Did you actually try them out yet, or just played with them? Never know till you try. I don't know a method of accelerating the hardness of rubber, but the softer compound tires are for usually smoother less rutted tracks. It's also adds traction. The harder compound tires are great for long wear, but can still have good traction on all types of surfaces. I'm running the Proline Knuckles hard compound and they work great on all terrain. The badlands are great too for really digging in. Always check the compounds before you buy next time.