Thank you one and all for tuning in once again for TWIRC! This week we have new releases from JConcepts RPM and Team Associated, as well as an update regarding the review of our new RC10T7 and SC7. Let’s dive in and see what’s new this week in our corner of the hobby!
JCONCEPTS
Following the release of their new REACTOR 1/10 MT JConcepts has release two new tire options for the the 2.6:” “Clod-sized” wheel used in solid-axle monster trucking, four new pre-mounted tire options for the MAXX (or the Kraton 4s and Kagama 4s as well), new 1/10 MT size tire sticks in both black and blue, a new 12.3″ wheelbase 2003 Chevrolet K5 Blazer body for scale enthusiasts, new 1.3″ 63mm diameter tire options for 1/24 to 1/18 vehicles along with two new 1.9″ scale tire options and a shorter “brodozer” style 2.2″ tire just to irritate those who don’t like the big wheel look (I love it by the way, I’d stretch that 2.2 onto a 2.6 or 2.8 if I could!). The R&D department has definitely been busy this month!
First up we have the two new 2.6″ MT tire options, the Outlaw and the Cheese Racers (best name for a tire ever!). The Outlaw takes the chevron tread pattern to its next evolution connecting the inner and outer tread into one curved, paddle-like tread bar. Pulling guys have ran tires like this for decades and it has proven itself on dirt in the 1:1 world and should be a good option for both dirt and carpet racing in 1/10 as well. This tire is molded to have the “hand-cut” appearance of a rear MT race tire while the chamferred shoulder blocks add a narrower tread appearance while also reducing traction rolling in corners. This tire is fitted with React open-cell foam inserts and is available in both blue (soft) and gold (medium) compounds.
Item #4178-01 Blue compound Outlaw 2.6″ MT Tires
#4178-05 Gold compound Outlaw 2.6″ MT Tires
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-outlaw-monster-truck-tires/
Also new for the solid axle MT crowd are the new Cheese Racers tires; a tire that features a waffle-knit tread pattern along with the best name for a tire in the industry. The Cheese Racer is what happens when engineers and designers are locked in a room with a case of Red Bull and throw literally every tread concept at a project in a caffeine-fueled “what if” fit. No only does this tire combines a hand-cut appearing chevron-esque tread with back cut detailing, a single profile low-profile, race inspired carcass and scale sidewall details but the tire is available in two compounds (a soft blue or medium gold) and includes soft, open-cell React foam inserts.
Item #4181-01 Blue compound Cheese Racers 2.6″ MT Tires, Pair
#4181-05 Gold compound Cheese Racers 2.6″ MT Tires, Pair
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-cheese-racer-monster-truck-tires/
As these are established tread patterns available for many different scales of vehicles I’ll just give the basic rundown of each to save time and the internet (as Moog of Mighty Car Mods would say).
Up first are the Magma tread pattern, an all-terrain tire that features rows of alternating shaped lugs; varying from a scoop style to an equal sign. The rows do not overlap, instead relying on a single lug on each shoulder to aid in steering response. These tires are pre-mounted to Shuttle wheels and measure 6″ tall and 2.83″ wide.
Item #188-39812 Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-magma-pre-mounts-fits-maxx-kraton-4s-kagama-4s/
Up next are the familiar Choppers tread pattern tires, one that we’ve used in the past on our Jang modded 2wd Traxxas Stampede, providing grip on every surface we’ve tested them on. These larger Mt tires feature alternating rows of hollow-center square pins that help to maintain their shape under load while still being able to flex and adapt to rough terrain. These all-terrain tires 5.86″ tall and 2.86″ wide and are molded in a grippy yet long wearing medium compound, while also being mounted to Shuttle wheels.
Item #4917-39812
Next up is the G-Loc tire for those who do their bashing on-road and features a very close-knit tread that features large V-shaped blocks arranged directionally in the center of the carcass, flanked by both solid and siped rectangular tread blocks that lead to the shoulders of the tire. This tread pattern is adept at dealing with dusty, unprepared asphalt and concrete where a slick would simply slide on top of debris. Like the first two options above the G-Locs are pre-mounted to Shuttle wheels and are sold in pairs.
Item #4176-39812 Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-g-locs-pre-mounts-fits-maxx-kraton-4s-kagama-4s/
Rounding out this quartet of new hoops is the Animal paddle tire for use in sand and snow. This low profile, wide carcass tire features full-width paddles that give the appearance of 1:1 paddle tires that have their paddles vulcanized to a traditional drag slick; a unique appearance in the RC industry for sure. Overlapping internal X-ribbing helps retain the tires shape while soft, open-cell foam inserts give the sidewalls their support. Each pair are conveniently pre-mounted to Shuttle wheels and these tires are the tallest of the four measuring 6.09″ wide (but are the same 2.83″ wide as the others).
Item #4175-39812 Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-animal-pre-mounts-fits-maxx-kraton-4s-kagama-4s/
Rounding out the MT portion of JConcepts new releases are new MT sized tire sticks, available in both blue and black. These hold together up to four 1/10 or 1/8 MT size tires together, making transport to and from the track or field a breeze. The two-piece design of these tire sticks makes use simple with a snap and clinch design; a simple and effective solution.
Item #5273-1 MT Tire Sticks, blue and #5273-2 MT tire sticks, black
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-monster-truck-tire-stick/
Moving out of the MT realm and into the scale crawler world we find the new 2003 ChevroletK5 Blazer body, suited for 12.3″ wheelbase trucks such as the SCX10iii. While Chevrolet themselves did not produce a K5 in 2003,that didn’t stop JConcepts from asking “What If?: This body combines the classic greenhouse of the square body generation of the K5 Blazer with the new for 2003 “Cat Eye” front end of the updated NBS Silverado. This pre-runner style body takes a few liberties with scale accuracy to allow proper tire and suspension clearance, adding tot he cool wide-body aesthetic that these trucks are known for. This body arrives clear, is covered in clear overspray film and includes JConcepts’ famous transparent blue window masks as well as a full-color decal sheet featuring multiple grille and headlight options.
Item #0728 2003 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Body, Clear Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-2003-chevy-k5-blazer-12-3-wb/
Up next are a pair of 1.3″ sized tires for 1/24 to 1/18 vehicles; th Bossman and Ruptures, both measuring 63mm tall. The Bossman is an intentionally asymmetric tire that features what JConcepts calls “flying palette of surfaces and lug terracing;” creating a close-knit tread that looks scale while also performing well. Moldd in the sticky and soft Green compound and supported by soft, open-cell foam inserts and fit most currently available 1.3″ diameter wheels.
Item #4201+02 1.3″ Bossman Scale Tires, Green Compound https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-1-3-63mm-od-bossman-tires/
For a more aggressive option look no further than the Ruptures tread pattern; featuring inner and outer knobs that flank connected center tread bars, each of which have multiple edges to grab onto terrain with authority. This tire is also 63mm tall and designed for 1.3″ wheels and is also molded in the “cheat code” green compound.
Item #4200-02 Ruptures Green Compound for 1.3″ Wheel https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-1-3-63mm-od-ruptures/
Up next are a pair of RLP (really low profile) 2.2″ crawler tires that come in at a full half-inch shorter than current LP 5.25″ offerings, measuring only 4.75″ in diameter for a “big wheel, small sidewall” look. First up are the Ruptures, a tread pattern that has proven popular in many sizes (see above blurb, for example) and works on many types of surfaces. These shorter 2.2’s are molded in the super soft Green compound and are supported by soft, open-cell foam inserts.
Item #4206-02 Ruptures 2.2″ Tires, 4.75:” Diameter https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-narrow-ruptures/
If RLP 2.2’s are your thing (I love these things myself) JConcepts has you covered with their new FYR tread pattern in the smaller 4.75″ diameter. These tires feature a near-V tread pattern consisting of multi-sided siped tread blocks with moderately size voids in between to promote cleanout. The current trend of “narrower is better” is found here also, as this tire only measures 1.5″ wide despite fitting industry standard 2.2″ wheels.
If a 1.9″
Item #4206-02 FYR 2.2″ Tire, 4.75″ diameter https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-fyr-tires-2-2-4-75-od-1-5-width/
Finally, if a small Class 2 tire is more to your tastes, JConcepts has another option to add to your cart. The FYR seen above is also available in a 1.9″ wheel diameter and a height of 4.25″, just above the Class 1 cutoff of 4.19″. These tires are also molded in the super soft Green compound and are supported by soft, open-cell foam inserts.
Item #4205-02 FYR 1.9″ Tire, 4.25″ Diameter, Green Compound https://blog.jconcepts.net/2026/04/jconcepts-new-release-fyr-tires-1-9-4-25-od-1-5-width/
RPM R/C PRODUCTS
It was a busy week for the team at RPM, seeing the release of two new products for the mini/micro segment of the hobby. These include a new set of heavy duty front upper and lower suspension arms for the Arrma GROM platform (model list below) as well as front and rear bumpers for the Losi Micro T.
First up are the new suspension arms for the Arrma GROM, specifically the Typhon, Granite, Quake and Gorgon, replacing stock part #ARA330809. These arms have 32% thicker A-arm support beams, reinforced shock mounts as well as an additional shock mount location for added tuning capability, all in an inexpensive, nearly-indestructible, American made product. As with all RPM parts these new A-arms are molded from RPM’s proprietary blend of engineering grade nylons and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Item #72292 Front Heavy Duty Suspension Arms For The Arrma GROM, Set A https://rpmrcproducts.com/rpm-products-pages/a-arms/front-a-arms/upper-lower-a-arms-for-the-arrma-grom-set-a/
Considering its size the Losi Micro-T is a quick little truck and can get away from you with even the slightest lapse of attention, especially in small spaces. When that happens the stock bumper can transfer a fair bit of energy into the chassis and suspension components thanks to its firmer plastic construction and small size. RPM has you covered (literally) with their new front and rear bumpers for the Micro-T; a pair that are not only molded from their famous blend of engineering grade nylon but, in the case of the front bumper, are significantly wider at 2.25″ while the new rear bumper is a full 1.50″ wide and includes a 1 5/16″ skid plate to aid in protecting the rear of the chassis. The stock setup eschews a rear bumper. leaving the rear section of the chassis and suspension vulnerable to impacts while reversing as well as from other vehicles when racing or bashing. As with all other RPM products these bumpers are proudly made in the USA and offer a limited lifetime warranty.
Item #72262 Front and Rear Heavy Duty Bumpers for the Losi Micro-T https://rpmrcproducts.com/rpm-products-pages/bumpers/front-bumpers/front-and-rear-bumpers-for-the-losi-micro-t/
TEAM ASSOCIATED
“New” this week from Team Associated is the RC10 Ultra Champ, a buggy that pays homage to the legends of early buggy racing (wink, wink… Tamiya Buggy Champ… nudge, nudge) while also introducing several new pieces not seen on other vintage RC10 model thus far.
Notable features of the Ultra Champ include new molded side guards, a new molded front bumper, CNC rear arms mounts with integrated set screws, new molded rear bulkheads, aluminum rear arm mount plates, hardened driveshafts, forged aluminum rear trailing suspension arms, anodized aluminum oil-filled dampers, the sealed 3-gear Stealth transmission, A.T.C. slipper clutch assembly, and the ubiquitous ball differential that is oh-so-buttery smooth. Topping off the kit is a classic-style Protech body while 3-peice racing wheels shod with period correct front rib and rear knobby tires.
Item #6050 Team Associated RC10 Ultra Champ Kit https://60years.associatedelectrics.com/rc10-retro-80-s-ultra-champ/?searchid=0&search_query=6050
2026 RC10 Classic Kit Counter: 5
PROJECT UPDATE
This week I got the chance to sit down and work on the RC10SC7, fitting a new steering servo to replace the RCXAZ unit that I had initially purchased to try out. That servo sounded as though it had gravel in its gear train and was showing signs of burning out while running on 4.8v that my centering rig uses. I didn’t want to have to wast a chassis protector having to remove the servo mount later on just to replace the servo so I took the time to replace it preemptively. In doing so I noticed that one of the servo mounting screws was already loose despite the truck having not been driven. Upon closer inspection I found that the upper left hand side servo mounting screw hole was oversized slightly and didn’t have enough meat to hold the thread of the screw. Instead of replacing it with another stock plastic unit or even the Factory Team Carbon (reinforced composite) piece I chose to spend the extra few bucks and upgrade to a JConcepts aluminum servo mount and not look back. This piece is stiffer and weighs nearly nothing and adds a pop of color to the chassis without being too “in your face”. A few drops of thread lock later and the servo was in its permanent home. The servo I chose is one of my favorites for a budget low-profile servo, being the Injora INJS022 22kg/cm unit that has proven to be a reliable option for rigs where torque and speed are a necessity. Attached to the servo is a Factory Team non-clamping servo horn as the kit itself was missing its 25t horn option. I feel like the horn fell off the tree prior to packaging as every other piece was on both trees (in the T7 and SC7 kits). These horns are a 15,5mm copy of the stock geometry and fits precisely; zero complaints about the quality but the price is a hard pill to swallow. To buy two of them (one for each truck) was $40. For two servo horns. Ouch. To be honest the horn cost nearly the same amount as the servo it is attached to… you do get what you pay for though. To finish off the chassis build I applied a Team Associated Factory Team chassis protector (item #ASC71235). This thick piece of MX-graphics grade vinyl looks great and doesn’t break the bank at $15. Like many other chassis protectors released recently this pack includes three rear chassis sections as this is the highest-wear area and requires more frequent replacement. I chose to use the JConcepts chassis protector on the T7 and honestly wish I had also used one on the SC7 as the JC kit includes two sheets for just a few dollars more; that two full chassis sections and six rear portions for around $20. As both of these trucks will spend most of their life on dirt I foresee replacing these regularly. Look for more with both of these trucks soon (we’re still waiting on a few pieces to arrive to complete the builds).
Thank you again, one and all, for choosing 1i-RC as your source for RC news; your continued support is greatly appreciated. Until next time, be good to yourself, be good to each other, be good to your RC.