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 HRE vs Volk.
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!
HRE vs Volk – Comparison Table
| HRE | Volk | |
| Year founded | 1978 | 1973 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | United States, Japan and Taiwan | Japan |
| Manufactured by | HRE | Rays Engineering |
| Build quality | High | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – HRE and Volk.
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.
HRE Wheels History
HRE Wheels is a manufacturer of high-performance forged wheels that has been in operation since 1978. Here is a detailed history of HRE Wheels:
- 1978: HRE Wheels is founded by Gene Howell.
- 1993: HRE is sold to new owners.
- 1999: Alan Pertier, a mechanical engineer working for Northrop Grumman, steps up as the leader engineer for HRE.
- 2009: Alan becomes the president and CEO of the company. He is still in this position to this day.
- 2012: HRE Wheels introduces the Vintage Series, which features classic designs inspired by vintage wheels.
- 2014: HRE Wheels introduces the Classic Series, which features timeless designs inspired by vintage wheels.
HRE Wheels has been a leader in the three-piece motorsports and street performance wheel market for over three decades.
Volk Wheels History
Volk Racing is a Japanese wheel manufacturer that has been producing high-quality wheels for over 40 years.
The company is known for its TE37 wheel, which is considered a masterpiece and the origin of the forged sports wheel.
Here is a brief history of Volk Racing and the TE37 wheel:
Volk Racing was founded in 1973 by RAYS Co., Ltd, a Japanese wheel manufacturer.
In the early years, Volk Racing produced wheels for both street and motorsports applications.
In the 1990s, Volk Racing began to focus more on motorsports and produced wheels for various racing teams.
In 1996, Volk Racing released the TE37 wheel, which was a one-piece forged aluminum wheel designed for both motorsports and street applications.
The TE37 wheel quickly gained popularity among racing enthusiasts due to its lightweight construction and durability.
Over the years, Volk Racing has released various variants of the TE37 wheel, including the Super Lap edition, which was a bare-bones forged wheel designed for racing.
Today, Volk Racing continues to produce high-quality wheels for both street and motorsports applications, and the TE37 wheel remains one of the company’s most popular and iconic designs.
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.
HRE Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by HRE are the following:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
- Forged
Volk Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Volk to make their wheels:
- Forged
Wheel Series
HRE and Volk have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
HRE Wheel Series
- FlowForm
- Forged Monoblocks
- Forged 2 Piece FMR
- Forged 3 Piece
- CRBN
Volk Wheel Series
- TE37 Series
- CE28 Series
- ZE40 Series
- G25 Series
- RE30 Series
- SF Winning Series
- SE37K Series
- Progressive Model Series
- Formula Model Series
- Racing Model Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for HRE and Volk.
HRE’s Renowned Models
- HRE FF04
- HRE R101
- HRE P101
- HRE FF10
Volk’s Renowned Models
- Volk TE37
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about HRE and Volk, 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.
HRE Wheels Price
HRE Wheels are generally considered much more pricier than many other aftermarket wheels, but the price range varies depending on the specific model, size, and finish. Here are some examples of HRE wheel prices:
HRE R101 Wheels: Starting at $1,900 per wheel
HRE P101 Forged Monoblock Wheels: Starting at $2,650 each
HRE FF01 Flow Form Wheels: Set of 4 priced at $2,400
HRE Classic Series 301M: Custom pricing starting at $1,400
Volk Wheels Price
Volk Racing are much more expensive than most aftermarket wheel brands.
Volk Racing wheels start at around $500 per wheel and can go up to $1000 or more for a single wheel.
Volk Racing wheels are known for their high-quality construction, unique designs, and lightweight forged construction.
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 HRE and Volk, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
HRE Wheels Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 2 years
Volk Wheels Warranty
- General structural warranty for 3 years
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that HRE and Volk 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!
HRE Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High build quality | ❌Expensive |
| ✔Customization options | |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Wide range of sizes and fitments |
Volk Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Supreme build quality | ❌Very Expensive |
| ✔Style and street cred | |
| ✔Strong and lightweight construction | |
| ✔Advanced forging techniques |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of HRE vs Volk, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle between HRE and Volk wheel brands, the decision ultimately boils down to the importance of price versus the pursuit of supreme quality and design.
HRE Wheels undoubtedly offer high build quality, lightweight options, a wide range of sizes, and customization possibilities.
However, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that HRE wheels come with a hefty price tag.
With models like the HRE R101 and P101 starting at $1,900 and $2,650 per wheel respectively, affordability may be a significant concern for many buyers.
On the other hand, Volk Racing wheels boast very high quality, advanced forging techniques, and sought-after style, all of which contribute to their street cred.
These wheels are renowned for their lightweight forged construction, but they come at an even higher price range compared to HRE.
With prices starting at around $500 per wheel and potentially exceeding $1,000 for a single wheel, Volk Racing wheels are undoubtedly a considerable investment.
In summary, if budget is a primary concern, HRE wheels may present a more feasible option despite their expense.
However, if price is less of a deterrent and you value the utmost quality, style, and advanced forging techniques, Volk Racing wheels may be the ultimate choice for you.
