Rock Monster RC Inserts Review

[imthatguy]

I had the honour of trying out this new tire tech from Rock Monster RC.



Instead of a typical foam-based insert, this is a Silicone poured molded insert for a variety of tire sizes. There are some initial benefits that I can see:

• Greater stability (they keep the vehicle planted to the ground and they return to their original shape after being stressed).
• Greater longevity (they don't breakdown over time like foam).
• Greater durability (they can get wet and they can stretch and not collapse like foam).

The one disadvantage that comes up most frequently is the increased rotating mass. The inserts I chose are the softest, but I believe also the heaviest. 220 grams each is a lot of weight on the tires, but, I don't drive hard and choosing a line is more important to me than churning it up. That said, when I was testing them, I gave it the beans as much as I could and wasn't able to stress the driveline to the point of breakage.

The creator, Michael, claims that the benefits are in downhills, sidehills and uphill with multiple transitions. I can certainly agree, but will add that a straight uphill at extreme angles there's a benefit, because most of the weight keeps the suspension from unloading.

Here's what they look like:



Essentially a boob donut. Squishy, heavy and pink. I like.

Compared to a Pro-Line dual stage foam insert:



Fitting them is easy. Fold in half, insert into tire. That's it. Currently the sizes offered fall into spec with most of the tires on the market, with the exception of the Hyrax, which was what I really wanted to run on my comp truck this year. With that in mind, I tested with the Voodoo KLR in blue compound. After driving a bunch of lines with the CI foam on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, loose, loamy soil, logs and wet conditions, I can say unequivocally there's an advantage running the Rock Monsters. The truck is just that much more planted. The weight is obviously a huge factor, but with no breakdown over time, waterproof and quick rebound from deformation, this is a clear winner. The price is a bit more than foams (especially against stock, included foams) but you could essentially buy once and use on multiple setups. I will note that in future applications, I'd prefer to have a softer compound tire to match these inserts.

I recommend checking out his FB page for more information. Rock Monster RC

Here's a quick video of me goofing around with them:

[OSRC]

Interesting concept...220g per wheel is a bit heavy (7.7 oz)

Brings to mind what the esteemed Sir Mix-a-lot once said: "Silicone parts are made for toys"

[Brake Weight]

On a top heavy scale rig the added weight on the corners would be useful.

[JatoTheRipper]

I saw these on Facebook, talked to Michael a bit, and almost ordered them. I changed my mind. The sidehill performance didn't seem as good as foams and I was also worried about bouncing.

I also didn't realize they were so heavy. I have tires with lead weights in them and they're still not that heavy. I think he'd be much better off making the center something else like foam or hollow plastic, and then just using the silicone as outers.

[mikemcE]

He got me with "boob donuts"

I thought I died and was in heaven !


Hang up and Drive

[JatoTheRipper]

Originally Posted by mikemcE

He got me with "boob donuts"

I thought I died and was in heaven !


Hang up and Drive

Except the nipple donut hole is missing.

[hillbillyrc]

I seen your video imthatguy then watched one of theirs. There was some impressive things seen.
https://youtu.be/KCwsrEbCdZM
But farther testing will show any downfalls if any.
Maybe a outer ring with a closed cell inner foam for weight loss? Idk.

[ROWDY RACING]

So it sounds like it only makes performance better because it adds weight. There are better places and ways to add weight.

[bilinvic]

I sure would like to see a quick vid of you squeezing the "boobs" while inserted into a KLR tire!!!! I just want to see how much flex the tire still has with them...honestly, that's the only reason!

[Waitwhatsthat?]

For those interested, I emailed the guy. Here is the reply I received. Kinda disappoint he doesn't make any for my large Rockbeasts xl's.

Thank you for your interest in Rock Monster RC Tire Inserts


Rock Monster RC tire inserts are made of solid silicone rubber.


What are their advantages over foam inserts?*

1. Greater Stability:*

The extra weight of the inserts keep the vehicle planted to the ground and removes the need of using metal wheel weights.

They conform/compress to rocks and obstacles without collapsing and then return to their original shape after being stressed.


2. Greater Longevity:

They don't breakdown over time like foam.

They don't “cone-out” after severe side-hilling.



3. Greater Durability:

They can get wet and they don't absorb water.

They can stretch and not collapse like foam.


4. Easy to Install:

Fold in half and slide in (“No compressing 10 gallons of foam into a one gallon container”).


5. Additional Benefits

No need to vent wheels

No flat tires


Here are the prices and specs on the inserts.


Insert #M193510010 Soft

Retail: $60.00 (for a set of 4).

Size: 1.9" x 3.5" x 1.00" (Inner Diameter x Outer Diameter x Width)

Approx Weight: 122g/4.3oz per insert

Fits: 1.9" x 4.19" skinny tires (i.e. RC4wd MTZ's and the like).


Insert #M193512510 Soft

Retail: $60.00 (for a set of 4).

Size: 1.9" x 3.5" x 1.25" (Inner Diameter x Outer Diameter x Width)

Approx Weight: 154g/5.4oz per insert*

Fits: 1.9" x 4.19" to 4.30" tires (i.e. ProLine Super Swampers SX, RC4wd Baja Claw, Genius, and the like).


Insert #M194012510 Soft

Retail: $60.00 (for a set of 4).

Size: 1.9" x 4.0" x 1.25" (Inner Diameter x Outer Diameter x Width)

Approx Weight: 220g/8.0oz per insert

Fits: 1.9" x 4.45" to 4.75" (i.e. ProLine Super Swampers XL, Pitbull Rock Beast not XL, and the like).


Insert #M194012530 Firm

Retail: $60.00 (for a set of 4).

Size: 1.9" x 4.0" x 1.25" (Inner Diameter x Outer Diameter x Width)

Approx Weight: 220g/8.0oz per insert

Fits: 1.9" x 4.45" to 4.75" (i.e. ProLine Super Swampers XL, Pitbull Rock Beast not XL, and the like).


Sorry, I do not make any 2.2 inserts.*


*Note: Inserts do not work with ProLine Wheels





Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[WHITE-TRASH]

Originally Posted by ROWDY RACING

So it sounds like it only makes performance better because it adds weight. There are better places and ways to add weight.

Fact.

No need to vent tires? Uhh yea you do no matter what is in the tire. Gotta get rid of the bounce somehow.

Double the price is only slightly more expensive too.

[84yoda]

Wow, adding 1 to 2 pounds just for boob implants. Talk about drivetrain killer.

[bilinvic]

The most tantalizing "benefit" is running my vented KLR tires with these and not having to open them up every time to dry the foams out. I wish they were less expensive though.

[84yoda]

Have you tired just running CI DW foams? You could try cutting down the center ribs to help with tire performance.

[mikemcE]

Mighty pricey to me. A set of 4foams, matched with tuning rings for my 2.2 tires
Is under 50 shipped 3day


Hang up and Drive