Track choice for modern NATO RC tank Abrams Challenger2 Leo2A6

[keilau]

I purchased 2 pairs of the Tamiya hybrid tracks based on the recommendation of @Rubicon99 when it was under $100 from the Armour Museum Gift Shop. I just purchased a torsion bar version Heng Long Abrams. I expect theTamiya hybrid tracks to work well on it. I am curious about other forum member's experience with other options, particularly the Mato rubber mat metal track.

TheTamiya hybrid tracks is heavier than the HL plastic track, but lighter than full metal track. I suspect that I may need to add weight to the Abrams. Metal road wheels or metal tracks?

The Kenny tracks are very good, but a bit expensive. I am considering the DKLM track made by CS for them. It is just about $100 shipped.

https://www.dklmrc.com/product/cs-0011

[Rubicon99]

I purchased 2 pairs of the Tamiya hybrid tracks based on the recommendation of @Rubicon99 when it was under $100 from the Armour Museum Gift Shop. I just purchased a torsion bar version Heng Long Abrams. I expect theTamiya hybrid tracks to work well on it. I am curious about other forum member's experience with other options, particularly the Mato rubber mat metal track.

TheTamiya hybrid tracks is heavier than the HL plastic track, but lighter than full metal track. I suspect that I may need to add weight to the Abrams. Metal road wheels or metal tracks?

The Kenny tracks are very good, but a bit expensive. I am considering the DKLM track made by CS for them. It is just about $100 shipped.

Having used all the aftermarket tracks current available on the market and run them side by side with the Tamiya tracks all you will be doing is spending money to see that the Tamiyas were the best to begin with.

The two big differences are one the rubber compound of the pads. Tamiya is harder and this allows for better turning performance on hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt or hard pack dry dirt. The softer rubber compounds used in other aftermarket tracks tend to grip more firmly on the above surfaces and as such the tanks tend to drive off their track in turns because the tracks stick in place and the tank body continues turns and drives off them.

The second difference is Tamiya uses slightly taller track guide teeth. This is done to help hold the tracks on an combat the issue I mentioned above. The aftermarket tracks with their slightly lower guide teeth do not have the same resistance applied to the inner road wheels to help them not ride up and over them and then off the tracks. It's a subtle difference but enough to make the Tamiya tracks stay on when the other aftermarket tracks come off.

If your tank is too "bouncy" looking with the new torsion bars your best bet is to add internal weight. Metal track add some weight but nowhere near enough and road wheels add only "unsprung" weight that will have no effects reducing spring induced "bouncing".

In the end it's your money to play around with and experiment, heck that is half the fun of this hobby. Either way you end up going your tank will be more fun to drive and capable then with the stock plastic or all metal tracks.

[keilau]

Having used all the aftermarket tracks current available on the market and run them side by side with the Tamiya tracks all you will be doing is spending money to see that the Tamiyas were the best to begin with.

The two big differences are one the rubber compound of the pads. Tamiya is harder and this allows for better turning performance on hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt or hard pack dry dirt. The softer rubber compounds used in other aftermarket tracks tend to grip more firmly on the above surfaces and as such the tanks tend to drive off their track in turns because the tracks stick in place and the tank body continues turns and drives off them.

The second difference is Tamiya uses slightly taller track guide teeth. This is done to help hold the tracks on an combat the issue I mentioned above. The aftermarket tracks with their slightly lower guide teeth do not have the same resistance applied to the inner road wheels to help them not ride up and over them and then off the tracks. It's a subtle difference but enough to make the Tamiya tracks stay on when the other aftermarket tracks come off.

If your tank is too "bouncy" looking with the new torsion bars your best bet is to add internal weight. Metal track add some weight but nowhere near enough and road wheels add only "unsprung" weight that will have no effects reducing spring induced "bouncing".

In the end it's your money to play around with and experiment, heck that is half the fun of this hobby. Either way you end up going your tank will be more fun to drive and capable then with the stock plastic or all metal tracks.

Thank you for taking the time to write this lengthy and valuable advice. You convinced me to stay with the Tamiya tracks. I am getting the Mato metal road wheel set for Abrams. It adds weight and ball bearings. I will consider adding internal weight if it is too bouncy.

https://www.motionrc.com/products/mato-1-16-scale-us-m1a2-abrams-metal-road-wheel-set-with-ball-bearing-matmt198?variant=44703451054265&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15448361688&gclid=Cj0KCQjwotDBBhCQARIsAG5pinM4sEkwl2jEJlOUHC0FCeoXGU6Fi52c_aBdVQohuA5nit1vzyyRGrAaAqh5EALw_wcB