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 Work.
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 Work – Comparison Table
| HRE | Work | |
| Year founded | 1978 | 1977 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | United States, Japan and Taiwan | Japan |
| Manufactured by | HRE | Work |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – HRE and Work.
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.
Work Wheels History
Work wheels was founded in March 1977 by its Japanese president – Takeshi Tanaka. The company started with a capital of JPY 4,000,000 (~40,000 USD).
In August 1977, Work launched its first line of wheels – the Work Equip series. That same year, they increased their capital to JPY 10,000,000 (~100,000 USD).
In 1979, they established their first 3 piece wheel assembly plant.
In 1983 they started exporting to the USA. They also expanded and opened more branches all over Japan. In December 2003, they acquired the certificate of Quality Management System ISO 9001,
Currently, Work has 4 factories in Japan and is one of the most respected wheel manufacturers in the world.
A true testament to their success is the fact that brands like Dunlop, Falken, Toyo Tires, Toyota Modellista International Co, FUJI Corporation, Bridgestone, and Ralliart are some of their largest customers.
Sadly, the company’s founder, Takeshi Tanaka, passed away in 2015.
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
Work Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Work to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flowed Formed)
- Forged
Wheel Series
HRE and Work 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
Work Wheel Series
- Equip
- LS
- VS
- Emitz
- Zeast
- Gnosis
- Schwert
- Lanvec
- Raizaltado
- Emotion
- Meister
- M.C.O. Racing
- Seeker
- Crag
- Leadsled
- Goocars
- Xtrap
- Zistance
- Back Label
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for HRE and Work.
HRE’s Renowned Models
- HRE FF04
- HRE R101
- HRE P101
- HRE FF10
Work’s Renowned Models
- Work Emotion
- Work Equip
- Work Meister
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about HRE and Work, 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
Work Wheels Price
Work Wheels are generally considered to be on the more expensive side within the aftermarket wheel market.
Work Wheels is a prestigious and well-respected brand known for producing high-quality wheels with intricate designs and excellent craftsmanship.
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 Work, 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
Work Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 3 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that HRE and Work 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 |
Work Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality craftsmanship | ❌Higher price point |
| ✔Prestigious reputation | |
| ✔Innovative and unique designs | |
| ✔Wide range of sizes and fitments |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of HRE vs Work, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
After careful consideration, it is evident that both HRE and Work are highly reputable wheel brands, offering products of superior quality.
HRE Wheels, recognized for their exceptional build quality, provide a wide array of customization options, lightweight designs, and an extensive range of sizes and fitments.
They are known for their top-tier craftsmanship and have become a symbol of excellence in the industry.
However, it is important to note that HRE Wheels come at a higher price point, which may deter some potential buyers.
On the other hand, Work Wheels also boast impeccable craftsmanship, a prestigious reputation, and a commitment to producing innovative and unique designs.
With their intricately crafted wheels, Work stands out as a distinguished brand.
They offer a comprehensive selection of sizes and fitments to cater to various vehicle models.
Nevertheless, Work Wheels are generally considered to be on the more expensive side within the aftermarket wheel market.
Considering the balance between quality and price, it can be concluded that both HRE and Work offer exceptional options for wheel enthusiasts.
While HRE excels in customization, lightweight construction, and diverse fitments, Work impresses with its renowned craftsmanship, innovative designs, and a wide range of sizes available.
Ultimately, the decision between HRE and Work will depend on individual preferences and budget considerations.
