Slick Front - No friction - 16 x 8

NSR Slick Front No Friction 16x8 Wheels: less friction, more control on track

The NSR5290 are the front slick wheels from the No Friction range of NSR, manufactured in size 16x8 and designed to fit a 13 mm rim. Their purpose is clear: to eliminate any unnecessary resistance on the front axle so that all the motor's energy translates into real speed and is not dissipated in lateral friction.

Function and performance

In a competition slot car, the front axle does not propel, but it does directly influence the dynamic behaviour. A front wheel with too much friction can create resistance to forward motion, cause understeer in fast corners, or make the front end stick to the track when it should pivot freely. NSR's No Friction philosophy addresses this issue with a specific low-grip compound that allows the front axle to "float" smoothly over the track, letting the rear axle govern the car's behaviour.

The 16x8 size is compact, lightweight, and suitable for low-profile bodies or chassis that require a contained front diameter to avoid interference with the wheel interior or bodywork.

Compatibility

These wheels are designed to fit a 13 mm rim from NSR. Always check that your front rim is of that width before mounting them; an incorrect combination can compromise wheel centring and track precision.

Mounting and preparation

• Ensure the rim is clean and free of any previous glue or rubber residue before mounting the new wheel.
• Adjust the adhesion with the minimum amount of adhesive necessary to avoid imbalances.
• Once mounted, use fine sandpaper or a truing lathe to ensure perfect concentricity: any eccentricity in the front axle affects stability at high speed.
• As low-friction wheels, they do not require treatment with traction fluid or additives. Apply those products exclusively to the driven rear wheels.

Common mistakes

• Mounting No Friction wheels on the rear axle: their low grip is an advantage at the front, but a serious drawback at the rear, where maximum grip is needed to transmit power.
• Not truing the wheels: even the best competition wheels can have slight variations. Truing is essential to extract their full potential.
• Confusing rim sizes: 13 mm rim ≠ 16 mm rim. Always verify before ordering.

Ideal for…

Preparers and club racers looking to reduce the total resistance of the car, especially on tracks with many fast corners where the front end must respond nimbly. They are also interesting in high torque configurations, where minimizing any mechanical loss makes the difference between winning or losing tenths of a second per lap.

Frequently asked questions

How many wheels does the NSR5290 include?

The product comes with the units indicated by NSR for this reference. Check the manufacturer's specification or contact us if you need to confirm the exact quantity before placing your order.

Are they compatible with Scalextric or Ninco tracks?

The compatibility of the wheels does not depend on the type of track but on the chassis and rim of the car. The NSR5290 wheels fit 13 mm rims from NSR regardless of the track brand you use.

Do I need to true these wheels after mounting them?

Yes. Although they come from the factory with good concentricity, the gluing process can introduce slight eccentricities. Truing ensures a perfectly uniform rotation and is a common practice in any serious preparation.

Can I combine these front wheels with any NSR rear wheel?

Yes, as long as you respect the rim size corresponding to each axle. The rear wheels must be made of grip compound, never No Friction.

What is the difference between the No Friction range and the standard NSR front wheels?

The No Friction compound is formulated to offer minimal resistance to lateral sliding. The standard wheels have a more neutral behaviour. The difference is especially noticeable in fast corners and on technical tracks with frequent direction changes.

NSR Slick Front No Friction 16x8 wheels (ref. NSR5290) for 13mm rim — a specialist front tyre designed to eliminate rolling resistance on the front axle of competition slot cars. Perfect for club racers and advanced builders looking to optimize their 1:32 scale car setup. Compatible with NSR chassis and 13mm front rims. Available at Ministry of Hobby, your trusted slot racing and scale modelling store.