Hogback Traction Wheel (72mm Diameter, 50A Durometer)

Rocking a geological name inspired by the travel-optimizing centerline topology underneath its grippy rubber, the Hogback Traction Wheel is a premier wheel-hub solution that’s purpose-designed to be the Goldilocks wheel for competitive robotics! This particular 72mm diameter variant is the little sibling of the 96mm Hogback Traction Wheel.

A Wheel That’s Just Right!

Yes, “Goldilocks wheel” is a high bar! The Hogback Wheel reaches the peak of performance by combining durable plastic with securely bonded rubber. The Hogback’s rubber rests atop an elevated plastic ridge (also known as a hogback) that runs around the center of the wheel, preventing the rubber above the ridge from deforming while retaining its high grip. The rubber on either side of the hogback remains fully conformable for overcoming varied terrain and oncoming obstacles.

The result is highly optimized travel that ensures exactly the kind of super-stable and extremely consistent drive you most want for your robot’s routes!

Treaded for Elevated Traversal

The nominal plastic ridge is just one of several clever topologies in the Hogback Traction Wheel. The bonded silicone rubber’s tread sports a slight crown that minimizes the scrub of skid-steer operations. The tread pattern elevates the Hogback’s climbing abilities via off-center notches that grab onto uneven terrain (and thus live up to its mountainous moniker).

A Grip You Can Count On

Like the boots of a seasoned mountain climber, the 50A durometer silicone rubber strikes the perfect balance between firmness and flex. It offers just enough squish to grip the terrain with confidence—driving traction to mile-high levels—without picking up every speck of dust and dirt along the way, unlike softer materials.