OZ Formula HLT vs. XXR 527

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

Curious to know why the OZs have more votes thus far. Are the XXR's dual-drilled holes (which look better and weigh less than its single-drilled version IMO) not worth the lighter weight, concave design, and $1000 savings compared to OZs?

Because they're [XXR wheels] not manufactured to the same standards by a reputable wheel manufacturer, while OZ is an ISO certified manufacturer...among other certifications.

You want a cheap wheel you can replace cheaply? Get the XXR. They both have the same number of thin-spokes and are aesthetically basically the same. You want a quality wheel manufactured to some standard? Get the OZ.

Yeah, a wheel is a wheel and at the end of the day it's a metal disc that can bend/break with impact, regardless of the quality to which it's manufactured...but I know I got the real deal wheels rather than the knockoffs from China for a reason aside from "bling I'm rich, yo yo."

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

XXR's physically LOOK nicer

But ...? Curious to see what people have to say about everything else besides looks.

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Because they're [XXR wheels] not manufactured to the same standards by a reputable wheel manufacturer, while OZ is an ISO certified manufacturer...among other certifications.

You want a cheap wheel you can replace cheaply? Get the XXR. They both have the same number of thin-spokes and are aesthetically basically the same. You want a quality wheel manufactured to some standard? Get the OZ.

Yeah, a wheel is a wheel and at the end of the day it's a metal disc that can bend/break with impact, regardless of the quality to which it's manufactured...but I know I got the real deal wheels rather than the knockoffs from China for a reason aside from "bling I'm rich, yo yo."

I had the same apprehension before I gave XXRs a shot. The only certification I'm aware of that OZ has over XXR is TUV. XXR 527s are JWL and VIA certified just like the OEM wheels. And ISO 9002 and QS 9000 certified. Plenty good enough for me.

What are XXR 527s knockoffs of?

[SkAsphalt]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

I had the same apprehension before I gave XXRs a shot. The only certification I'm aware of that OZ has over XXR is TUV. XXR 527s are JWL and VIA certified just like the OEM wheels. And ISO 9002 and QS 9000 certified. Plenty good enough for me.

What are XXR 527s knockoffs of?

TUV allows for german sales right? so that is not a major issue. XXR's are used in tracking, auto x and drift and perform just fine. No different than Rotas. Just hated on for being cheaper

Same way Samsung is hated on for being a knock off brand of cheap parts. Still does the job just fine. Drop a nicely built phone or drop a samsung and you still risk breaking it. Same as curbing a rim at speed.

The XXR is a nicer look, allows for more fitment options, has a nicer colour of gold and is so much cheaper you can afford to buy fantastic tires while the OZ are expensive so I bet most people cheap out on the tires to balance their books.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

What are XXR 527s knockoffs of?

A bunch of thin-spoke wheels all came out around the same time, so I'm not certain EXACTLY which one is a knockoff of which...but the TC105N 10-spoke would be my first guess; unless that itself is a knock-off of an earlier wheel. Wheels are all knockoffs TBH.

Lanez, you want the XXRs get the XXRs...you didn't need to make a thread to systematically resist input. It's not what you say bro, it's how you say it.

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

The XXR is a nicer look, allows for more fitment options, has a nicer colour of gold and is so much cheaper you can afford to buy fantastic tires while the OZ are expensive so I bet most people cheap out on the tires to balance their books.

My TC105Ns are wrapped in MPSS...the tires are more important than the wheels.

[brianlo622]

Getting XXR wheels is like getting a cheap hooker; they might look okay, but it just feels that something is not right and I'd rather not risk it lol.

[Rampage]

I voted for the XXRs. The looks are similar enough that it is a wash in my opinion. Deciding factor for me was price.

I once bought the "cool" name brand wheels when I had my Integra. $350 a pop. Looked great! Really liked them until Ohio potholes destroyed two of them on two separate occasions. Turns out that all that money does not make them more durable! Now I spend from $90 to $130 per wheels so potholes, construction ridges and expansion joints do not hurt the wallet as much.

Ironically, I have not bent one of the cheaper wheels that I have bought for my Integra then 350Z then MR2 Spyder.

[m.wood0213]

personally id go for the OZ but for the money definitely XXR.

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

A bunch of thin-spoke wheels all came out around the same time, so I'm not certain EXACTLY which one is a knockoff of which...but the TC105N 10-spoke would be my first guess; unless that itself is a knock-off of an earlier wheel. Wheels are all knockoffs TBH.

Lanez, you want the XXRs get the XXRs...you didn't need to make a thread to systematically resist input. It's not what you say bro, it's how you say it.

Unlike the 527, the spoke angles on TC105N are uneven with every other pair of spokes being N-Frame reinforced hence the "N" in TC105N. But yes, most 10-spoke designs are basically wins to me (aesthetically).

Ever since I lurked @Koru's thread in August '12, I had a negative outlook towards XXR wheels. Looked cool but didn't make my "list" mainly because of its radical dimensions and questionable price. Took me 10 whole months to even consider them (just last month). On objective grounds, they beat out all other wheels I was considering. Quickly.

Part of what motivated this poll: Someone with a similar scheme as mine (WRB on gold 10-spokes) announced that they got OZ Formula HLT wheels. They didn't get hit with any criticism but with a compliment and many "thanks." When I announced my new wheels, I got criticized for it in my own build thread lol. Doesn't bother me; I'm still ecstatic about my decision. But it makes me curious as to why that is. People get close minded when they see "cheap" (though certified) wheels but will opt for heavier, less concave wheels that cost 2.67 times more. I made this thread to see if people would ignore all other specs I highlighted and vote purely based on branding.

Originally Posted by SkAsphalt

Same way Samsung is hated on for being a knock off brand of cheap parts. Still does the job just fine. Drop a nicely built phone or drop a samsung and you still risk breaking it. Same as curbing a rim at speed.

I work for HTC and Samsung makes our batteries. IIRC HTC made the original iPhones; now some anonymous company in China does. We're all roughly the same in quality. Samsung turned their reputation around starting with the GS3 a couple years ago by sucking on big mama's tit (Samsung is a large conglomerate with other electronics/appliances) for marketing money. They poured millions into paying off LeBron James and now Jay Z. The majority of trusted critics voted the HTC One as the best smartphone out yet it's 3rd behind the IP5 and GS4. People will sometimes blindly stick to one brand and completely dismiss another brand. Sometimes due to one small weakness and ignore all other strengths that, in sum, greatly exceed the competition. Slightly OT but a side example about branding.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by switchlanez

Part of what motivated this poll: Someone announced they got OZ Formula HLT with a similar scheme as mine (WRB on gold 10-spokes). They didn't get hit with any criticism but lots of "thanks." When I announced my new wheels, I got criticized for it in my own build thread lol. Doesn't bother me; I'm still ecstatic about my decision. But it makes me curious as to why that is. People get close minded when the see "cheap" (though certified) wheels but will opt for heavier, less concave wheels that cost 2.67 times more. I made this thread to see if people would ignore all other specs I highlighted and vote purely based on branding.

Because you had lots of quality stuff, then all of a sudden went and got cheap wheels. It shocked the masses Lanez; remember "you OG son!"

Not trying to be a brand-snob, but I imagine the development of OZ was greater than XXR's...as we all know in the IT world, certifications are just pieces of paper. OZ is as heavy as it is for strength; that shape likely couldn't be formulated as strong without the weight they left in...which is where knockoffs often fail. Of course, I can't really support this so it's conjecture. Again, they look really similar at the end of the day.

There are places where you can and should be value-conscious. The four pieces of metal holding you and your four smaller pieces of rubber to the asphalt? Not really the place, in my mind anyway.

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Because you had lots of quality stuff, then all of a sudden went and got cheap wheels. It shocked the masses Lanez; remember "you OG son!"

lulz

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

There are places where you can and should be value-conscious. The four pieces of metal holding you and your four smaller pieces of rubber to the asphalt? Not really the place, in my mind anyway.

Agreed. Testimony of hundreds of XXR 527 owners across multiple automotive forums over the last several years and VIA/JWL certification sort of shattered my doubt in that regard.

[Twinguin]

Now guess, what I voted for. I have them for roundabout 600km on the car now, and already don't wanna trade. I stayed with the more reasonable 7.5x17. And it is fairly easy to get the OZ road legal here in Germany while some of the more "exotic" brands are not. Hence the Formula HLTs.

[switchlanez]

Looks good @Twinguin. I just noticed the subtle angle the spokes make about one third along their length.

[Twinguin]

Yes, they do. I can take some pics from a different angle to show the spokes if anybody's interested!?