Rev up your curiosity as we introduce you to a wheel showdown like no other.
We’re kicking off with a comprehensive wheel brand comparison of ESR vs Kansei.
Discover their origins, manufacturing secrets, and what sets them apart in terms of quality, pricing, and warranties.
We’ll analyze the pros and cons, ultimately answering the question: Who takes the wheel throne?
Stick around – it’s time to find out!
ESR vs Kansei – Comparison Table
| ESR | Kansei | |
| Year founded | 2014 | 2018 |
| Country of origin | United States | United States |
| Made in | United States | United States |
| Manufactured by | Wheelimage Corp | Kansei |
| Build quality | Good | Very Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – ESR and Kansei.
These brands didn’t just appear out of thin air; they’ve got histories filled with interesting twists and turns.
We’ll walk you through their journeys, from their early days to where they stand today.
ESR Wheels History
ESR began its journey in 2014 and is under the ownership of a company called Wheelimage Corp.
Their main headquarters are located in Southern California, where they work on creating wheels.
In the beginning, they focused on making wheels that looked like well-known designs such as BBS RS, Volk TE37, and others.
Basically, they were blatantly ripping off designs and manufacturing complete replicas.
These reps came at a very affordable price, often just around $600-$800 for a whole set.
Kansei Wheels History
Kansei wheels is a Californian-based wheel company with quite a remarkable history.
The owner, Chris Sempek, started off by posting wheel renders on Instagram to launching his very own wheel manufacturing brand – Kansei in 2018.
In 2014, Chris became the lead production designer and engineer at Raceline Wheels, making designs for trailers, UTVs, ATVs, passenger cars, and everything in between.
Chris had finally started his dream job. But there was only one problem. Chris wanted to make wheels for his tuner buddies.
Chris started working on his true dream job, a side job that would become known as Kansei Wheels.
He designed all of the flagship wheels for Kansei, using community feedback and friends he had out there.
It took over a year to finalize the concept for the brand and he ended up launching the company with three designs: the KNPs, the Corsa, and the Tandem.
In 2018, Raceline Wheels lent a portion of their SEMA booth to the launch of Kansei Wheels.
Kansei Wheels manufactures wheels for enthusiasts because Chris is an enthusiast himself.
It might sound redundant, but it’s quite challenging to find individuals in the automotive community who make wheels and share the same passion for cars.
Manufacturing Techniques
Wheel manufacturing is an art that employs three primary methods: casting, flow-forming, and forging.
Casting involves molten metal being poured into a mold, allowing intricate designs but with moderate strength.
Flow-forming merges casting and forging, spinning the wheel under high pressure to enhance strength without compromising weight.
Forging, the most robust method, employs extreme pressure to shape solid metal, producing lightweight and incredibly durable wheels.
ESR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by ESR are the following:
- Cast Wheels
- Forged & Multi-Piece Wheels
Kansei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Kansei to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
ESR and Kansei have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
ESR Wheel Series
- ESR Cast Wheels Series
- ESR Forged Wheels Series
Kansei Wheel Series
- KNP
- Corsa
- Tandem
- Tandem 15”
- Roku
- Neo
- Astro
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for ESR and Kansei.
ESR’s Renowned Models
- ESR CS15
- ESR SR01
- ESR SR07
- ESR CS8
Kansei’s Renowned Models
- Kansei Tandem
- Kansei KNP
- Kansei Astro
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about ESR and Kansei, the masterminds behind those round wonders.
It’s like a treasure hunt – each brand has its own stash of price tags, ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
ESR Wheels Price
ESR wheels can range from affordable options to higher-end, forged series wheels.
It’s recommended to check with specific retailers or online platforms for the most up-to-date pricing information on ESR wheels.
Kansei Wheels Price
Kansei Wheels are generally priced at a mid-range level, making them an affordable option for those looking for aftermarket wheels.
They usually go for around $250-$350 per wheel, which is quite reasonably priced.
Warranty
When it comes to peace of mind, warranties play a vital role in the wheel-buying journey.
Let’s delve into the warranty offerings of ESR and Kansei, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
ESR Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 2 years
Kansei Wheels Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty on the construction
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that ESR and Kansei bring to the wheel table.
In this section, we’ll take a close look at what each brand brings to the road – the advantages that make them shine, and the drawbacks to consider. Get ready for the full scoop!
ESR Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Budget-friendly price | ❌Lower quality cast wheels, heavy and some of their wheel series are complete knock-offs to other popular brands |
| ✔Variety of sizes | |
| ✔Wide range of finishes | |
| ✔Decent quality for their Forged series |
Kansei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Quite affordable | ❌None |
| ✔Variety of sizes and unique finishes | |
| ✔Fairly lightweight for cast wheels | |
| ✔Durable and strong |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of ESR vs Kansei, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the comparison between ESR and Kansei wheel brands, it is evident that Kansei emerges as the superior choice.
With a very good quality rating, Kansei wheels offer a reliable and durable option for aftermarket wheel enthusiasts. Priced at a mid-range level, ranging from $250 to $350 per wheel, Kansei wheels strike a balance between affordability and quality.
On the other hand, while ESR wheels do have some positive attributes, such as a good quality rating and a wide variety of sizes and finishes, they fall short in certain aspects. ESR’s lower quality cast wheels and the presence of knock-off designs from other popular brands diminish their overall appeal.
Furthermore, their range of prices varies from affordable options to higher-end forged series wheels, making it challenging to determine a consistent price point.
In summary, Kansei shines as the preferred wheel brand due to its very good quality, affordability, variety of sizes and finishes, as well as its durability and strength.
As for ESR, while they do offer budget-friendly options and decent quality in their forged series, their lower quality cast wheels and the presence of knock-offs dampen their overall standing.
