Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

Whats the difference between rubber and foam wheels if any? I neeed to replace the wheels on my showtime as the axles/hubs are breaking(garbage!) and was just wondering? Do either cause more bounce over the other? I dont bounce on landings now and want to keep it that way.

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

What the difference? One's foam and one's rubber. But seriously, the rubber wheels tend to bounce alittle for me and the foams tend to stick better. But i'm kind of a rough lander.

skeeter

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

If you do not bounce on landings now, then just replace with what you have now. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

Foam weighs a little less and you should support the model without the weight on the wheels somehow when it is in storage. My smallest model (4-1/2 lbs) and my largest model (13 lbs) both have foam wheels. I actually prefer rubber/Vinyl/plastic for looks and because they are easier to keep clean but foam flies great. Some models just don't look good with foam.

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

I don't use either one. I'm a "Kavan man." You will be too if you ever have a bad wheel hop and your gear rip out. Kavans are stylish and made of hard plastic. I've had aborted takeoffs and slide these things a hundred feet and nothing.

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

As a builder, I can practically kill myself trying to shave 3 or 4 ounces off a model. Save 2 ounces simpley by using foam wheels ? Thats an easy choice for me. Now, on a scale project I will pay the wieght penalty to have correct looking wheels .

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

Another factor to consider is the surface you fly off of. If you're flying off of asphalt foam wheels usually won't last long. The hard surface will tear them up pretty quickly.

I just finished reviewing the Top Flite B-25 which included foam wheels. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed that a $600 plane included cheap foam wheels. I would have rather seen them use rubber wheels.

Ken

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

Another thing about the foam tires is, if you are flying off grass and it is wet, the foam picks up moisture and ends up weighing as much as rubber. I also don't like the foam getting flat spots, especially if left sitting for long periods. And as said above, if you fly off hard surfaces, foam wears out fast. ENJOY !!! RED

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

I fly off of asphalt with rubber wheels on all my aircraft..I don't bounce when I land..foam just doesn't last long on hard surface

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

I have tricycle gear and used dubro light weight rubber wheels on the back and a low bounce rubber wheel in the front. I fly off rough grass and didn't even try the foam, went straight to the rubber.

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

foam picks up grass to...

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

Rubber tires seem to handle and roll over a grass/dirt field better IMO. On HardPan or blacktop either material will do.

The foam vs. rubber tire issue is really not about "bounce", however it's more about what type surface you plan on rolling over (as mentioned above).

An occasional bounce [8D] is created mainly by the "Thumbs".

RE: Foam vs rubber wheels?
 

I fly 2.75" foam off a grass strip. No problems, no reason to switch, but I did just get a set of rubber tires for my scale plane and am curious to see the difference.