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 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!
Kansei vs Volk – Comparison Table
| Kansei | Volk | |
| Year founded | 2018 | 1973 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | United States | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Kansei | Rays Engineering |
| Build quality | Very Good | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Kansei 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.
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.
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.
Kansei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Kansei are the following:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Volk Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Volk to make their wheels:
- Forged
Wheel Series
Kansei and Volk 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
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 Kansei and Volk.
Kansei’s Renowned Models
- Kansei Tandem
- Kansei KNP
- Kansei Astro
Volk’s Renowned Models
- Volk TE37
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Kansei 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.
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.
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 Kansei and Volk, 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
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 Kansei 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!
Kansei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Quite affordable | ❌None |
| ✔Variety of sizes and unique finishes | |
| ✔Fairly lightweight for cast wheels | |
| ✔Durable and strong |
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 Kansei vs Volk, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the ultimate showdown between Kansei and Volk wheel brands, the verdict is clear.
While both brands excel in certain areas, Volk emerges as the superior choice overall.
Kansei undeniably offers very good quality wheels, catering to the mid-range market with prices ranging from $250 to $350 per wheel.
Their affordability and durability make them a reliable option for those seeking aftermarket wheels.
On the other hand, Volk Racing wheels boast an exceptional level of quality, earning them the title of “very high” in this comparison.
Their reputation for supreme build quality, distinctive designs, and lightweight forged construction sets them apart from the competition.
Regrettably, Volk Racing wheels come at a steep price, with a starting point of $500 per wheel and potentially exceeding $1000 for a single unit.
However, the additional cost is justified by the advanced forging techniques employed and their ability to provide strength and lightweight construction.
Kansei may offer a variety of sizes and unique finishes, along with being fairly lightweight for cast wheels, but Volk’s wheel construction is a cut above the rest.
To summarize, Volk Racing outshines Kansei in terms of quality, style, street cred, and advanced forging techniques.
Although Volk’s wheels come at a premium price, their exceptional features and performance make them the ultimate choice for those seeking the pinnacle of wheel excellence.
