Overview
The FTX Gladius 1.9 Bead Lock Wheel & Gator Tyre Set (120mm) is an essential upgrade for RC enthusiasts looking to enhance their crawler's off-road performance and visual appeal. This complete wheel and tyre package is specifically designed for the FTX Gladius platform, delivering the authentic look and functional performance that serious RC car UK hobbyists demand. Whether you're tackling challenging terrain on the weekends or competing in local RC crawling events, this bead lock wheel system provides the grip, durability and style needed to take your RC experience to the next level.
Bead lock wheels have become the gold standard in RC rock crawling and off-road competition, and for good reason. The FTX Gladius 1.9 Bead Lock Wheel system uses a proven mechanical design that locks the tyre bead securely against the wheel rim, preventing tyre slip and ensuring consistent performance across all surfaces. This is particularly valuable when you're running low tyre pressures for maximum terrain grip, as the bead lock mechanism maintains structural integrity where standard wheels might fail. The included Gator tyres are purpose-designed for crawling applications, offering aggressive tread patterns that bite into loose surfaces whilst maintaining control on hard-packed terrain.
This is the complete ready to run solution for Gladius owners seeking to upgrade their wheeling capability. The 120mm wheel diameter (1.9 scale equivalent) is the ideal size for balanced performance, providing excellent ground clearance without compromising handling characteristics. If you're new to the RC hobby or looking to upgrade an existing build, this wheel and tyre set offers genuine value and proven performance that will make an immediate difference to how your RC crawler tackles obstacles and terrain.
Key Features
- 1.9 Bead Lock Wheel Design — The bead lock mechanism uses a mechanical clamping system to firmly secure the tyre bead against the wheel rim, preventing tyre slip during aggressive off-road driving and low-pressure running. This feature is essential for serious crawling where tyre stability directly impacts ground traction and obstacle-clearing capability.
- Gator Tyre Profile — The included Gator tyres feature an aggressive, open tread pattern specifically engineered for rock crawling and off-road terrain. The tread design provides excellent bite on loose surfaces whilst maintaining control on hard-packed ground, making these tyres versatile across different driving conditions.
- 120mm Wheel Diameter — The 1.9 scale wheel size delivers the perfect balance between ground clearance and handling characteristics. This diameter is proven across countless FTX Gladius builds and provides optimal performance for crawler applications.
- Complete Four-Tyre Set — This package includes everything you need to fully equip your FTX Gladius with new wheels and tyres. You receive a matched set of four wheels with mounted Gator tyres ready for immediate installation.
- FTX Gladius Compatibility — These wheels are purpose-designed and tested for the FTX Gladius platform, ensuring perfect fitment and performance without modification or adaptation required.
- Enhanced Off-Road Performance — The combination of bead lock security and aggressive tread design delivers noticeably improved traction, stability and terrain response compared to standard wheel and tyre setups.
Technical Performance
The FTX Gladius 1.9 Bead Lock Wheel & Gator Tyre Set represents genuine engineering for RC crawling applications. The 120mm wheel diameter and bead lock design work together to provide the security and performance demanded by serious RC car UK enthusiasts. Bead lock technology is widely recognised as the superior choice for low-pressure crawling because the mechanical locking system prevents the tyre from rolling around the rim even under extreme stress or when running significantly reduced air pressure for maximum terrain conformity. The Gator tyre compound and tread pattern have been developed specifically for crawling environments, with the aggressive lugs designed to engage loose materials like dirt, gravel and sand whilst the overall tyre sidewall construction provides the flexibility needed for obstacle climbing. The complete set provides matched, balanced performance across all four wheels, eliminating any handling inconsistencies that might result from mixing tyre types. For RC enthusiasts serious about conquering challenging terrain and maximising their crawler's potential, this wheel and tyre package delivers professional-grade capability at an accessible price point.
What's in the Box
- Four FTX Gladius 1.9 Bead Lock Wheels (120mm diameter)
- Four Gator Tyres mounted and ready to install
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will these bead lock wheels fit my FTX Gladius RC crawler? — Yes, these wheels are specifically engineered and tested for FTX Gladius compatibility. The 1.9 scale bead lock design and 120mm diameter match the Gladius platform perfectly, and installation is straightforward on any standard Gladius chassis without modification.
- What is a bead lock wheel and why do RC crawlers use them? — A bead lock wheel uses a mechanical clamping ring that secures the tyre bead (the inner edge of the tyre that seats against the wheel rim) firmly in place. This prevents tyre slip when running low pressures for maximum terrain grip, which is essential in rock crawling and extreme off-road applications. Without bead locks, tyres can roll around the rim during aggressive driving, reducing traction and control.
- Are the Gator tyres suitable for all terrain types? — The Gator tyre profile is specifically designed for rock crawling and off-road environments. The aggressive tread pattern excels on loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, sand and rocks whilst still providing reasonable control on hard-packed ground. These tyres are optimised for crawling rather than high-speed racing or on-road use.
- Can I run lower tyre pressures with these bead lock wheels? — Yes, that's one of the primary advantages of bead lock technology. The mechanical locking system allows you to reduce tyre pressure significantly for improved terrain conformity and grip without risk of the tyre rolling off the rim. This capability is crucial for tackling challenging obstacles and maximising crawling performance.
- How do I install these wheels on my FTX Gladius? — Installation is straightforward and requires no special tools beyond standard RC screwdrivers. Remove your existing wheels, align the new bead lock wheel with your vehicle's drive hub, secure with the appropriate mounting hardware, and you're ready to wheel. The wheels are supplied fully assembled with tyres already mounted, so no additional preparation is needed.
- What makes these wheels different from standard wheels? — The primary difference is the bead lock mechanism, which is a secondary locking system that clamps the tyre firmly against the wheel rim. Standard wheels rely only on the pressure differential between tyre air and atmosphere to hold the tyre in place, which is insufficient for aggressive crawling. Bead lock wheels also typically feature more aggressive, specialised tread patterns like the Gator design included here.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FTX GLADIUS 1.9 BEAD LOCK WHEEL & GATOR TYRE SET (120MM PR) FTX10742 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
- Brand: FTX
- Model Number: FTX10742
- Product Type: Wheel and Tyre Set
- Wheel Type: 1.9 Bead Lock Wheels
- Wheel Diameter: 120mm
- Quantity: Four wheels with mounted tyres
- Tyre Type: Gator
- Compatibility: FTX Gladius RC crawler
- Number of Tyres Included: Four
- Wheel Design: Mechanical bead lock system
- EAN: 5056135769188
- Recommended Use: Rock crawling, off-road terrain, extreme driving conditions
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
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