Wheels: price vs quality, which wheel??

[white03]

First, let me state I'm not looking to start a discussion or argument over anyone's choice of wheels. We each choose what we get based on many factors and I'm NOT running anyone down based on their choice.

But for me, and me alone, I would like a good looking wheel without breaking the bank (and that too is relative to the individual)

So after viewing and studying the 50+ pages on the "Aftermarket Wheels" thread, and going to numerous manufacturers sites, I've come to the conclusion that most manufactures make very similar looking wheels and that I can find a wheel I like from many of them. So that leaves my decision on new wheels to the price vs quality basis.

I know little to nothing about quality and manufacturing processes (cast, or flowed, or machined, or ...) but I'm willing to learn, so I'll stick to price

I'll quantify price in these three categories, and I know these categories may not be exactly like you would define them but please play along:
inexpensive = $250 or less per wheel
average = $250 - $500 per wheel :
expensive = greater than $500 per wheel

I'm looking for an inexpensive wheel and would be very interested in hearing which brands or manufacturers would fall into that category and what you think the quality of their wheels is?

Thank you for your help and opinions

 

[turboAWD]

I've been happy with my Enkei TY-5s. flow formed / rotary formed / whatever you want to call it (in between cast and full forged). Some sizes, especially in the TFR style can be had for your $250 price limit, although more like $300/wheel, roughly.

Enkei TY-5 Gloss Black - Get Your Wheels

Get Your Wheels - Enkei TY-5 Gloss Black

www.getyourwheels.com

Enkei TFR Copper - Get Your Wheels

Get Your Wheels - Enkei TFR Copper

www.getyourwheels.com

Konig also makes some flow formed for ~$250-300, but the size availability isn't great.

 

[Oryan]

What you call inexpensive, at the sizes this car runs...is a bad idea, generally. 17s or some 18s? Sure. 19s or 20s? Not so much. Gonna Parrot the guy above me and say if you're looking for budget wheels that you can trust, Enkei or Konig. I'll also throw TSW in there as well. Your choices open up a lot of you're willing to go closer to 4-500/wheel.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Lower cost means less robust. I have read on here of moderate potholes/encounters caving in rims that cost less than $250 apiece.

 

[Travis Wills]

Lower cost means less robust. I have read on here of moderate potholes/encounters caving in rims that cost less than $250 apiece.

These are the stock Genesis G70 wheels. One relatively minor bump and they folded over pretty easily.

 

[NS_Stinger]

These are the stock Genesis G70 wheels. One relatively minor bump and they folded over pretty easily.

That looks like a pretty massive impact considering the tire sidewall even looks cracked. That's actually what you want to see from a wheel, you want it to bend versus crack or breaks.

 

[Aarvix]

I thought the stock wheels were cast. That's an impressive bent for a cast wheel. Makes me wonder whether Genesis wheels are forged/flow forged

 

[white03]

Leaning towards the Enkei, any comments or experience with their quality??

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Leaning towards the Enkei, any comments or experience with their quality??

I have enkei TFR in 18x8 size. Very light, under 20 lbs.But they still are sitting in garage uninstalled. So i cant comment on quality.

 

[JP's_Stinger]

How about Niche wheels? Are they what is considered average or expensive wheels? What is everyone experience with any type of Niche wheels?

 

[Jayphil]

How about Niche wheels? Are they what is considered average or expensive wheels? What is everyone experience with any type of Niche wheels?

Nice are ok wheels but a bit on the expensive side for the quality. You can get flow formed wheels from "affordable" manufacturer (FASTWHEELS, American Racing etc..) for the same price as Niche cast wheels.

I currently have Niche on my BMW and no complains thought, they were lighter vs OEM, acceptable weight for a cast wheel but still on the heavy side.

-----------------

A good exemple of same wheels design / technology from different manufacturer to show how price can vary mostly because of brand. Also look all the stamping on the wheels, they are the same, just the center caps seem to change and maybe the painting from one brand to the other. It really seems like they are coming from the same factory / mold but still the price is quite different.


305Forged Wheels FT-101(Flow forming) in 20" Cost around 1840 CAD - 1400 USD




FAST FC04 in 20" (Flow Forming) Cost around 1200 CAD - 915 USD for the set

 

[Travis Wills]

That looks like a pretty massive impact considering the tire sidewall even looks cracked. That's actually what you want to see from a wheel, you want it to bend versus crack or breaks.

Thank you for mentioning the tire sidewall. It looks like I need a new tire as well. The rim is cracked and needs to be replaced. It is at the dealership now for the repairs. However, they are having a difficult time locating the G70 wheel. They are extremely hard to come by.