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 Kansei vs TSW.
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!
Kansei vs TSW – Comparison Table
| Kansei | TSW | |
| Year founded | 2018 | 1960s |
| Country of origin | United States | South Africa |
| Made in | United States | China |
| Manufactured by | Kansei | TSW |
| Build quality | Very Good | Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Kansei and TSW.
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.
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.
TSW Wheels History
TSW stands as one of the pioneering names in the realm of aftermarket alloy wheels worldwide. Its origins trace back to the 1960s when Eddie Keizan, a former Formula One racing driver, laid the foundation.
The initial incarnation of TSW was Tiger Sports Wheels, which found its footing with retail outlets housed within a modest manufacturing facility in South Africa.
The 1980s brought a significant turning point as TSW Alloy Wheels transitioned into the public sphere, listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and propelling into a phase of expansive manufacturing growth.
The brand’s influence stretched across the globe, forging alliances with prominent car manufacturers on a global scale.
Over the ensuing two decades, strategic acquisitions including the integration of Germany’s ATS Wheels and other strategic expansions resulted in the establishment of production hubs in Germany, Poland, South Africa, and the United States.
In 2001, TSW took a pivotal step, partitioning its aftermarket wheel endeavors from its original equipment wheel production, which retained the Tiger Wheel and ATS monikers.
The Americas’ aftermarket operation found a new helm in Terence Scheckter, its former leader, while the European aftermarket wing was acquired by Yokohama Tire of South Africa.
From this juncture, TSW Alloy Wheels in the United States embarked on a comprehensive transformation.
Their product lineup underwent a thorough revamping, accompanied by a substantial diversification of wheel offerings.
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.
Kansei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Kansei are the following:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
TSW Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by TSW to make their wheels:
- Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Kansei and TSW have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
Kansei Wheel Series
- KNP
- Corsa
- Tandem
- Tandem 15”
- Roku
- Neo
- Astro
TSW Wheel Series
- TSW Cast Wheels Series
- TSW Rotary Forged Wheels Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Kansei and TSW.
Kansei’s Renowned Models
- Kansei Tandem
- Kansei KNP
- Kansei Astro
TSW’s Renowned Models
- TSW Bathurst
- TSW Chicane
- TSW Donington
- TSW Max
- TSW Mechanica
- TSW Nurburgring
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Kansei and TSW, 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.
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.
TSW Wheels Price
TSW wheels are considered to be mid-range in terms of pricing.
They tend to offer a balance between quality, design, and affordability.
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 Kansei and TSW, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Kansei Wheels Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty on the construction
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
TSW Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited warranty on finish and clear coat against manufacturer defects for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Kansei and TSW 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!
Kansei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Quite affordable | ❌None |
| ✔Variety of sizes and unique finishes | |
| ✔Fairly lightweight for cast wheels | |
| ✔Durable and strong |
TSW Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Good build quality | ❌Limited track use |
| ✔Wide range of unique and stylish designs | |
| ✔Customization options | |
| ✔Fairly affordable |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Kansei vs TSW, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
After carefully considering the information provided, Kansei and TSW wheels both have their strengths, but one brand stands out as the better option.
Kansei Wheels, with their very good quality, variety of sizes, unique finishes, and affordability, prove to be a solid choice for aftermarket wheels.
Priced at a mid-range level, ranging from $250 to $350 per wheel, they offer excellent value for money.
Kansei wheels possess the desirable combination of being fairly lightweight for cast wheels while maintaining durability and strength.
Moreover, the absence of any mentioned disadvantages further adds to their appeal.
On the other hand, TSW wheels also offer good build quality, a wide range of unique and stylish designs, as well as customization options, making them an attractive option.
Additionally, TSW wheels are fairly affordable, providing a good balance between quality, design, and affordability.
However, TSW wheels have a limitation in terms of track use, which can be a drawback for enthusiasts seeking more performance-oriented wheels.
Considering the overall assessment, Kansei emerges as the better wheel brand.
With their very good quality, affordability, variety of sizes, unique finishes, and durable construction, Kansei Wheels offer a compelling package for those in search of aftermarket wheels.
Their competitive pricing, combined with the absence of any mentioned drawbacks, make them a strong choice for consumers seeking both value and performance.
