By Jacob Hardison | Adrenaline RC Racing Tech Tips
When it comes to getting the most out of your RC setup, one area that often gets overlooked is tire foam tuning. While there are tons of theories floating around online, today I’m breaking it down to the two most practical and effective tuning methods I use the most: gluing your foam and V-cutting your foam.
These two techniques give you a huge range of tuning options without overwhelming you at the track. Let’s dive in.
🔧 1. Gluing Your Tire Foam
Gluing your foam adds stability and helps reduce tire expansion—perfect for those times when you’re running a super soft compound but still need consistent high-speed handling.
✅ When to Use It:
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Low grip tracks with high-speed sections
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Hot, abrasive conditions where the tire gets squirmy
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Running super soft compounds like green tires
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Truggy tires – where the sheer size and softness can cause excess movement
💡 Real-World Example:
At a recent Moto event, I needed the traction of a green compound but the stability of a firmer setup. Gluing the foam gave me the best of both worlds—maximum grip with less tire roll or “squirm” in high-speed corners.
If you're running Truggy tires, I always recommend gluing your foam. The larger size increases the chance of unwanted movement, and this simple step makes a huge difference in overall feel and control.
✂️ 2. V-Cutting Your Foam
The V-cut technique involves trimming a “V” shape out of the inner rib of the foam. This increases the contact patch and softens the foam—ideal for improving grip right out of the gate.
✅ When to Use It:
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Low grip indoor surfaces
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Tracks where you have limited time to break in tires
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Situations where you want more immediate surface contact
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Slightly bumpy tracks that benefit from a more flexible foam
💡 My Favorite Use:
On our indoor track at Adrenaline, I run a silver compound tire like an Ellipse, Dirt Web, or Double Dees. These usually take a few runs to break in, but a V-cut helps the tire feel grippier much sooner—giving me more speed earlier in the day.
Pro Tip: Always V-cut all four tires and have a trash bin ready—it can get messy!
How to V-Cut Your Foam (Quick Tutorial)
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Flip the foam inside out to expose the inner ribs.
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Pinch the foam to raise the center rib for better access.
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Use sharp scissors to cut a centered V-shape from the rib.
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Repeat around the entire foam—aim for consistency!
🏁 Final Thoughts
Whether you're racing outdoors or tearing up the indoor track, small tuning adjustments like gluing or V-cutting your foam can make a big difference in grip, stability, and performance.
Keep it simple. Know the conditions. And use the right foam mod for the job.
Got questions about tire tuning or want to see more tech tips? Head over to our Tech Tips section or drop a comment on the latest YouTube video. We’re here to help you go faster!
Stay fast,
Jacob Hardison