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 SSR.
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 SSR – Comparison Table
| ESR | SSR | |
| Year founded | 2014 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | United States | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Wheelimage Corp | SSR |
| Build quality | Good | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – ESR and SSR.
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.
SSR Wheels History
SSR is an abbreviation for “Speed Star Racing”, a Japanese-based wheel manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1971.
Speed Star Racing Wheels were launched by Speed Star Co., Ltd.
Now, their headquarters are located in Osaka, Japan.
Frequently acknowledged for pioneering the creation of a three-piece wheel with their groundbreaking MK-I model back in 1971, the company stands as a prominent Japanese manufacturer renowned for its exceptional line of aftermarket and motorsport wheels.
SSR played a significant role in driving the development of the JWL standard in 1973 and was instrumental in the establishment of the VIA third-party statutory board in 1981.
In 1985, the brand set up a new overseas office in Los Angeles as they wanted to expand into the US market. SSR’s office was specifically aimed at handling international sales operations.
SSR stood alone as an alloy wheel pioneer when, in 1991, it harnessed the semi-solid forging (SSF) process, a groundbreaking technique that the company would go on to patent.
Tanabe Co.,Ltd bought SSR in 2005.
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
SSR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by SSR to make their wheels:
- FFT (Flow Formed) & FFT-R
- 2-Piece Hybrid With Seamless Barrel
- SSF Technology
- HTM 3 Piece Technology
Wheel Series
ESR and SSR 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
SSR Wheel Series
- GTX
- GTV
- Professor
- Reiner
- Minerva
- Formula
- Speed Star (Original SSR Designs)
- Executor
- Abela
- Blikker
- Devide
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for ESR and SSR.
ESR’s Renowned Models
- ESR CS15
- ESR SR01
- ESR SR07
- ESR CS8
SSR’s Renowned Models
- SSR SP1
- SSR GT3
- SSR GTX01
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about ESR and SSR, 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.
SSR Wheels Price
SSR wheels are known for their high-quality and performance, which can make them more expensive compared to other wheel brands.
However, the cost of SSR wheels can vary depending on factors such as size, design, and finish.
On average, SSR wheels can range from around $400 to $800 per wheel.
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 SSR, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
ESR Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 2 years
SSR Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that ESR and SSR 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 |
SSR Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌Pricey |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing | |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Wheels that are suitable for both show and track purposes |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of ESR vs SSR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In conclusion, when comparing the two wheel brands, ESR and SSR, it becomes evident that SSR stands out as the superior choice.
While ESR offers good quality wheels at a variety of price points, their lower quality cast wheels and some series that imitate popular brands raise concerns about their authenticity and durability.
On the other hand, SSR wheels boast an exceptional level of quality, recognized as very high across the industry. The high-quality construction, durability, and strength of SSR wheels make them a reliable and long-lasting option.
Additionally, SSR wheels are not only aesthetically pleasing but also lightweight, providing a balance between style and performance. Although the price of SSR wheels tends to be higher compared to other brands, the investment is justified by their well-deserved reputation.
With a focus on both show and track purposes, SSR wheels offer versatility and performance that make them a top choice for automotive enthusiasts.
Therefore, when considering factors such as quality, durability, and overall value, SSR emerges as the superior wheel brand in this comparison.
