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 Japan Racing 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!
Japan Racing vs Kansei – Comparison Table
| Japan Racing | Kansei | |
| Year founded | 2010s | 2018 |
| Country of origin | Poland | United States |
| Made in | Taiwan, China and Thailand | United States |
| Manufactured by | Japan Racing | Kansei |
| Build quality | Good | Very Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Japan Racing 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.
Japan Racing Wheels History
Japan Racing Wheels is a leading aftermarket alloy wheels manufacturer that offers good-quality wheels at affordable prices.
The Polish brand incorporates Japanese style with classic European looks to elevate your car’s aesthetics without compromising performance.
You can get alloy wheels in multiple sizes with more than 400 different options. The wide range of width sizes spanning 6.5 to 11 inches also helps your cause, allowing you to find the right match for your automobile.
Additionally, the color schemes offered by the manufacturer ensure that you will have all the finishes to match your personality.
One of the most significant advantages of choosing JR wheels over other aftermarket solutions is their exceptional craftsmanship.
Japan racing wheels have TÜV certification, ensuring their compliance with all necessary safety regulations and quality standards.
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.
Japan Racing Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Japan Racing are the following:
- Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Kansei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Kansei to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Japan Racing and Kansei have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
Japan Racing Wheel Series
- Super Light Series
- Tuner Series
- Jr-X 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 Japan Racing and Kansei.
Japan Racing’s Renowned Models
- Japan Racing JR11
- Japan Racing SL01
- Japan Racing JR3
- Japan Racing JR20
- Japan Racing JR21
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 Japan Racing 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.
Japan Racing Wheels Price
Japan Racing wheels are generally considered affordable and offer good value for money.
The cost of Japan Racing wheels varies depending on the specific model and size, but on average, they cost between 120 to 350 euros per wheel.
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 Japan Racing and Kansei, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Japan Racing Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship 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 Japan Racing 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!
Japan Racing Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Affordable | ❌Fairly heavy, finish is average quality and they appear to be replicas |
| ✔Wide range of sizes and fitments | |
| ✔Customization options | |
| ✔Stylish designs |
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 Japan Racing vs Kansei, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the comparison between Japan Racing and Kansei wheel brands, both have their merits but one stands out as the better choice.
Japan Racing wheels offer good quality and are generally considered affordable, providing a decent value for money.
They come in a wide range of sizes and fitments, allowing for customization, while their stylish designs cater to different tastes.
However, Japan Racing wheels have a few drawbacks, including being fairly heavy and having an average-quality finish that raises concerns about their authenticity.
On the other hand, Kansei wheels surpass Japan Racing in terms of quality, rated as very good.
They are reasonably priced, falling within the mid-range bracket, making them an attractive option for those seeking aftermarket wheels.
Kansei wheels come in various sizes and offer unique finishes, providing a diverse selection for customers.
Notably, they are fairly lightweight for cast wheels, demonstrating a careful balance between strength and weight.
With no apparent disadvantages, Kansei wheels present a compelling case.
Considering the information provided, the verdict leans towards Kansei as the superior wheel brand.
While Japan Racing provides affordability and customization options, Kansei offers a higher level of quality, durability, and style at a similarly affordable price point.
Therefore, for those seeking a reliable and visually appealing wheel option, Kansei emerges as the recommended choice.
