So another boring night, which lead to lots of web surfing and what not, brought me to this.

http://www.imiproducts.com/equal/index.aspx

Basically, EQUAL is a vibration damper for rolling wheels. It uses these polymer compounds that run on the inner surface of the tyre. They counter-act the imperfections in the wheels and the surrounding environment. To put it simply, it's a wheel balancer, but is permanent for the life of the tyre (if applied and maintained correctly). So no requirement for metal weights!



It seems to have been used in trucks for quite a while, and is now trickling into cars (maybe only in the US). I had no idea this sort of technology existed.

First thing I thought of was application with modded cars and aftermarket wheels. When I had my wide steelies on, the local tyre guy needed to fit clip-on lead weights to the outer lip of the wheel. Obviously I objected to it and asked if he could use stick-ons in the inside of the wheel, but he wouldn't allow it (I suppose if the outer edge needed balancing, then weights MUST be placed there and no where else...). So my new wheels (at the time) were already damaged before they were even mounted on (and I died a little inside).

So I'm wondering, why aren't tyre places using these, rather than the aesthetically-displeasing metal weights? Their official website claims that they're cheaper than using weight balancing as well. The only reason I can think of is that possibly most air inflators available to the general public (petrol stations I'm assuming) don't have moisture blocks in their lines, as EQUAL only work in dessicated conditions. Gathering from the info I've read, that's the only "con" in using this method of "balancing" wheels. There shouldn't be any detriments to using it in "modified" applications are there? (I'm thinking like in stretched tyres? Low profile tyres? Racing applications? 3-piece wheels where there could be sealant being used? Possible reaction with the sealant?).

Anyway, it was something new to me and thought it would be of interest, hopefully there should be some discussion on this as it seems like something we could do at home, provided we have the tyres inflated on, and have an air compressor with a moisture-blocked air line...