S3 Magazine Real vs Fake Wheel article

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by LivingLegend

You can only make a wheel look so different. Theres companies that make wheels that look like or similar to other companies' wheels.

Depends on who owns the design, and whether it is legitimately licensed or not. In the BBS example, I believe the company that makes their forged/racing wheels (Washi Beam wheels, a Japanese company) is the actual design owner. They could very well be licensing or even making the centers for Rays.

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by diirk

That's not an unreasonable assumption but personally I think that Rota's are just a cost effective solution for people that like ceratin styles of wheels. Are they similar to other designs? In some cases.

But walk into any parking lot and count how many cars are sporting a 5-spoke wheel. How many of those are similar in design to other 5-spoke wheels? I think some folks are getting a little hot under the collar about something fairly minor.

Ok, ok....slow down. I know the designer types here are starting to froth. And honestly, I'm not a fan of someone making a cheap copy of something else. But in the case of a Rota Grid that looks similar to a Volk TE37, yes they are very similar. The Grid tends to have a more concave shape compared to the Volk, otherwise they are both a block shaped 6-spoke. I don't know about you, but I can still tell the difference between the two. Rota doesn't call it a Vork TD37 or any such lame forgery type thing. So if you don't like it, don't buy it. But quit sweating the folks that do.

Maybe check out what the retailers do:

The Rota Grid are Volk TE37 replica Wheels.

http://passwordjdm.com/Rota-Grid-II-Wheels-C1851.aspx

[RAYSSPL]

Originally Posted by diirk

Ok, ok....slow down. I know the designer types here are starting to froth. And honestly, I'm not a fan of someone making a cheap copy of something else. But in the case of a Rota Grid that looks similar to a Volk TE37, yes they are very similar. The Grid tends to have a more concave shape compared to the Volk, otherwise they are both a block shaped 6-spoke. I don't know about you, but I can still tell the difference between the two. Rota doesn't call it a Vork TD37 or any such lame forgery type thing. So if you don't like it, don't buy it. But quit sweating the folks that do.

That's a poor rebuttal mainly because you don't have to call the rota grid wheel [or anything for the matter] a Vork TD37 to spot that the design is knocked off the TE37. Granted, we can all agree that they are a bit different but the rota grids are far more similar than different.

No one's sweating no one here. Just pointing out that rota and a bunch of other wheel companies like to knock off top shelf wheel designs. That's fact and we can all agree to that.

Consumers should learn quality, however. Design will forever be knocked off in every industry--not just wheels.

[BRAWL]

I like the TE37 design but am not rich enough to pay $4k for a set either. That said, I would feel cheap driving my nice new car with Rota wheels on them. It is a tough discussion because everyone has a slightly different opinion on the matter.

I will likely go Enkei wheels of some description or (if extra cash comes my way) Wedssport TC105n. $2k for a set of rims is my absolute limit for this car and the Wedssport fit the bill at $1835 delivered (Australia)

[diirk]

Originally Posted by RAYSSPL

That's a poor rebuttal mainly because you don't have to call the rota grid wheel [or anything for the matter] a Vork TD37 to spot that the design is knocked off the TE37. Granted, we can all agree that they are a bit different but the rota grids are far more similar than different.

No one's sweating no one here. Just pointing out that rota and a bunch of other wheel companies like to knock off top shelf wheel designs. That's fact and we can all agree to that.

Consumers should learn quality, however. Design will forever be knocked off in every industry--not just wheels.

I think you misunderstand. This wasn't really a rebuttal, let alone a poor one. It was just a more neutral statement vs the more inflamatory statements by others about the various lower priced wheels.

I've owned wheels on both ends of the spectrum, so I tend to think I might have a more open viewpoint on the subject.

[diirk]

Originally Posted by Dimman

Maybe check out what the retailers do:

And you amke a good point. A retailer selling a Rota implying it's a Volk is wrong. I even think it might be illegal and warrants a cease and desist at the minimum.

[jadewbj]

Most retailers who sell the replica's name what they are replicating in the ad as to get search traffic from people looking for the real deal.

I don't see why those who say they can not afford the real deal don't just buy the real ones used. You can get a great set of real deal rims for the cost of the replica's if they are used. Since they are higher quality they are ok to buy used.

[diirk]

Originally Posted by jadewbj

Most retailers who sell the replica's name what they are replicating in the ad as to get search traffic from people looking for the real deal.

I don't see why those who say they can not afford the real deal don't just buy the real ones used. You can get a great set of real deal rims for the cost of the replica's if they are used. Since they are higher quality they are ok to buy used.

That makes perfect sense. There are some good deals to be had on used wheels. Especially right after the SEMA show. The only issue with used wheels is when you're looking for specific sizing/offset. That can be challenging if you're looking for something less mainstream.

[RAYSSPL]

Here's WEDS video of a cheap imitator wheel vs a high quality wheel, like what else, WEDS.

[seven]

After reading this... Ed Lee sounds like a 12 year old. Terribly unprofessional in a few instances. I don't think I'd buy RAYS/Mackin wheels based on that.
Alex Nunez sounds a little more professional.
It bothers me that no one from say, Rota, was interviewed either. It's hard to say you're being impartial when you only interview people from one side of the argument.

[ASSALBERT]

Originally Posted by seven

After reading this... Ed Lee sounds like a 12 year old. Terribly unprofessional in a few instances. I don't think I'd buy RAYS/Mackin wheels based on that.
Alex Nunez sounds a little more professional.
It bothers me that no one from say, Rota, was interviewed either. It's hard to say you're being impartial when you only interview people from one side of the argument.

lol, refusing to purchase a good product based on the viewpoints of a companies employee doesnt make you look too mature either. I just reread the article and didnt see anything that came off as crude or unprofessional. I totally agree with alot of things he said, its a known fact that the only wheels that these "copy cat" companies can sell are replica designs of other established wheel manufacturers. AND lets not forget the fact that these companies are STILL copying new wheels being put out by those established manufacturers. Although one thing I will agree with you on is that atleast one of these "copy" wheel companies should have been approached to voice their opinion on the topic, although I dont think they would have had much to say either way...

[jadewbj]

Originally Posted by seven

After reading this... Ed Lee sounds like a 12 year old. Terribly unprofessional in a few instances. I don't think I'd buy RAYS/Mackin wheels based on that.
Alex Nunez sounds a little more professional.
It bothers me that no one from say, Rota, was interviewed either. It's hard to say you're being impartial when you only interview people from one side of the argument.

The only things that he said that could be considered as unprofessional would be where he calls out the fake wheel makers for stealing designs.

I know lots of people say that is only so many ways to make a 5-spoke wheel but the issue is that they don't even try to make it different. If they put a little twist on it or something to change the look that would be one thing.

I for one don't want to trust what keeps my car on the road to be build by someone trying to build it as cheap as possible.

If you were to go bungie jumping would you want the fastener that holds the cord to the bridge to be made by a company with strict regulations and standards or by someone who makes it look like the other companies part but with cheaper and with lower standards and regulations?

[RAYSSPL]

Being honest to yourself and if you know that you're an innovator, of course you're going to call out people/companies that copy your shit. That's having pride in what you've put your sweat and blood into. It's not about being professional at that point. It's about saying how it is. For replica wheel/imitator wheel companies to say "they're inspired" by design is flawed and just outright dumb--it's all for the sake of being politically correct.

Why else do you think Apple has patent lawsuits against Samsung and Google?

[rice_classic]

Apple has ripped off LOTS of ideas and designs. That's why they're patents are so robust, because they know first hand how easy it is to steal and profit.

If you don't like supporting the "fakers" then don't buy Apple, or Samsung, or Android or... Everyone is copying from everyone at some point.

The guys who sell the "Snuggie" stole the design from the makers of the "Slanket" when they found out it was not patented.

How about the RIM/Blackberry lawsuit over the "Push-Email" patent or the fact that everyone here has enjoyed a song that is a rip-off of other previous music (much of popular hip-hop and pop music is a rip off).

It doesn't take having a PHD in Behavioral Economics to understand that the consumer won't ever be the logical minded shopper on "principle" en masse. Sure some will but most won't for many many reasons. To expect otherwise is an exercise in futility and frankly a waste of time and brain power.