You don't need markings to tell them apart. You can tell them apart by feel and confirm your feel with a durometer. We just choose not to try (to tell them apart). So basically, if the new tires are really better, all the spec racers have to go out and buy new tires to be competitive.

What I would like to know is: if we are allowing the soft tires that come on the 4X4 PE, can we use (in the spec class) the original Slash Tread style tires that are marked "S1"? Or only the unmarked "S1" tires?

Since Traxxas is going to have the new softer compound tires included with the 2wd Slash, maybe the Slash Spec tire rule should read: Any Traxxas Tire / Rim combination. I think the new tires should be allowed for anyone who wants them. The first person who shows up with them on a new 2wd Slash, and can drive halfway decent is going to clean up. Imagine driving a 2wd Slash with traction? For anyone who hasnt seen the new tires side by side with the old, yes they are that much better.

Since Traxxas is going to have the new softer compound tires included with the 2wd Slash, maybe the Slash Spec tire rule should read: Any Traxxas Tire / Rim combination. I think the new tires should be allowed for anyone who wants them. The first person who shows up with them on a new 2wd Slash, and can drive halfway decent is going to clean up. Imagine driving a 2wd Slash with traction? For anyone who hasnt seen the new tires side by side with the old, yes they are that much better.
We have been told (by Herman O) that Traxxas was going to include the new, softer tires with the 2WD Slash. But that hasn't happened as far as I have seen. What the new Slashes seem to have (the ones I've seen) are the new BFG tread tires (tread that matches the 4X4) in the original hard compound.

We have been told (by Herman O) that Traxxas was going to include the new, softer tires with the 2WD Slash. But that hasn't happened as far as I have seen. What the new Slashes seem to have (the ones I've seen) are the new BFG tread tires (tread that matches the 4X4) in the original hard compound.

What Nick expressed to me was since there is no visible difference between the new Slash 2wd tires and the S1 compound tires it would be hard to enforce . Yes you could check all the tires with a durometer but at this time there is nothing in the rules that says you cant soften your tires . How will you tell which tires where softened and and which are S1 . That being said I dont have a dog in this fight and dont really care what happens with Slash 2wd . I am just relaying what Nick had said on Sunday .

So are we allowed to soften the original tires? The rules didn't say that.

If we are allowed to soften tires, I want to start working on mine and see if that will do the job.

Can I suggest we get the OUTDOOR rules updated in a few cases in time for the new season ? Nick can you help with this?

Most of this comes from the rules meeting I attended, or discussion from above threads) :

Slash Spec
------------

UPDATES:
Tires/Wheels: Limited to the tires and rims that come stock with the kit ONLY.
Bodies: Any SHORT COURSE truck body specifically designed for the Traxxas Slash.
Batteries: Any hard cased 2cell LIPO. Include option to run 2cell LIFE batteries.

Additional classes
-------------------

Add the new 'Short Course Modified rules' - as submitted to the board.

Add the new '8th Scale Late Model rules' - as submitted to the board.

Can I suggest we get the OUTDOOR rules updated in a few cases in time for the new season ? Nick can you help with this?

Most of this comes from the rules meeting I attended, or discussion from above threads) :

Slash Spec
------------

UPDATES:
Tires/Wheels: Limited to the tires and rims that come stock with the kit ONLY.
Bodies: Any SHORT COURSE truck body specifically designed for the Traxxas Slash.
Batteries: Any hard cased 2cell LIPO. Include option to run 2cell LIFE batteries.

Additional classes
-------------------

Add the new 'Short Course Modified rules' - as submitted to the board.

Add the new '8th Scale Late Model rules' - as submitted to the board.
Don't forget some folks are still running 6 or 7 cell nimh packs in their Slashes - this was allowed previously and should still be if we want to keep newcomers interested and costs down. Just my 2¢.(don't forget to adjust for inflation;))

Don't forget some folks are still running 6 or 7 cell nimh packs in their Slashes - this was allowed previously and should still be if we want to keep newcomers interested and costs down. Just my 2¢.(don't forget to adjust for inflation;))

wasn't meant to suggest they can't run NIMH. I meant these rules would be an amendment to the NIMH batteries. my bad.

Yet another motor option for your Slash 4x4. Sure you all saw this http://www.bigsquidrc.com/novak-ballistic-550-brushless-motors/

Sorry, Toby. I didn't see the "UPDATES" in capital letters in your post. The DSL connection here at work is going in and out and the page wasn't fully loading there, so the formatting got all messed up. I understand what you meant now.:thumbsup:

Sorry, Toby. I didn't see the "UPDATES" in capital letters in your post. The DSL connection here at work is going in and out and the page wasn't fully loading there, so the formatting got all messed up. I understand what you meant now.:thumbsup:

no worries mate :thumbsup:

Derek and I just bought new slash tires, the non S1 BFG kind because of the LAST decision on slash tires. I can tell you for sure the difference between the original tread slash tires and the s1 compound of the same tread is RIDICULOUSLY obvious to the touch.

Yes it is . Getting a little Southern hospitality !!! :cool:

Haha thank you sir. I figured it ended up down there since I didn't here from you or JT otherwise. :thumbsup:

Derek and I just bought new slash tires, the non S1 BFG kind because of the LAST decision on slash tires. I can tell you for sure the difference between the original tread slash tires and the s1 compound of the same tread is RIDICULOUSLY obvious to the touch.
That is what I said to Nick about being able to tell the difference. Then someone mentioned softening the original tires and not being able to tell the difference. Maybe I'm ignorant of what's going on, but I didn't know anyone was softening the original tires. All I remember hearing is everyone lamenting how little traction there is on dirt with the slash tires.

Out of curiousity, I measured both types with a durometer. The original tires read around 70 and the soft ones read around 45-50.

That is what I said to Nick about being able to tell the difference. Then someone mentioned softening the original tires and not being able to tell the difference. Maybe I'm ignorant of what's going on, but I didn't know anyone was softening the original tires. All I remember hearing is everyone lamenting how little traction there is on dirt with the slash tires.

Out of curiousity, I measured both types with a durometer. The original tires read around 70 and the soft ones read around 45-50.

All I have ever done is clean my tires after a race day with simple green. If that's considered softening then I am guilty. I would say it makes the more sticky then soft, and that only last until they get dirty.

The durometer ratings are actually a large difference than I expected.

All I have ever done is clean my tires after a race day with simple green. If that's considered softening then I am guilty. I would say it makes the more sticky then soft, and that only last until they get dirty.

The durometer ratings are actually a large difference than I expected.
I clean most of my tires with Simple Green. I did that on the Slash tires once or twice and concluded that it didn't make any difference - the benefit of clean tires didn't seem to last even one lap. From then on, I just used a wire brush on the Slash tires to get the caked dirt off.

I dont think tire softening has been happening? Think about it (FOR EXAMPLE) if someone like Mark, Alvin, Nick, Matt, Derek, or Adam (I consider you all top rated in the Slash class) one of were to soften tires, I think it would be pretty obvious. If one of you guys had substantially softer tires than the rest, you would have run away with the class. That was not the case. There were a few repeat winners, but no one ran away with the wins last year. However, the rules do say you cant cut the stock tires. Me like Mark and Adam have previously posted, clean mine every week after the races too. I dont use anything besides water and a scrub brush. It would be nice to be able to use the racing compound tires. Lap times would be reduced and oh what traction you would have.

The idea of allowing the S1 tires in the Slash spec clases was predicated on a) the assumption that the new cars were coming with S1 compound tires and b) There are no "S1" markings to let you tell them apart.

Other than the PE 4X4 has anyone found a Slash to come with S1 tires? The new cars I saw indoors all had the hard compound tires in the new tread pattern. If no one is doing tire softening, it is easy to tell the S1s from the original compound. Ridiculously easy, as Adam pointed out.

There is a concern about telling someone that shows up with S1 tires that they can't race those and have to buy the harder tires. Since no one has actually shown up with a 2WD Slash with S1 tires from the factory, shouldn't we be more concerned about effectively telling everyone else they have to go out and buy the S1 tires (if they want to be competitive)?

That is, unless everyone does want to spend the money on new tires. So long as everyone is running the same tire, what difference does the actual lap time make?

I will donate the set coming off my truck to the club for anyone that shows up with the mysterious stock 2WD slash S1 tires.

I plan on running the stock "wear like iron" 2.2/2.2 tires on my 2wd Slash until they're worn out.

Considering they've made it through two outdoor seasons and the indoor season(okay, so I only made 2/3 of the races), that means my daughter will probably be the one to finally wear them out just before going off to college:tongue:

Yet another motor option for your Slash 4x4. Sure you all saw this http://www.bigsquidrc.com/novak-ballistic-550-brushless-motors/

The new 550 Balistic have the same differences as the 540 Balistic have over the 540 Velociti. It is completely rebuildable. Thus if you want to change from a 4.5 to a 5.5 etc all you have to do is buy a 5.5 Stator. The Ballictic motors also have plug in sensor harnesses so you can use different length harnesses for different applications or replace a damaged one without sending the motor in for service. As far as performance differences compared the HV they should be very similar. The Ballistic style motor have an all metal back end bell assembly which dissipates heat faster.

You don't need markings to tell them apart. You can tell them apart by feel and confirm your feel with a durometer. We just choose not to try (to tell them apart). So basically, if the new tires are really better, all the spec racers have to go out and buy new tires to be competitive.

What I would like to know is: if we are allowing the soft tires that come on the 4X4 PE, can we use (in the spec class) the original Slash Tread style tires that are marked "S1"? Or only the unmarked "S1" tires?

If one was to use the PE wheels/tires on a 2WD slash, wont the offset be jacked up as they are all Rear wheels?

If one was to use the PE wheels/tires on a 2WD slash, wont the offset be jacked up as they are all Rear wheels?
I don't think it would be that for off in the front and if you wanted you could get the S1 BFG tires on the front wheels.

If one was to use the PE wheels/tires on a 2WD slash, wont the offset be jacked up as they are all Rear wheels?
I'm running the fronts and rears reversed on my Slash right now to even out the wear. I can't see the difference in offset without consciously looking for it. It's measurable with a fine ruler, but it's not nearly as pronounced as the difference in offset on the Rustler/ Stampede rims(which I still have a set of laying about).

We have not yet made a definitive ruling on the S1 tires, as Mark said, the issue is 2 fold.

1. The new S1 tires use the same mold as the harder compound tires and have no distinguishing characteristics to tell them apart (aside from the feel or shore hardness).

2. If the tires are available on the 2wd Slash RTR, then they will be allowed to be used, without a question.

Will we actually enforce the rules? Do we for any other classes?

Like all of our other rules, they are enforced through the honor system. I do have a durometer to measure shore hardness if need be, but we need to stick with what we decided on at the rules meeting for the time being.

As far as tire softening goes, there is no way to police this either, as using WD40/Simple Green/Armor All over extended periods of time will soften the tires, and we can not make cleaning the tires illegal, it isn't for any other class.

I think we need to stick with the rules as determined at the rules meeting and see if Traxxas decides they are going to change compounds on the 2wd Slash mid run (and yes I know I still owe an update to the rules to reflect the meeting).

I think we need to stick with the rules as determined at the rules meeting and see if Traxxas decides they are going to change compounds on the 2wd Slash mid run (and yes I know I still owe an update to the rules to reflect the meeting).

What was the decision at the rules meeting?

Did we decide:

a) to allow the S1 tires in the spec class based on Herman's say so that they will be on the RTRs?

b) To stick with the original hard compound tires until we see a new 2WD Slash coiming out of the box with the soft tires?

BTW, how do we distingush someone just showing up with soft tires on a 2WD because they bought them (maybe on a used truck, not knowing the difference) and them actually coming out of the box from Traxxas?

Current specs from Traxxas show even the new 2WD Slash Pro as using the hard compound tires.

What was the decision at the rules meeting?

Did we decide:

a) to allow the S1 tires in the spec class based on Herman's say so that they will be on the RTRs?

b) To stick with the original hard compound tires until we see a new 2WD Slash coiming out of the box with the soft tires?

BTW, how do we distingush someone just showing up with soft tires on a 2WD because they bought them (maybe on a used truck, not knowing the difference) and them actually coming out of the box from Traxxas?

Current specs from Traxxas show even the new 2WD Slash Pro as using the hard compound tires.

As I understood it, the legal tires will be those that come stock on a 2wd slash in the box. Until, a 2wd Slash with s1's becomes available stock they wouldn't be allowed.

Rick and his wife have the newest slashes in the club, both have hard compound BFG tires.

What was the decision at the rules meeting?

Did we decide:

a) to allow the S1 tires in the spec class based on Herman's say so that they will be on the RTRs?

b) To stick with the original hard compound tires until we see a new 2WD Slash coiming out of the box with the soft tires?

BTW, how do we distingush someone just showing up with soft tires on a 2WD because they bought them (maybe on a used truck, not knowing the difference) and them actually coming out of the box from Traxxas?

Current specs from Traxxas show even the new 2WD Slash Pro as using the hard compound tires.

I think we chose option b in the meeting.

As most of our classes are policed on a trust system, I vote to keep it simple and just say ANY SLASH KIT tires & wheels. Easy to see if someone is running something looks like its aftermarket.

I think we chose option b in the meeting.

As most of our classes are policed on a trust system, I vote to keep it simple and just say ANY SLASH KIT tires & wheels. Easy to see if someone is running something looks like its aftermarket.
Is that to say "allow the S1s" or not? "ANY SLASH" includes a PE 4WD.

Or did you mean "ANY 2WD SLASH"?

Is that to say "allow the S1s" or not? "ANY SLASH" includes a PE 4WD.

Or did you mean "ANY 2WD SLASH"?

to keep it simple, Any 2WD or 4WD Traxxas manufactured tire/wheels - so that includes any PE, RTR, URTR ,S1, 2WD or 4WD combo.

What was the decision at the rules meeting?

Did we decide:

a) to allow the S1 tires in the spec class based on Herman's say so that they will be on the RTRs?

b) To stick with the original hard compound tires until we see a new 2WD Slash coiming out of the box with the soft tires?

BTW, how do we distingush someone just showing up with soft tires on a 2WD because they bought them (maybe on a used truck, not knowing the difference) and them actually coming out of the box from Traxxas?

Current specs from Traxxas show even the new 2WD Slash Pro as using the hard compound tires.

The S1's will be allowed only after they are available from a RTR Slash 2wd kit from traxxas. The 4wd Slash has no bearing on the rules for our spec 2wd Slash class.

As with all spec/controlled classes, the rules need to be met by all vehicles in the class, procured used or new. If a vehicle is found to have the softer compound tires (S1s), they will need to be changed.

Has anybody raced the old Slash tires (2.2/2.2) and the new Slash tires (2.2/3.0)? Any one better than the other?

Has anybody raced the old Slash tires (2.2/2.2) and the new Slash tires (2.2/3.0)? Any one better than the other?
A long time ago (when the 2.2/3.0 tires first came out), Tim and I did a swap test between trucks (I had 2.2/2.2 and he had 2.2/3.0). I couldn't tell any difference but he thought it "tightened up the car" (if I remember correctly).

I have not tested it (yet), but I am guessing there may be more difference between the original slash tire tread and the new BFG tread than between the 2.2/2.2 and 2.2/3.0.

A long time ago (when the 2.2/3.0 tires first came out), Tim and I did a swap test between trucks (I had 2.2/2.2 and he had 2.2/3.0). I couldn't tell any difference but he thought it "tightened up the car" (if I remember correctly).

I have not tested it (yet), but I am guessing there may be more difference between the original slash tire tread and the new BFG tread than between the 2.2/2.2 and 2.2/3.0.

The new BFG tires had more grip inside on the carpet, but that could just be from the more aggressive pattern. I tried both and kept the older tires on indoors because they had a bit of a slide in them which helped with the traction roll.

I just swung by Tech Toys as Jim has a Slash 2WD "Pro" in stock. Wanted to see the tires for myself. He also has a (sold) PE on his shelf. I was able to compare the two BFG tires side by side, and the PE S1's are significantly softer. The Pro's are much firmer.

But the appearance is identical, albeit for the different colored rims (which of course you can buy separately and make up any colored set/combo you want.)

I just swung by Tech Toys as Jim has a Slash 2WD "Pro" in stock. Wanted to see the tires for myself. He also has a (sold) PE on his shelf. I was able to compare the two BFG tires side by side, and the PE S1's are significantly softer. The Pro's are much firmer.

But the appearance is identical, albeit for the different colored rims (which of course you can buy separately and make up any colored set/combo you want.)

So the Slash Pro 2wd comes with the same tires as the Slash 4x4 RTR?

So the Slash Pro 2wd comes with the same tires as the Slash 4x4 RTR?

If the 4x4RTR are the non-S1 variety, then yes, except
the 2WD front rims are likely
different part#'s for correct offset.

If the 4x4RTR are the non-S1 variety, then yes, except
the 2WD front rims are likely
different part#'s for correct offset.
I can verify the 4WD RTR are not the S1 compound.

Wow this conversation is getting confusing!!!

So to recap

Original compound rubber
2wd Slash RTR
2wd Slash "Pro"
4wd Slash RTR

S1 Compound Rubber
Platinum Edition 4x4 Slash

I think?

Wow this conversation is getting confusing!!!

So to recap

Original compound rubber
2wd Slash RTR
2wd Slash "Pro"
4wd Slash RTR

S1 Compound Rubber
Platinum Edition 4x4 Slash

I think?

Yeah. Anyone know what the Ultimate 4x4RTR comes with?

The ultimate is just a PE with a radio. So I would assume the S1.

Home Depot Quoted me $85-105 for a 5 gallon bucket of outdoor latex. I am going to check wal-mart tonight. I can swing the cash for 1, 5 gallon bucket a couple of rollers/brushes and we can add it to the board total. I can't however cover this for a donation. I am already donating for the wall boards and Derek and I donated the Amp for the sound system, the new admittance signs, and I still have to get some cable adapters to work out the sound system.

I all ready picked up 4 or 5 paint brushes, so we should be good on brushes.

As far as the paint goes, let me know how much it ran you, and I will take care of it.

Nick, PM.

Nick, do yo want to add the paint with the wood and split hat between the 11people or let the club take care of the paint seperately

Paint is not much money. I say put it with the wood cost.

Paint is not much money. I say put it with the wood cost.
As a contributor, I would agree with that.

That's what I thought the original plan was

Who is the point man for payment? I wont be there until race #2. So if you can hold off on getting my contribution until then? Or, Ill put that amount in the Tractor/Quad donation jar? Which ever way you want to go?

Does the Club have the need for a tow behind spike aerator? I have one that Im going to sell. Offering it to the club first as a donation if they want it for track prep?

That's what I thought the original plan was

At least Nick read my post and understood my dilemma.