Members thoughts on Winter wheels

[Gtecko]

Looking for a winter set (already) and I am debating on those wheels, I am only trying to be cost effective here so I am was not looking to spend 2K on a winter set...

Tires will be 225/45/18 Antares Grip 60 which have good reviews

I am looking for 18x8 35 (or 33) offset , 114.3 , 67.1 - to make it a direct fit.

Debating between the FastWheel and the RWC (even with the 33 offset) - anyone has experience with either rims ?

any other pointers or "great deal" you have come across for your winter set ?

Thanks !

 

[PMB]

Splurge a bit and get the Fast Wheels FC04

 

[Gtecko]

Splurge a bit and get the Fast Wheels FC04

how are they better than the Fast Wheels Switch ?

 

[SamB]

how are they better than the Fast Wheels Switch ?

Better looking . But what I will personally do this winter is get a set of Toyo Observe GSI-6 HP that will fit directly on the staggered setup. (About 800$ for the set).

 

[Gtecko]

better looking is subjective . I think I will use square for my winter set , more economical and easy to find the size.

 

[Revvdmedia]

I went with winter wheels that look similar to the ones you posted, but slightly different, in gun metal grey. 18's wrapped with Nokian Hakka R3. They were about 2 grand installed...pretty normal. I probably wouldn't buy any other winter tire than Michelin X Ice or Nokian, Blizzaks wear down too fast when it warms up, and nothing else seems to grip quite as good as the two I'd buy...worth the extra cost in my opinion and the Nokians made my Stinger an absolute beast on anything other than sheer ice (nothing helps with that other than maybe studs to a small extent).

 

[PMB]

how are they better than the Fast Wheels Switch ?

IIRC the FC04 are pretty light.

The Switch bother me because they have that little slot in the spoke that's going to be hard to clean. It's also a spot for snow/ice to build and also for corrosion to start. Finally, this is a bit nit picky, but I'm not a fan of wheels that have deep pockets for nuts. You might have to use spline nuts with the Switch, and it's really not my preference. Last year I waited way to long, and everywhere was sold out of the Switch, and I settled with Enkei Draco. They're nice, but not my first choice. My friend snagged the FC04 for his GTI and they look absolutely amazing.

 

[Gtecko]

there is about 7 pound difference between the FC04 and the SWITCH ... but there is as well a $100 difference for the rims ...so I think I rather add 30 pounds of more weight and save $400 ...

 

[Revvdmedia]

there is about 7 pound difference between the FC04 and the SWITCH ... but there is as well a $100 difference for the rims ...so I think I rather add 30 pounds of more weight and save $400 ...

Considering we are talking winter wheels with winter tires, I fully agree. The performance benefits of lighter weight and less rotating mass are completely negated by snow and ice and no need to push the pedal down harder than 1/4 to 1/2 in the winter.

 

[SteveCo]

there is about 7 pound difference between the FC04 and the SWITCH ... but there is as well a $100 difference for the rims ...so I think I rather add 30 pounds of more weight and save $400 ...

Not sure if you're looking at MSRP or something else, but online pricing for the 18" FC04 looks to be about $200, and the Switch about $170.

Which looks better to you is a personal thing, but as you're going to be looking at them for a long time I'd pick the ones you like - even if you have to pay a little more up front.

 

[Gtecko]

Not sure if you're looking at MSRP or something else, but online pricing for the 18" FC04 looks to be about $200, and the Switch about $170. Which looks better to you is a personal thing, but as you're going to be looking at them for a long time I'd pick the ones you like - even if you have to pay a little more up front.

haha so you dont like the SWTICH ?
where did you see the FC04 for $200 ? I only found them for ~281cnd

 

[SteveCo]

haha so you dont like the SWTICH ?
where did you see the FC04 for $200 ? I only found them for ~281cnd

The Switch wheels are fine, as are other alternatives - but I bought the FC04 because I liked them better.

The place I bought them from is Wheelwiz.ca - IIRC it didn't take a lot of searching to find two or three online vendors in the same price range.

WheelWiz | Fast Wheels FC04 Titanium 18x8 +30 5x114.3mm 72.6mm - Titanium - FC04 - Fast Wheels - Wheels

 

[Gtecko]

The Switch wheels are fine, as are other alternatives - but I bought the FC04 because I liked them better.

The place I bought them from is Wheelwiz.ca - IIRC it didn't take a lot of searching to find two or three online vendors in the same price range.

WheelWiz | Fast Wheels FC04 Titanium 18x8 +30 5x114.3mm 72.6mm - Titanium - FC04 - Fast Wheels - Wheels

I know why I didnt find them .... I was looking for direct fit so 67.1 mm VS 72.06 ... you must have got hub rings then ?

 

[SteveCo]

I know why I didnt find them .... I was looking for direct fit so 67.1 mm VS 72.06 ... you must have got hub rings then ?

Yes. Hub rings don't have any load bearing/structural requirements - they merely locate the wheel properly while the nuts secure the wheel to the hub. Pop them in once, and forget about them - they stay in the wheel during changeovers, and also help inhibit hub/wheel corrosion.

An add-on installation package contains the four hub rings, 20 wheels nuts, the socket/key, and new valve stems (which I didn't use, as I installed OEM TPMS assemblies purchased from S.K.).