Losi Lasernut u4 Wheel and tire testing

After some consideration, it was decided to create a new section on this website dedicated to the different tire / wheel / foam options for the Lasernut desert buggy.
In the main review of the Lasernut on this website, we dove into some of the details about the OEM wheel and tire combination, as well as other options that are possible, but not to the extent we would have liked.
There are quite a few options and combinations that warrant further investigation, so this new section will allow us to really dive into the details.
If you have not reviewed the main Lasernut review article, please take a moment or two to read over the content. It will get you up to speed about the OEM tire / wheel setup and some of the more unusual characteristics of the OEM setup.
The goal of this section is to test out a number of combinations out on the desert track and document the results. Most of the comments will be brief and to the point, but contain pertinent details in order to paint a complete picture and help you in your tire / wheel / foam selection.
It’s important to note that all of the testing criteria is based solely on desert track performance results. All aspects of handling, traction, breaking, and tire wear will be assessed on the loose rocks and dusty conditions. If you would like more information about this track, check out the Dusty Corners tab on this website. Link: Dusty Corners.
In the main review of the Lasernut on this website, we dove into some of the details about the OEM wheel and tire combination, as well as other options that are possible, but not to the extent we would have liked.
There are quite a few options and combinations that warrant further investigation, so this new section will allow us to really dive into the details.
If you have not reviewed the main Lasernut review article, please take a moment or two to read over the content. It will get you up to speed about the OEM tire / wheel setup and some of the more unusual characteristics of the OEM setup.
The goal of this section is to test out a number of combinations out on the desert track and document the results. Most of the comments will be brief and to the point, but contain pertinent details in order to paint a complete picture and help you in your tire / wheel / foam selection.
It’s important to note that all of the testing criteria is based solely on desert track performance results. All aspects of handling, traction, breaking, and tire wear will be assessed on the loose rocks and dusty conditions. If you would like more information about this track, check out the Dusty Corners tab on this website. Link: Dusty Corners.

There are going to be a number of variables present in the testing, and my goal is to keep them to a minimum by using a few standards.
The following is a list of items used to support the testing.
Beadlock Wheels: The only wheels used for testing of 2.2 tires will be a few different sets of Vanquish RC aluminum beadlock wheels. The only difference between the wheel sets will be the color and spoke pattern; the dimensions, construction, and base material will be identical.
Hubs: All aluminum wheels will use Vanquish 850 SLW hubs.
Foams – Open Cell: These foams are from Pit Bull RC and known as their “Dirty Richard” lineup of foams. I’m using the firm foams for testing and will document how they support the tire as well as how long they last. After testing a number of open-cell foams, these have proven to be some of the best and do an excellent job in supporting the tire.
Foam – Closed Cell: These foams are from Crawler Innovations and are made from a closed-cell type of foam, making these far denser than a standard open-cell foam. These foams are best suited for speed and support the sidewall much better than a standard foam, but there is a very different feel when running these and not every driver favors their handling characteristics. This will be addressed during the review process.
Plastic Wheel / Tire Combinations: We will also test a few after-market wheels and tire combinations based on the 2.2/3.0 factory wheel setup.
The following is a list of items used to support the testing.
Beadlock Wheels: The only wheels used for testing of 2.2 tires will be a few different sets of Vanquish RC aluminum beadlock wheels. The only difference between the wheel sets will be the color and spoke pattern; the dimensions, construction, and base material will be identical.
Hubs: All aluminum wheels will use Vanquish 850 SLW hubs.
Foams – Open Cell: These foams are from Pit Bull RC and known as their “Dirty Richard” lineup of foams. I’m using the firm foams for testing and will document how they support the tire as well as how long they last. After testing a number of open-cell foams, these have proven to be some of the best and do an excellent job in supporting the tire.
Foam – Closed Cell: These foams are from Crawler Innovations and are made from a closed-cell type of foam, making these far denser than a standard open-cell foam. These foams are best suited for speed and support the sidewall much better than a standard foam, but there is a very different feel when running these and not every driver favors their handling characteristics. This will be addressed during the review process.
Plastic Wheel / Tire Combinations: We will also test a few after-market wheels and tire combinations based on the 2.2/3.0 factory wheel setup.

To bring a bit more useful information into the testing, I will also be running a lap timer when running the Lasernut on the desert track. This data help keep things in perspective when measuring performance of various wheel and tire combinations.
Often times there can be an impression of improved performance, when in reality the buggy is running slower on the track. Lap times give you a true measurement of how fast you're running.
After looking at a few different options, I selected Lap Monitor from GYFX out of France. This system is very easy to use and did a great job helping me track lap times.
I paid full retail for the unit and I feel it's worth the investment if you have a need for lap times. It's interesting to see how the actual times correspond to your "feeling" as to how fast you're driving.
Here is a link to their website: Lap Monitor
Often times there can be an impression of improved performance, when in reality the buggy is running slower on the track. Lap times give you a true measurement of how fast you're running.
After looking at a few different options, I selected Lap Monitor from GYFX out of France. This system is very easy to use and did a great job helping me track lap times.
I paid full retail for the unit and I feel it's worth the investment if you have a need for lap times. It's interesting to see how the actual times correspond to your "feeling" as to how fast you're driving.
Here is a link to their website: Lap Monitor

Lasernut Setup
Another part of the equation when reviewing the results of the tire testing is knowing how the test vehicle is set up.
There have been a number of substantial changed from the OEM setup, and these have greatly enhanced the desert track performance.
To see a full list of modifications, please check out the Lasernut review on this website; it will have a complete listing of all parts swapped out from the OEM model.
In regards to setup for this specific track, here are the basic details:
Front Shocks: 35 wt TLR
Rear Shocks: 35 wt TLR
Front Differential: 20k
Center Differential: 30k
Rear Differential: 10k
Pinion / Spur Gear: 12/44
Motor: 1900 kV Spektrum
Battery: SMC Racing 4s V2 Graphine
Another part of the equation when reviewing the results of the tire testing is knowing how the test vehicle is set up.
There have been a number of substantial changed from the OEM setup, and these have greatly enhanced the desert track performance.
To see a full list of modifications, please check out the Lasernut review on this website; it will have a complete listing of all parts swapped out from the OEM model.
In regards to setup for this specific track, here are the basic details:
Front Shocks: 35 wt TLR
Rear Shocks: 35 wt TLR
Front Differential: 20k
Center Differential: 30k
Rear Differential: 10k
Pinion / Spur Gear: 12/44
Motor: 1900 kV Spektrum
Battery: SMC Racing 4s V2 Graphine
Click on the bold text for information on the wheel and tire review for further info: