eritex Inc.]

Originally Posted by JasonC

The Mayhems have a lifetime warranty, so if you ever did manage to break them (I don't know how you could) then they are replaced. I am not sure about th Eriksons in the warranty department.

There would also be a weight different between some designs of the wheels, so that can also play a factor in your decision.

As for price, I am pretty sure they are both around the same price, I just saw a set of Ericksons in the vendors section that are $100, I think Mayhems are $85 (at least that is what I paid).

The Erickson wheels you have seen in the vendor section for $100.00 are a limited production unit that comes with extras. Ericksons go for about $75.00 shipped normally and are on sale right now for $62.50.

Not pimpin, just clearing the air.

As for advantage if Delrin, I see a couple....

1. Easier to machine, there for you can buy them at a better price....most of the time.

2. Relatively heavy. Delrin wheels weight a good amount without being so heavy that a tumble will snap your stub axles. It also gives you the choice in running a wheel that weights as little as 3 ounces to as much as 8 ounces with stick on weights.

3. Less "finish" issues.

4. Ability for the consumer to do a little modding. I have seen people radically change the look and performance of some of my Delrin wheels with a little imagination and some simple hand tools.

Aluminum advantages....

1. Almost indestructible. You would have to do something really harsh to damage a aluminum wheel.

2. Bling. These wheels can be anodized, polished, powder coated, etc.

Now, when it comes to stripping threads out of Delrin, let me say this. I assemble my personal Delrin Beadlocks with a 18 volt DeWalt screw gun with the torque setting on 3. I have never stripped a thread, ever.

[chrisjlittle]

Yea, the spider is plenty beefy. Also the custom rings hold just fine, plenty of wheels use that kind of ring. The ericksons are great too, and the price is tough to beat. Just as soon as they come out with a wheel with proper backspacing for WK axles, I'm getting 2 sets.

[area51caraudio]

Mayhem and Eritex - thanks guys! it's great to have my questions awnsered respectfully and knoweledgeably, I still have some thinkin' to do and pay day is 1 1/2 wks away (d@*n economy - being broke sucks!) but your input definately helped - I must say that you guys both seem to be an asset to this hobby - keep it up it helps us "noobs" feel welcome.

[djjiz]

Originally Posted by area51caraudio

Mayhem and Eritex -I must say that you guys both seem to be an asset to this hobby - keep it up it helps us "noobs" feel welcome.

I agree 100%! You guys make my next two purchases pretty easy.

Btw area51, I used to be a zeb guy until I found your site. Thanks for helping me be the third loudest in my area. I was in the weakest class by the way

[Mortimer Snerd]

Agreed. I'm impressed by the way you guys presented the pros and cons in an even, balanced, professional way. Thanks for knowing that this isn't knidergarten!

[mrpink]

Originally Posted by Mortimer Snerd

Thanks for knowing that this isn't knidergarten!

go with delrin... aluminum wheels are stupid poopy faces.:-P:-P (better?)

Eitrex, don't you offer a replacement warranty with your wheels? I thought I recall that being so.

p!nK

[Maggster]

Originally Posted by Eritex Inc.

Now, when it comes to stripping threads out of Delrin, let me say this. I assemble my personal Delrin Beadlocks with a 18 volt DeWalt screw gun with the torque setting on 3. I have never stripped a thread, ever.

WOW! I am impressed!

[firebat45]

Originally Posted by mrpink

Eitrex, don't you offer a replacement warranty with your wheels? I thought I recall that being so.

Straight from the source: Warranty info

I can't say this bothers me at all, I don't think you'd be breaking wheels unless you really abuse the truck, and in that case, is it really something he should be replacing for free?

Anyways, it looks like he does offer a warranty, for defects in materials and manufacturing only, not for breakage.