I was an owner of a large aftermarket shop based out of Las Vegas....the above statement is so far from the truth. I was the only authorized dealer for Rays for many many years. Their forging process is second to none. Lots of decent wheels out there, but Rays/Volk are on another level than most. Put the "other" brands you mention on a scale and weigh them, then put a Rays product on the scale. Like I said, lots of good wheel builders out there, but Rays are more than just a "name". I'll add this. if you ever want to sell your Rays, you can sell them for pretty much what you paid for them or even a little more if they haven't been curbed.

 

IF I can scrap it together, one of the only wheels I really want would be a set of TE37's. I know it would be worth it!

 

Insider type information…. Thanks!

Besides appearance, the weight of the wheel is a big draw. Most of the options I found that I find appealing are either as heavy or heavier than OEM and I don’t want something heavier. Or they come in 9-9.5 width. Only based on my reading, as I don’t have personal experience with them, 9-9.5 seems too wide. The Rays are 8 and 8.5.

I appreciate all the responses!

 

I knew I might upset some of the Rays fanboys ...For the record, I 100% believe you on the Rays/Volk build quality... As I mentioned in previous post, I don't have anything against Rays wheels (other than the price tag on their cast wheel models).

I simply want to call attention to the fact that many Rays offroad wheel models (including the D325) are cast wheels with a forged wheel price tag. Rays doesn't make it abundantly clear to the consumer when you're paying $600+ for a 28-35lbs cast wheel, with a fancy brand name. Most consumers assume all Rays are forged, but they're not. Now, if we're talking about any of the Rays/Volk forged* wheel models, then that's a different story; $600-$1000+ for a light-weight, forged wheel is to be expected.

For reference, according to the Ray's website:

• D108 - cast wheel
• D9 - cast wheel
• D325 - cast wheel
• F6 Boost - cast wheel
• M6 - cast wheel
• M8 - cast wheel
• M9+ - cast wheel

 

Again, if you specifically want Rays on your rig, go for it - they look great. However, if one of your primary goals is weight savings, do your homework. Per my above post, I would caution that many of the Rays offroad cast wheel models appear to weigh the same (or more) than the factory 18" GX460 wheels.

If you're looking to go light-weight on a budget, there are lots of options available these days. Many wheel manufacturers are now offering flow-form / spun-forged designs. This is not the same as a true forged wheel, but the manufacturing process helps keep the weight down, while adding some strength. If you're fine with spending more money though, just go with a forged wheel.

Below are some lightweight, budget-friendly options, all in the $250-$350/wheel range:

• Circuit Offroad "Hayford" - 17×8.5 = 21.05lbs
• Circuit Offroad "Steller" - 17x8.5 = 21.65lbs
• FN Wheels "Five Star" - 17x8.5 = 22lbs
• FN / Konig "Six Shooter" - 17x8 = 21.8lbs
• RRW "RR2-S" - 17x8.5 = 22lbs (in 0 offset)
• RRW "RR7-S" - 17.8.5 = 21.5lbs (in 0 offset)
• SCS "Gen5" - 17x8.5 = 23lbs
• SCS "Stealth 6" - 17x8.5 = 22.5lbs
• SSW Offroad "Dakar" - 17x9 = 25lbs (in 0 offset, and lighter at 23.5lbs in -25 offset - I run these on my Tacoma)

 

All good choices above except for FN Wheels....personally, I have a disdain for "Knock Offs"

 

FYI for anyone who has a custom wheel design they'd like to have produced, or anyone who is looking for a wheel that's no longer produced, etc. i HIGHLY recommend Kunal Sharma of E6 Carbon and E6 Wheels. (info@E6Carbon.com). he produced a custom set of wheels i designed for my GS last year. he was great to work with. i told him what i wanted and his people modeled it, sent me renders, i commented and revised, and after just a couple rounds we had what i was looking for. they machined the wheels out of 6061 T6 aircraft aluminum and i received the order in about 6 or 7 weeks, and they look awesome! and, the best part, is it was only about $750 for a set of 4. check out their website - they do a lot of stuff for LCs.

 

Thanks for the info. E6 Carbon has some great looking wheels... However, is that price a typo? $750 for a set of four wheels is even cheaper than most cast wheels. Do you mean $750 per wheel? Everything on e6carbon.com shows $2,750 - $3,400 for a set of four wheels (forged monoblock).