JConcepts Scorpio 2.2 Tire
J Concepts Scorpio 2.2 rock crawling tire.
Released in 2015 by JConcepts, the Scorpio is an exceptionally well made off-road 2.2 tire utilizing their soft green rubber compound.
Taller than most crawler tires, the Scorpio just a bit under six inches tall ( 5.98” / 152mm ), giving plenty of axle clearance over smaller rocks and helping with break-over angle on the larger obstacles.
Unlike many of the 2.2 crawling tires on the market today, the Scorpio features a short and dense cleat pattern with moderately pronounced sidewall lugs.
This tight side-lug pattern looks somewhat like the shape of scorpion pincers, giving the tire its unusual name.
While just about any knobby tire can be used in a multitude of off-road surfaces and conditions, the Scorpio’s unique lug pattern make it especially suited for large, dry rock crawling.
Taller than most crawler tires, the Scorpio just a bit under six inches tall ( 5.98” / 152mm ), giving plenty of axle clearance over smaller rocks and helping with break-over angle on the larger obstacles.
Unlike many of the 2.2 crawling tires on the market today, the Scorpio features a short and dense cleat pattern with moderately pronounced sidewall lugs.
This tight side-lug pattern looks somewhat like the shape of scorpion pincers, giving the tire its unusual name.
While just about any knobby tire can be used in a multitude of off-road surfaces and conditions, the Scorpio’s unique lug pattern make it especially suited for large, dry rock crawling.
Axial's 2.2 Wraith was the test crawler for this project.
This tight tread pattern paired with the soft rubber compound offers a high surface contact percentage, translating to more actual grip on a rock than just about any other crawler tire on the market.
These lugss wrap around the imperfections of the rock’s surface, holding tight and spreading as much surface area of the tire over the rock as possible.
As the tire rolls, small rocks and dirt are kicked out from the tread due to the radius at the bottom of the lugs, rather than being stuck in squared-off corners.
In muddier conditions, you will need some wheel speed to help fling out any buildup, but in dry conditions the tread will remain free from debris.
I decided to focus on testing the Scorpios at Badrock Ridge. The crumbling sandstone with its steep and chunky transitions will be a good challenge for both the Wraith and the tire.
These lugss wrap around the imperfections of the rock’s surface, holding tight and spreading as much surface area of the tire over the rock as possible.
As the tire rolls, small rocks and dirt are kicked out from the tread due to the radius at the bottom of the lugs, rather than being stuck in squared-off corners.
In muddier conditions, you will need some wheel speed to help fling out any buildup, but in dry conditions the tread will remain free from debris.
I decided to focus on testing the Scorpios at Badrock Ridge. The crumbling sandstone with its steep and chunky transitions will be a good challenge for both the Wraith and the tire.
Ready to go!
Getting Ready
With the Axial Wraith Spawn setup on the scissor lift, I selected a set of black Vanquish aluminum beadlock wheels and a set of Dirty Richard single-stage foams in medium density.
Mounting the Scorpios on the wheels was a snap; the tire beads are very well made. The edges are firm and hold their position when tightening the wheel screws.
I tuned up the shocks with an oil change, performed a bearing service and regreased the front and rear axles.
Powering the Wraith was the Hobbywing AXE 540 1800kv crawler motor and ESC combo, running on 3s. I have been using this setup for quite some time, and the performance has been excellent.
With the Axial Wraith Spawn setup on the scissor lift, I selected a set of black Vanquish aluminum beadlock wheels and a set of Dirty Richard single-stage foams in medium density.
Mounting the Scorpios on the wheels was a snap; the tire beads are very well made. The edges are firm and hold their position when tightening the wheel screws.
I tuned up the shocks with an oil change, performed a bearing service and regreased the front and rear axles.
Powering the Wraith was the Hobbywing AXE 540 1800kv crawler motor and ESC combo, running on 3s. I have been using this setup for quite some time, and the performance has been excellent.
Excellent traction with the Scorpios.
First Day Out
Starting early on a windy morning, I stood at the base of Badrock Ridge and spotted a few areas where the sandstone started out as a series of jagged, weathered chunks, eventually ramping up with steep walls to an elevation 30’ above the desert floor.
A pile of crumbled sandstone leading up to a series of larger slabs was my first line of attack.
Cruising along with fallen rubble, the tall Scorpio tires made short work of the smaller bits of rock and debris, letting me quickly reach the first narrow ledge.
Attacking the first step in a series of ledges, the tight tread pattern and soft compound griped the rock firmly, allowing me to get up onto the rock and pull a sharp right into the next series of steps.
Watching the Wraith’s suspension compress and twist to the changing direction, I experienced no loss of traction as I worked my way up this section.
Starting early on a windy morning, I stood at the base of Badrock Ridge and spotted a few areas where the sandstone started out as a series of jagged, weathered chunks, eventually ramping up with steep walls to an elevation 30’ above the desert floor.
A pile of crumbled sandstone leading up to a series of larger slabs was my first line of attack.
Cruising along with fallen rubble, the tall Scorpio tires made short work of the smaller bits of rock and debris, letting me quickly reach the first narrow ledge.
Attacking the first step in a series of ledges, the tight tread pattern and soft compound griped the rock firmly, allowing me to get up onto the rock and pull a sharp right into the next series of steps.
Watching the Wraith’s suspension compress and twist to the changing direction, I experienced no loss of traction as I worked my way up this section.
Attacking a steep rock face at Badrock Ridge.
Once the Wraith reached the uppermost ledges in this area, I hooked a sharp left and began the ascent of a massive wall of rippling sandstone.
This area starts off with a few deceptively steep humps in the stone, then spreads out to the left with nasty uneven slope and countless undercuts in the rock’s surface all waiting to grab a tire.
The Wraith’s relatively high center of gravity was an issue to deal with, so where the tires would start getting a bit of daylight underneath the lugs, I would slant to the left and work a bit of side-hilling into the path until I could turn back to the right and continue my climb.
This area starts off with a few deceptively steep humps in the stone, then spreads out to the left with nasty uneven slope and countless undercuts in the rock’s surface all waiting to grab a tire.
The Wraith’s relatively high center of gravity was an issue to deal with, so where the tires would start getting a bit of daylight underneath the lugs, I would slant to the left and work a bit of side-hilling into the path until I could turn back to the right and continue my climb.
Even with the Scorpio’s tall sidewall, the internal tire ribs and foams were enough to keep the tire from completely folding over on the wheel, and the traction remained excellent even in these tricky situations.
Again, the high GOC of the Wraith was giving me fits in this situation.
Working this section for the better part of an hour, I was nearing the top, but it was getting a bit stressful.
Again, the high GOC of the Wraith was giving me fits in this situation.
Working this section for the better part of an hour, I was nearing the top, but it was getting a bit stressful.
Pucker Factor nearing level 10.
The Wraith was a good twenty feet above my head when the crawler would start to tilt back in a steep section.
Usually where the rear tires settled into an undercut, I had to gently come off the throttle and carefully touch the reverse; just enough to lower the front tires back down.
If the rear tires were to slip back, chances are the crawler would come tumbling down the side of the rock and most likely be taken home in box.
At moments like this, things did get a little sketchy.
Usually where the rear tires settled into an undercut, I had to gently come off the throttle and carefully touch the reverse; just enough to lower the front tires back down.
If the rear tires were to slip back, chances are the crawler would come tumbling down the side of the rock and most likely be taken home in box.
At moments like this, things did get a little sketchy.
Good to be on top.
Luckily the Scorpios continued to hold tight to the rock, and with a few more twists and nervous moments, the Wraith leveled out on the rock’s summit.
I ended up working this area a number of times of the next few weeks, trying the Scorpios in tricky situations, grinding my way up challenging lines and each time the tires worked exceptionally well.
Looking the lugs over, there was a small bit of fraying on the edges, but overall, they were holding up very well in spite of the soft rubber compound and small cleat pattern.
The view from the top is quite impressive with the iconic Las Vegas Strip off in the distance.
I ended up working this area a number of times of the next few weeks, trying the Scorpios in tricky situations, grinding my way up challenging lines and each time the tires worked exceptionally well.
Looking the lugs over, there was a small bit of fraying on the edges, but overall, they were holding up very well in spite of the soft rubber compound and small cleat pattern.
The view from the top is quite impressive with the iconic Las Vegas Strip off in the distance.
Working thought a tricky spot.
Back out at Badrock Ridge for another session, I found a washed-out section of sandstone that had been worn smooth by water runoff.
The slope was steep with some tight twists and turns, and just a bit of eroding in parts of the ledge transitions.
Aside from the grainy and lose surface, the wash looked like it could be scaled, but it was going to take some effort. With the only real traction to be the edges of ledges and transitions, the Scorpio’s side cleats would be doing most of the work.
Heading into the wash, the radiused bottom had given the optical illusion that it was not quite as steep as it proved to be, and it took a number of attempts to get though a tight spot between outcroppings.
Each time I reached the lip of the bottleneck with the rear tires, I just couldn’t get enough traction out of the front tires to help pull the Wraith up and over. As good as the tires are, they won’t overcome some basic crawler dynamics found in the Wraith. The high COG wouldn’t let me settle into the rock as I wanted, and this problem was compounded by the right rear tire under-hooking on the right ledge.
Even though I would try different approaches, the loose and gritty surface would always have the rear axle sliding to the right and back under the ledge’s undercut. I decided to crawl around to the back side of rock and try this line as a descent and see how that turned out.
The slope was steep with some tight twists and turns, and just a bit of eroding in parts of the ledge transitions.
Aside from the grainy and lose surface, the wash looked like it could be scaled, but it was going to take some effort. With the only real traction to be the edges of ledges and transitions, the Scorpio’s side cleats would be doing most of the work.
Heading into the wash, the radiused bottom had given the optical illusion that it was not quite as steep as it proved to be, and it took a number of attempts to get though a tight spot between outcroppings.
Each time I reached the lip of the bottleneck with the rear tires, I just couldn’t get enough traction out of the front tires to help pull the Wraith up and over. As good as the tires are, they won’t overcome some basic crawler dynamics found in the Wraith. The high COG wouldn’t let me settle into the rock as I wanted, and this problem was compounded by the right rear tire under-hooking on the right ledge.
Even though I would try different approaches, the loose and gritty surface would always have the rear axle sliding to the right and back under the ledge’s undercut. I decided to crawl around to the back side of rock and try this line as a descent and see how that turned out.
Carefully wrapping around this corner.
Dropping from the top, the tires skipped and slid under the crumbling surface, but would grab and hold where the rock was more solid.
Crumbling sandstone is just the rock breaking down into loose sand particles ( no surprise here ), but these act like small bearings underneath and will greatly diminish traction on the rock’s surface.
To make the bottleneck, I drove up high to the right and let the Wraith slide to the left while angling the front tires into the turn.
Keeping things under control were the side lugs of the tires, grabbing where they could and bringing the sliding Wraith to a stop just a fraction of an inch away from the rock’s edge.
Carefully creeping forward, I had enough control to make it down through the bottleneck and drive out from the bottom of the wash. For sure this is a tricky section, and the continual eroding of the stone’s surface is a real problem to deal with. If you were to attack it with aggressive tire spinning, you could probably grind away the loose surface for improved traction, but I feel that takes away from the true aspect of scaling an obstacle.
Crumbling sandstone is just the rock breaking down into loose sand particles ( no surprise here ), but these act like small bearings underneath and will greatly diminish traction on the rock’s surface.
To make the bottleneck, I drove up high to the right and let the Wraith slide to the left while angling the front tires into the turn.
Keeping things under control were the side lugs of the tires, grabbing where they could and bringing the sliding Wraith to a stop just a fraction of an inch away from the rock’s edge.
Carefully creeping forward, I had enough control to make it down through the bottleneck and drive out from the bottom of the wash. For sure this is a tricky section, and the continual eroding of the stone’s surface is a real problem to deal with. If you were to attack it with aggressive tire spinning, you could probably grind away the loose surface for improved traction, but I feel that takes away from the true aspect of scaling an obstacle.
This is a tricky move up the rock.
To round of this section of testing at Badrock ridge, I selected a series of large chunky steps to test out the edge grip of the tires.
These are very steep transitions over moderate blocks, and the key to getting over these hangs heavy on the front tires hooking in and pulling the rest of the crawler up and over the obstacle.
Some of the blocks tilted to the side, forcing the Wraith to come up at an angle and turn sharp into the rock in order to set the front tires and climb over the block.
What I found during these attempts is if I could get just a corner of a tire hooked into the top of the block, the Wraith was able to pull itself up and over the obstacle.
The tricky parts were when you had to settle the rear tire into the block’s face before you had a purchase on the top edge; these became very hard to scale.
These are very steep transitions over moderate blocks, and the key to getting over these hangs heavy on the front tires hooking in and pulling the rest of the crawler up and over the obstacle.
Some of the blocks tilted to the side, forcing the Wraith to come up at an angle and turn sharp into the rock in order to set the front tires and climb over the block.
What I found during these attempts is if I could get just a corner of a tire hooked into the top of the block, the Wraith was able to pull itself up and over the obstacle.
The tricky parts were when you had to settle the rear tire into the block’s face before you had a purchase on the top edge; these became very hard to scale.
Scorpio tires were able to hook into this rock and pull the Wraith up and over.
Multiple attempts were made at a number of rocks, and success was mixed primarily because the COG of the Wraith.
Once the Wraith started to tip back from the steepness of the rock, I would lose the grip from the front tires, forcing me to reverse and adjust the line of attack.
At the end, I successfully scaled some tricky chunks, taking the Wraith to its functional limits for crawling.
At no point did I slide back down the rock from a lack of traction; the tires did their job.
Once the Wraith started to tip back from the steepness of the rock, I would lose the grip from the front tires, forcing me to reverse and adjust the line of attack.
At the end, I successfully scaled some tricky chunks, taking the Wraith to its functional limits for crawling.
At no point did I slide back down the rock from a lack of traction; the tires did their job.
Dry riverbed at Valley of Fire.
Valley of Fire
With the early spring weather still cool in the mornings, I decided to take a day trip out to the Valley of Fire state park here in Nevada and tackle some of the amazing rock formations around the park.
The rocks themselves are very similar to the rocks as Badrock Ridge, just on a much larger scale.
I wanted to try out a few different areas here, including some soft fine sand, eroding rock, and a few chunky rockfall piles.
Starting out on a dry riverbed, the Wraith cruised along smoothly across the fine sand, sending little wisps of fine sand floating in the air as it passed by. The tire's lugs spun out the fine sand grains and did very well as long as the surface was relatively flat, but trying to climb a few of the sandy hills on the edges was a no-go. The Scorpios are a long way away from being a sand paddle tire.
With the early spring weather still cool in the mornings, I decided to take a day trip out to the Valley of Fire state park here in Nevada and tackle some of the amazing rock formations around the park.
The rocks themselves are very similar to the rocks as Badrock Ridge, just on a much larger scale.
I wanted to try out a few different areas here, including some soft fine sand, eroding rock, and a few chunky rockfall piles.
Starting out on a dry riverbed, the Wraith cruised along smoothly across the fine sand, sending little wisps of fine sand floating in the air as it passed by. The tire's lugs spun out the fine sand grains and did very well as long as the surface was relatively flat, but trying to climb a few of the sandy hills on the edges was a no-go. The Scorpios are a long way away from being a sand paddle tire.
After poking around for a few minutes on the sandy bottom, I hooked over to the side were some very old sandstone rocks were finishing up their days as soft piles of rubble.
The initial approach up to these heavily weathered piles was uneventful, with the Wraith easily picking its way up to the hill side, but once the firm rock gave way to the soft, weather stone, things became difficult.
The initial approach up to these heavily weathered piles was uneventful, with the Wraith easily picking its way up to the hill side, but once the firm rock gave way to the soft, weather stone, things became difficult.
Wraith sinking into the soft, sandy eroded layer of rock.
The stone had broken down into smaller, round clumps of stone resting atop what felt like a large, purplish red pile of sand.
Immediately the Wraith lost traction and sank into the loose surface, digging itself into the hillside.
I had to fish around to the left and right, trying to get a cleat on firm rock hidden underneath the loose surface.
Eventually I was able to dig down to solid footing and work my way up a little more the hillside, but eventually I came to a stop. The lugs were just not large enough “paddle in” and keep me moving upwards.
I pulled to the left and worked my way back down the hillside to the firm rock below. Loose conditions are a challenge to any tire, and the small lugs of the Scorpio were just not up to this kind of task in any way. It was time to find a better crawling area.
Immediately the Wraith lost traction and sank into the loose surface, digging itself into the hillside.
I had to fish around to the left and right, trying to get a cleat on firm rock hidden underneath the loose surface.
Eventually I was able to dig down to solid footing and work my way up a little more the hillside, but eventually I came to a stop. The lugs were just not large enough “paddle in” and keep me moving upwards.
I pulled to the left and worked my way back down the hillside to the firm rock below. Loose conditions are a challenge to any tire, and the small lugs of the Scorpio were just not up to this kind of task in any way. It was time to find a better crawling area.
Clawing our way through some rocks.
At the base of most large sandstone formations lies a pule of broken rock and rubble, mostly caused by the natural and rapid erosion unique to sandstone.
In some areas, these tend to be smaller bits of stone, but in others where there is a steep vertical face, larger chunks can be found.
I had spotted one area littered with fresh, jagged chunks of sandstone which would be a perfect area for the Scorpio to shows its magic.
As commented before, the Scorpio is a tall tire, and unless you’re playing the portal game ( not sure anyone is running portals on a 2.2 ), the tire height can really aid in working across rocks piles or chunky riverbeds. These rocks were between 4 to 12 inches in height, with sharp edges and steep faces.
The Wraith rolled up to these with confidence, and as delicate and a ballerina, it smashed and clawed its way across 20 yards of miserable rock. The Scorpio tires seized each rock and corner with a tight grip, dragging the Wraith over the tops of countless rocks which were too tall to roll over, really putting the Vanquish axle housings to the test.
In some areas, these tend to be smaller bits of stone, but in others where there is a steep vertical face, larger chunks can be found.
I had spotted one area littered with fresh, jagged chunks of sandstone which would be a perfect area for the Scorpio to shows its magic.
As commented before, the Scorpio is a tall tire, and unless you’re playing the portal game ( not sure anyone is running portals on a 2.2 ), the tire height can really aid in working across rocks piles or chunky riverbeds. These rocks were between 4 to 12 inches in height, with sharp edges and steep faces.
The Wraith rolled up to these with confidence, and as delicate and a ballerina, it smashed and clawed its way across 20 yards of miserable rock. The Scorpio tires seized each rock and corner with a tight grip, dragging the Wraith over the tops of countless rocks which were too tall to roll over, really putting the Vanquish axle housings to the test.
The Vanquish RC axle housings held up to the abuse.
For some of the trickier sections, I used the servo to grind the tire sidewall into random crevices to help pull the Wraith up and over the next rock.
Over the next hour, I made multiple passes through this section with excellent success. These Scorpio tires really felt to be in their ideal element, taking virtually no damage other than a bit more fraying of the tread pattern, while the rest of the crawler took a considerable beating.
With that wrapped up, I found a few interesting lines up the side of another large rock face and spent some time working my way up to the top.
I enjoyed the excellent traction and control throughout the rest of the afternoon, running through a pair of 4000 mAh batteries before the day’s end.
Headed back home, I had one more final challenge for these tires; Highline Trail.
Over the next hour, I made multiple passes through this section with excellent success. These Scorpio tires really felt to be in their ideal element, taking virtually no damage other than a bit more fraying of the tread pattern, while the rest of the crawler took a considerable beating.
With that wrapped up, I found a few interesting lines up the side of another large rock face and spent some time working my way up to the top.
I enjoyed the excellent traction and control throughout the rest of the afternoon, running through a pair of 4000 mAh batteries before the day’s end.
Headed back home, I had one more final challenge for these tires; Highline Trail.
Looking up from the bottom of Highline Trail.
Highline Trail
On the far west side of Badrock Ridge, where the base of surrounding mountains drop away, an exposed a deep scar of sandstone rises up from the desert floor.
The massive sections of the red sandstone offering a splendid array of crawling lines to challenge just about any crawler.
Rising in the middle of this area is Highline Trail; a seeming mild crawling trail which grows more complicated and treacherous as the elevation increases.
This trail had been a real challenge to me for a number of months, thwarting every attempt I had made to finish the trail “clean” and without assistance.
Starting one early Saturday morning, I worked this trail intently, carefully picking each turn and line as I ascended. Initially the trail is chunky and steep, but manageable as long as you take your time and let the crawler do the work.
On the far west side of Badrock Ridge, where the base of surrounding mountains drop away, an exposed a deep scar of sandstone rises up from the desert floor.
The massive sections of the red sandstone offering a splendid array of crawling lines to challenge just about any crawler.
Rising in the middle of this area is Highline Trail; a seeming mild crawling trail which grows more complicated and treacherous as the elevation increases.
This trail had been a real challenge to me for a number of months, thwarting every attempt I had made to finish the trail “clean” and without assistance.
Starting one early Saturday morning, I worked this trail intently, carefully picking each turn and line as I ascended. Initially the trail is chunky and steep, but manageable as long as you take your time and let the crawler do the work.
Attacking the first step after the S turn.
Halfway up at the landing, you have to work a funky S turn to hit the main rise, and this is where things get hairy.
At the point you come out of the turn and start the next climb, the ground on either side of the trail falls away to a rock bottom, starting at a four-foot drop and reaching a height of seven feet above rocky ground.
The trail narrows to 18 inches and crazily tilts from 38 to 52 degrees to the right, with large, loose slabs of sandstone splitting away and poised to fall down to the ground below at the slightest touch.
Coming out of the S turn, I had to work my way up an impossibly steep rock face, pockmarked with erosion and desert varnish.
At the point you come out of the turn and start the next climb, the ground on either side of the trail falls away to a rock bottom, starting at a four-foot drop and reaching a height of seven feet above rocky ground.
The trail narrows to 18 inches and crazily tilts from 38 to 52 degrees to the right, with large, loose slabs of sandstone splitting away and poised to fall down to the ground below at the slightest touch.
Coming out of the S turn, I had to work my way up an impossibly steep rock face, pockmarked with erosion and desert varnish.
This proved to be a little too difficult for the current setup.
I was able to claw my way to the top of this piece, only to have the Wraith immediately start sliding off the rock to the right.
A quick turn of the wheels and I was able to turn into the slope and get a firm footing, but I couldn't turn back to the right and take the next step without tipping over to the side or sliding off the edge.
Attempt after attempt, this spot had me stuck. The grain surface of the sandstone, the slope to the right, and the continual stepping up in elevation played havoc with the Wraith’s COG, and no matter which line attempted, I just couldn’t make this step.
I packed it up and headed back to the shop for a few adjustments on the Wraith.
A quick turn of the wheels and I was able to turn into the slope and get a firm footing, but I couldn't turn back to the right and take the next step without tipping over to the side or sliding off the edge.
Attempt after attempt, this spot had me stuck. The grain surface of the sandstone, the slope to the right, and the continual stepping up in elevation played havoc with the Wraith’s COG, and no matter which line attempted, I just couldn’t make this step.
I packed it up and headed back to the shop for a few adjustments on the Wraith.
A new setup on the Wraith made short work out of the S turn.
A few weeks later, the Wraith rolled out of the garage with a new set of new upper shock mounting plates, wheel weights, a reorganized electronics layout inside, and new aluminum body panels. Sitting 0.3” lower and with bit more weight in the wheels, I headed back out to Highline Trail for another go.
Again, starting at the bottom, the Wraith made short work of the first section, cruising up the rubble and rock with ease. The lower ride height was noticeable in some areas, but it didn’t cause any real problems.
Back into the S turn, the Wraith dug in deep, and the Scorpio tires gripped the rock’s imperfections and allowed me to pull a very tight turn into the first major rock face.
A little grinding of the skid plate, and the Wraith was up and over the rock and onto the sloped surface, heading for the next step.
Once again, the Wraith started to slide down to the right, but the tires caught this time much quicker, with the Scorpio’s cleats holding firm.
Again, starting at the bottom, the Wraith made short work of the first section, cruising up the rubble and rock with ease. The lower ride height was noticeable in some areas, but it didn’t cause any real problems.
Back into the S turn, the Wraith dug in deep, and the Scorpio tires gripped the rock’s imperfections and allowed me to pull a very tight turn into the first major rock face.
A little grinding of the skid plate, and the Wraith was up and over the rock and onto the sloped surface, heading for the next step.
Once again, the Wraith started to slide down to the right, but the tires caught this time much quicker, with the Scorpio’s cleats holding firm.
Things are about to get real tricky.
Turning into the slope, heading to the left edge, I was able to crawl across this stone slab and climb up the next rock step, making it further than any other previous attempt.
The tires were right at their limit of traction, but the lower stance of the Wraith kept it composed and allowed me to keep moving up the trail.
The tires were right at their limit of traction, but the lower stance of the Wraith kept it composed and allowed me to keep moving up the trail.
Final push to the summit!
It’s important to keep in mind that now that while I’m driving, the Wraith is above eye level.
I can spot the details of the rock and guide it along, but I’m blind to the left edge’s exact location, and overshooting that will have the Wraith free falling seven feet to the rock below.
There is no way to grab it in time, so this last bit of rock is a very slow crawl. Each step becomes a little more stressful, and the gentle grinding noises coming from the tires had grown into a worrisome growl.
Stopping for photos was no longer possible and it was time to finish this climb.
I can spot the details of the rock and guide it along, but I’m blind to the left edge’s exact location, and overshooting that will have the Wraith free falling seven feet to the rock below.
There is no way to grab it in time, so this last bit of rock is a very slow crawl. Each step becomes a little more stressful, and the gentle grinding noises coming from the tires had grown into a worrisome growl.
Stopping for photos was no longer possible and it was time to finish this climb.
Success! On the top of Highline Trail in one solid run.
Another 10 minutes of careful maneuvering, and the front tires cleared the final rock and guided the Wraith up and over to the top.
Hiking up and around, the view is spectacular from the top of Highline and well worth the effort.
It was good feeling to have finally conquered Highline Trail.
I believe the new setup to the Wraith along with these excellent Scorpio tires made it possible to reach the top.
Hiking up and around, the view is spectacular from the top of Highline and well worth the effort.
It was good feeling to have finally conquered Highline Trail.
I believe the new setup to the Wraith along with these excellent Scorpio tires made it possible to reach the top.
J Concepts Scorpio 2.2 Crawling Tire.
Final Thoughts
Seemingly tailor-made for hard rock surfaces, the JConcept Scorpio is one of those tires you should absolutely have in your collection.
The unique tread pattern grips the small imperfection of the rock’s surface like hundreds of little hooks, allowing for tremendous control in tricky situations.
As soft as their green compound feels, the tires held up surprisingly well even after grinding the sidewalls along a number of rock edges.
I had fully expected to tear a sidewall on a few nasty climbs, but other than a bit of fraying on the side lugs, the tires have held strong.
If there is a weakness to the Scorpio, it will be in the lack of performance in muddy, loose terrain. These would not be my first choice for mud-bogging, snow, or sand.
Usually after a tire test, I remove the tires from the wheels, clean them up and then store them away in a plastic bag, but with these I’m not so sure. I was able to conquer Highline Trail, which had vexed me for more than a few months, so chances are I will keep these mounted up as a backup set to use when I head back out to Badrock Ridge. There are still plenty more lines to beat, and until I find something better, the Scorpio will be my go-to tire of choice for this terrain.
Seemingly tailor-made for hard rock surfaces, the JConcept Scorpio is one of those tires you should absolutely have in your collection.
The unique tread pattern grips the small imperfection of the rock’s surface like hundreds of little hooks, allowing for tremendous control in tricky situations.
As soft as their green compound feels, the tires held up surprisingly well even after grinding the sidewalls along a number of rock edges.
I had fully expected to tear a sidewall on a few nasty climbs, but other than a bit of fraying on the side lugs, the tires have held strong.
If there is a weakness to the Scorpio, it will be in the lack of performance in muddy, loose terrain. These would not be my first choice for mud-bogging, snow, or sand.
Usually after a tire test, I remove the tires from the wheels, clean them up and then store them away in a plastic bag, but with these I’m not so sure. I was able to conquer Highline Trail, which had vexed me for more than a few months, so chances are I will keep these mounted up as a backup set to use when I head back out to Badrock Ridge. There are still plenty more lines to beat, and until I find something better, the Scorpio will be my go-to tire of choice for this terrain.
JConcepts Scorpio 2.2” Evaluation Results
Technical Rock: 27/30
Large Slab ( Slick Rock ): 18/20
Tire Construction Quality and Appearance: 18/20
Rubber Compound: 20/20
Tread Life: 5/5
Versatility: 4/5
Total Score: 92/100
Technical Rock: 27/30
- After pushing the Scorpios through some rough, steep terrain, we came away pleased with their overall performance on Technical Rock formations. The tires conformed well to the outcroppings with minimal slippage on off-camber ascents. The side lugs helped support the tire when we had to wedge up some tricky sections, and the fine tread pattern was able to hook into the small defects of the rock’s surface.
Large Slab ( Slick Rock ): 18/20
- Even with the heavy weight of the Wraith to contend with, the Scorpio tires were soft and sticky enough to haul the Wraith up some of the most challenging slick rock trails.
Tire Construction Quality and Appearance: 18/20
- The Scorpio tires continue to demonstrate JConcepts commitment to high-quality products for the RC community. Working with these tires, we found the beads to be excellent, the tire carcass molded with the correct thickness to support an intricate tread pattern, and overall appearance to be spot-on. If there is one change I would make to this tire, it would be to open up the tread pattern slightly, allowing for a higher level of conformance to the rock surface.
Rubber Compound: 20/20
- JConcepts green rubber compound is one of the very best we have tested. It’s sticky, pliable, and performs well under a wide range of temperatures.
Tread Life: 5/5
- After months of grinding away on the rocks and slick slabs, the tread patter has shown minimal wear, with most of the wear focused on the edges of the tire. Even though it’s built from the same soft rubber compound as their other crawler tires, the tightly packed tread pattern distributes the truck’s weight across a wider surface area. This helps mitigate tire wear.
Versatility: 4/5
- Considering all the different terrain encountered on our trails, the only difficulty we encountered was in fine sand. The tight tread pattern doesn’t have the surface area to “paddle” its way out this kind of material. Other than that, the Scorpios handled the desert terrain with relative ease.
Total Score: 92/100
Specifications
- JConcepts Scorpio 2.2 Tire
- Part Number: 3037-02
- Size: 5.98” ( 152mm )
- Weight: 154 grams