Louise RC GT-Tarmac 1/8 Soft Compound Racing Tyres Black Chrome Wheels 17mm Hex

Overview

The Louise RC GT-Tarmac 1/8 FR/RR Soft Hex 17mm Spoke Black Chrome tyre and wheel set represents professional-grade tarmac racing equipment designed for serious 1/8 scale GT and rally car enthusiasts across the UK. Whether you're competing at your local RC club or pushing your machine to its limits on track days, these pre-mounted and glued wheels deliver the performance, grip and durability demanded by competitive racing. Louise RC has established itself as one of the finest tyre manufacturers in the RC industry, with decades of experience optimising compound formulations, tyre construction and manufacturing processes specifically for high-speed on-road racing.

These ready-to-run wheel and tyre sets arrive fully assembled and professionally glued, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup and tyre mounting. Simply fit them to your compatible 1/8 buggy or GT-rally car with a 17mm wheel hex adapter, and you're ready to drive. The soft compound racing tyres build grip as they reach operating temperature, so running a few warm-up laps before pushing hard is recommended. This thoughtful design means you spend less time in the workshop and more time enjoying your RC car UK experience.

The GT-Tarmac series has been engineered from the ground up for tarmac and asphalt surfaces, delivering superior cornering grip, precise steering response and extended tyre life compared to standard rubber compounds. If you're serious about on-road RC racing performance and demand genuine quality backed by manufacturer expertise, the Louise RC GT-Tarmac 1/8 tyres and wheels are the logical choice for your competitive setup.

Key Features

• MFT Micro Fibre Technology — The tread incorporates a textile reinforcement belt that prevents the tyre from deforming and ballooning during high-speed acceleration and cornering, a critical advantage over standard tyres. This advanced technology maintains consistent tyre diameter and shape even under extreme forces, providing increased stability, greater contact patch consistency and extended tyre lifespan. The result is more predictable handling and reduced wear and tear during intensive racing sessions.
• Soft Racing Compound — Specifically formulated for maximum grip on tarmac surfaces whilst balancing wear resistance and longevity. The soft compound delivers superior cornering performance and creates more contact with the racing surface, though it requires proper warm-up laps to reach optimal grip levels. This professional-grade rubber compound is developed to meet the demanding requirements of competitive 1/8 scale racing.
• Pre-Mounted and Glued — Every tyre arrives factory-glued to the wheel using Louise RC's proprietary cyanoacrylate rubber adhesive, specially formulated to withstand the extreme forces generated during high-speed running, aggressive cornering and jumps. The professional bonding process includes grinding and degreasing both the tyre bead and wheel surface, precision dosing of adhesive via automated machinery, controlled curing under pressure, and rigorous pull and spin testing to verify bond integrity. This eliminates the risk of tyre separation and ensures maximum driving confidence.
• Black Chrome Wheel Finish — The striking black chrome spoke wheels deliver outstanding visual appeal whilst maintaining the lightweight, high-strength nylon composite construction required for serious racing. The distinctive finish provides an aggressive, professional appearance that enhances any competition-level 1/8 GT or rally machine.
• 17mm Hex Compatibility — Designed to fit a comprehensive range of popular 1/8 buggy and GT-rally platforms including ARRMA Typhon and Infraction, Associated RC8 and DB8, Carson Virus and Specter, Hobao Hyper VS, Losi 8ight, Mugen MBX and MGT series, Sworkz S35-GT, Team Corally Python XP, and X-Ray XB-8 and GT8 models. Always verify compatibility using the manufacturer's comprehensive tyre-wheel fitment chart for your specific vehicle.
• Optimised Foam Inserts — Pre-installed cut-to-size foam tyre inserts are carefully selected for specific density and sizing to guarantee perfect dampening characteristics and maintain consistent tyre form stability during operation. These purpose-engineered inserts work in harmony with the tyre construction to absorb impacts and maintain contact patch integrity.
• Professional Manufacturing Standards — Louise RC maintains strict quality control throughout production, from raw material selection through to final testing. Every aspect of wheel and tyre engineering has been optimised to withstand the extreme loads generated during rapid acceleration, high-speed cornering and significant jumps. The combination of advanced nylon composite materials reinforced with fibre, precision manufacturing processes and rigorous testing ensures reliable performance meeting international competition standards.

Technical Performance

These Louise RC GT-Tarmac wheels and tyres deliver exceptional performance characteristics specifically engineered for serious 1/8 scale on-road racing. The 104mm diameter soft compound tyres measure 42mm across the tread, providing an optimal contact patch for tarmac and asphalt surfaces. Each wheel and tyre assembly weighs 111g, and the nylon composite rims feature 0mm offset with an 83mm bead diameter, ensuring precise fitment to 17mm hex adapters. The wheels are manufactured from high-quality nylon granulates charged with fibre reinforcement, a Dupont-developed composite blend that delivers the precise balance of flexibility and strength required to absorb the extreme forces encountered during competitive racing. The zero offset configuration ensures neutral handling characteristics that allow drivers to fine-tune performance through driving technique and suspension setup adjustments. The MFT technology integrated throughout the tyre construction provides measurable improvements in traction, stability and predictability, though it does increase tyre weight and size relative to standard tyres—Louise RC recommends checking your gear ratio and upgrading your steering servo to handle the increased grip and loading. These are competition-grade tyres that reward proper warm-up procedures and precise driving technique with outstanding on-track performance.

What's in the Box

• 2x Louise RC GT-Tarmac 1/8 tyres mounted and glued on black chrome spoke wheels with 17mm hex adapters
• Pre-installed foam cut-to-size tyre inserts

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which RC cars are compatible with the Louise RC GT-Tarmac 1/8 wheels? — These wheels fit any 1/8 buggy or GT-rally platform featuring a 17mm wheel hex adapter. Compatible vehicles include ARRMA Typhon, ARRMA Infraction, ARRMA Limitless, Associated RC8, Associated DB8, Carson Virus, Carson Specter, Hobao Hyper VS, Losi 8ight, Mugen MBX series, Mugen MGT series, Sworkz S35-GT, Team Corally Python XP, X-Ray XB-8 and X-Ray GT8. Always consult the manufacturer's comprehensive tyre-wheel fitment chart to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle before purchasing.
• Do these tyres require any setup work when they arrive? — No, these tyres come completely ready to install. They arrive pre-mounted, glued and fitted with foam inserts. Simply remove them from the packaging and install them on your RC car's 17mm hex adapters. However, Louise RC recommends running several warm-up laps at moderate speed before driving at full throttle, as the soft compound develops grip as it reaches operating temperature.
• What makes Louise RC GT-Tarmac tyres suitable for competition? — Louise RC is recognised throughout the RC racing community for uncompromising quality and performance. The GT-Tarmac range features MFT Micro Fibre Technology that prevents ballooning at high speed, a carefully formulated soft racing compound offering excellent grip and wear characteristics, and factory professional gluing that withstands extreme forces. Every assembly is individually tested for durability before shipping, ensuring you receive race-ready equipment meeting international competition standards.
• Will these tyres fit my steering servo? — Louise RC specifically recommends upgrading your steering servo when fitting GT-Tarmac tyres, as the increased grip and tyre stiffness (due to MFT technology) place greater loading demands on standard servos. The enhanced traction and control these professional tyres provide can overload underpowered steering systems, so upgrading to a higher-torque competition-grade servo is advisable for reliable long-term performance and to fully exploit the handling capabilities of these premium racing tyres.
• Do I need to adjust my gear ratio when using these tyres? — Louise RC recommends checking and potentially adjusting your gear ratio when switching to GT-Tarmac tyres, as the increased weight and size of MFT technology tyres compared to standard compounds will affect your vehicle's acceleration characteristics and top speed. Your specific setup requirements will depend on your track surface, preferred driving style and the power characteristics of your brushless motor, so experimentation during setup is recommended.
• What is the difference between soft and super soft compounds? — Louise RC offers GT-Tarmac tyres in both soft and super soft compound options. The soft compound provides a balance of maximum grip and acceptable wear characteristics, making it ideal for general competition use and recreational track driving. The super soft compound delivers marginally higher grip levels but wears more rapidly, making it better suited to single-event racing or drivers prioritising ultimate corner grip over tyre longevity.
• How should I care for these tyres between driving sessions? — Store your tyres in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, as UV exposure and heat can degrade the rubber compound over time. After driving, allow the tyres to cool naturally before storing. Inspect the bonding between tyre and wheel regularly for any signs of separation, and check the foam inserts for compression or damage. If you notice any glue separation, consult Louise RC's technical support or contact your retailer for advice on replacement.

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 Louise RC GT-Tarmac 1/8 FR/RR Soft Hex 17mm Spoke Black Chrome 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.