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 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!
Kansei vs Work – Comparison Table
| Kansei | Work | |
| Year founded | 2018 | 1977 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | United States | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Kansei | Work |
| Build quality | Very Good | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Kansei 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.
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.
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.
Kansei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Kansei are the following:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
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
Kansei and Work 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
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 Kansei and Work.
Kansei’s Renowned Models
- Kansei Tandem
- Kansei KNP
- Kansei Astro
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 Kansei 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.
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.
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 Kansei and Work, 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
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 Kansei 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!
Kansei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Quite affordable | ❌None |
| ✔Variety of sizes and unique finishes | |
| ✔Fairly lightweight for cast wheels | |
| ✔Durable and strong |
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 Kansei vs Work, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the comparison between Kansei and Work wheels, it is evident that both brands offer noteworthy features.
Kansei wheels boast very good quality, making them a reliable choice for consumers.
Additionally, Kansei wheels fall within the mid-range price bracket, providing an affordable option for those seeking aftermarket wheels.
Ranging from $250 to $350 per wheel, they offer reasonable pricing without compromising quality.
On the other hand, Work wheels are renowned for their high-quality craftsmanship and possess a prestigious reputation in the market.
With intricate designs and excellent build quality, they are considered top-tier products.
However, this premium quality comes at a higher price point as Work wheels are generally considered to be more expensive within the aftermarket wheel segment.
Advantages for Kansei include affordability, a variety of sizes and unique finishes, as well as being fairly lightweight and durable.
Notably, no significant disadvantages were found for Kansei wheels.
As for Work, their advantages lie in their high-quality craftsmanship, prestigious reputation, innovative and unique designs, and a wide range of sizes and fitments.
However, the only drawback associated with Work wheels is their higher price point.
Considering the information provided, consumers seeking a balance between quality and affordability may find Kansei wheels to be the optimal choice.
However, those who prioritize premium craftsmanship and are willing to invest more may opt for the highly regarded Work wheels.
