Analysis: the Beta tires debate

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Mike Garrison

0 Dec. 16, 2011, 3:49 a.m.

12/16/2011

By Mike Garrison

LiveRC.com

One of the latest hot topics in the R/C industry has been the all-new Beta 1/8 Tires. The new line of tires has a promising lineup of tread patterns, however, several of which appear almost identical to the current AKA City Blocks and Impacts. Earlier this month the initial release of these tires sparked internet fury in the similiarity between the two company's tires.

We sat down for a few words with HobbyProUSA's (USA distributor of Beta) Gene Hickerson for a little more on the new Beta tires.

LRC: What inspired Beta tires, and who is behind it all?

 
HICKERSON: Beta Racing Tires contacted us (Hobby Pro USA) with interest to distribute their products. After inspecting samples and testing the products, I feel that they have produced a very competitive product that delivers good value for the consumers dollar.
 
LRC: Will Beta offer 1/8 and 1/10 tires in the future?

HICKERSON: We know that Beta Tires only has interest to produce tires in the 1/8th scale category for the time being. I am not sure of their future plans at this time.
 
LRC: When will the tires officially be available to hobby shops, and how do they go about ordering them?

HICKERSON: Beta Tires will be available in early 2012. Hobby Shops can order Beta Tires through Hobby Pro USA directly at www.hobbyprousa.com.

 
LRC: There has been some controversy on the forums about the similarity between the Beta tires and AKA's Impact and City Block tires. What does Beta think about all of this?

HICKERSON: We cannot speak for Beta as we are not the manufacturer of their products and we (Hobby Pro USA) can understand why some may be upset due to the similar tread patterns.
 

LRC: What are the main goals of Beta for the tire industry?

HICKERSON:  We feel that Beta has a strong drive to produce high quality racing products for many years to come.
 

LRC: Are there any major drivers that Beta is working with currently for 2012?

 
HICKERSON: Yes Beta is currently working with various drivers throughout the world during development. No drivers have been signed at this time in the United States. We (Hobby Pro USA) don't plan to formulate a team until the product is ready and available to ship.

 
LRC: Can you tell us a little about the future plans for Beta and Hobby Pro USA?

HICKERSON: We (Hobby Pro USA) are looking forward to providing high quality racing products to hobbyist throughout the United States for years to come. Our Agama Racing product line will grow in 2012 to include the addition of an E Buggy and a Truggy. We have plans to increase our engine line through Bullitt Engines and Arrow Engines. We will continue to distribute the VP-Pro racing products which has become a successful line of quality products. We will also soon be announcing the addition of a new team driver for Agama USA which will make for an exciting 2012 worlds year. Our goals are set high as we have been working extremely hard to provide high quality products to our valued R/C racing market.

After spending some time chatting with Gene, we decided to go a step further regarding the ongoing debate in tire design and contact Beta Tires directly, but are still waiting for a reply.