New high speed wheels for 2014

Traction-Event Saturday, 3/8/2014

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interesting...I have not seen these around here yet. I'll try them out if I see them, skinny with nickel axles...could be fast


Diecast Cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox

Diecast Cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox

over on HWC.com
http://forums.hotwheelscollectors.com/e ... 8101089468


Discussion

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KandORacing 3/8/14

Interesting, someone will have to do a comparison between Color Shifters, Race Aces, FTE's, FTE2's, High Speed Wheels and the New High Speed Wheels to see which is best.

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redlinederby 3/8/14
Site manager

That'd be a great experiment to document...the trick is finding the same model that has each type of wheel, at least then it would be someone of a fair comparison. I'll keep my eyes out!

But if anyone manages to get a collection together before me (which is likely) and wants to do some race research, let me know and we'll build a feature out of it for the site.

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GspeedR 3/8/14

If Mattel's new narrow wheel can truly spin @ "high speeds" on the nickel-plated axles, they might be onto something. Our friends in Puerto Rico & Indonesia have already figured this out...narrow wheels = smaller contact area = lower friction.

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Milton-Fox 3/8/14

I have not seen that packaging around here either, but will keep an eye out for sure.

I thought I had noticed a narrower wheel design in a regular black plastic the other day, but not that narrow - will see if I can find it again...

Diecast Cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox

...this is the car a noticed the wheel size difference on. The width is the same as the smaller 5 spoke I have seen often, but the diameter is just a millimeter or two bigger - not quite as big as the medium sized 5 spoke. Both the front and rears are the same width as well.

Does anyone know how many diameter variations there are for 5 spokes. I know at least 3 that are mainly in black as small, medium and large. I think there is also a very large version out there but it is usually in different colored plastics.

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redlinederby 3/8/14
Site manager

Not to mention that thinner wheels means less plastic. I wouldnt doubt if its just a cost-cutting tactic and spinning it as something new. Given how many cars they pump out in a year, thats probably significant cost.

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GspeedR 3/8/14

I thought I had noticed a narrower wheel design in a regular black plastic the other day, but not that narrow - will see if I can find it again...

The "DW" or "SK5"(depending on who's wheel guide you're reading) has been one of the narrowest wheel they've offered. Its most recent use is on the `14 COPO Camaro. I've never had much luck with them. Even with graphite, they just don't spin very smoothly.

Diecast Cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox
(Borrowed Image)

I'm assuming (and hoping) that the new design is a 'close tolerance' wheel, like the early FTE1s.

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Preacher 3/9/14

I'd like to see how these run...looks like they might need more weight.

Preacher


  • you said it more weight — otp1
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GspeedR 3/10/14

I'd like to see how these run...looks like they might need more weight.

Preacher

Me too...the Spin King is probably the heaviest in that group(assuming Mattel didn't alter its construction ). The Jet Threat 3.0 interests me the most. I've often wished for an FTE version on that casting. Its LWB & ultra-low cG should make the most of the reduced friction.

It depends on which Spin King it is based off of. The green one from 2012 is Metal/Metal. The blue one from the same year is Metal/Plastic.

I have my hopes up for the TeeGray. That is a car that is proven on my track and has also been productive on the red line derby track.

OK, I picked up Ballistik and 4ward speed today. Mainly becase they have plastic chassis = easy wheel swaps.Ballistik has been a good performer on our track...they also made a yellow wheeled desinged for speed version.

package says: low friction side wall, slick tire surface,inner honneycomb spoke structure...

my 2 cents...only worth a penny...:
I raced all 3 cars a number of times and swapped lanes, etc.
I picked the Med-Evil because it is one of my fastest stock FTE cars and is light 34g. Both of the other cars weighed in at 33g...close enough.
The skinny wheeled Ballistik beat the Yellow wheeled one every time by over 2 cars.
The FTE beat the Yellow wheeled car by over two cars
drum roll...
every race between the FTE and Skinny wheels had the skinny wheeler in the lead by 1/2 car when they reached the flat, and the FTE driving around the skinny to win by 1/2 car or less.

Now I'll say every mass produced product has variation, and my yellow wheeled car does not appear that fast...so YMMV


Bad news: axles and not nickle, wheels still have variation (run out),

Good news: there is another option out there...$2 bucks a car...and some axle polishing will only help.

I could drill out the Ballistik and do wheel swaps between all the axles I have...maybe at a later time

some pics...
Diecast Cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox
Diecast Cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox
Diecast Cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox

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model40fan 3/10/14

TE, do you have a set of calipers or a micrometer... wonder what the skinny's axle diameter is compared to the FTEs...

The FTE, and regular 5 spoke measure .79mm, the two axles I measured on the skinny .80mm. Digital calipers, good ones...calibrated about a month ago.


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