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 Rotiform vs SSR.
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!
Rotiform vs SSR – Comparison Table
| Rotiform | SSR | |
| Year founded | 2009 | 1971 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | China and United States | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Wheel Pros | SSR |
| Build quality | Very Good | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Rotiform and SSR.
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.
Rotiform Wheels History
Rotiform was founded in 2009 by Jason Whippie and Brian Henderson in California, USA. The newly established brand dominated the industry rapidly.
In 2015, MHT Wheels Inc. bought Rotiform.
A few years later, in 2019, MHT was acquired by one of the largest wheel suppliers in the USA – Wheel Pros, which meant that Wheel Pros owned Rotiform, among other brands.
Now, the company designs, manufactures, and assembles, all in California, for their Forged series. Their cast wheels are made in China.
This approach allows them to control the quality of their wheels, ensuring you get premium products every time.
Rotiform is one of the most popular wheel manufacturers of aftermarket wheels. They have created some of the best aftermarket rims to beat most OEM products in just one decade.
The company’s primary focus is to satisfy its ideal customers. To do so, they offer elegant and luxurious wheels in various sizes, fitments, styles, and designs.
Rotiform is all about luxury vehicles and sports cars, including Mitsubishi Evo X, VW Altas Cross Sport, Ferrari F355, and many more.
SSR Wheels History
SSR is an abbreviation for “Speed Star Racing”, a Japanese-based wheel manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1971.
Speed Star Racing Wheels were launched by Speed Star Co., Ltd.
Now, their headquarters are located in Osaka, Japan.
Frequently acknowledged for pioneering the creation of a three-piece wheel with their groundbreaking MK-I model back in 1971, the company stands as a prominent Japanese manufacturer renowned for its exceptional line of aftermarket and motorsport wheels.
SSR played a significant role in driving the development of the JWL standard in 1973 and was instrumental in the establishment of the VIA third-party statutory board in 1981.
In 1985, the brand set up a new overseas office in Los Angeles as they wanted to expand into the US market. SSR’s office was specifically aimed at handling international sales operations.
SSR stood alone as an alloy wheel pioneer when, in 1991, it harnessed the semi-solid forging (SSF) process, a groundbreaking technique that the company would go on to patent.
Tanabe Co.,Ltd bought SSR in 2005.
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.
Rotiform Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Rotiform are the following:
- Low Pressure Cast
- Forged
SSR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by SSR to make their wheels:
- FFT (Flow Formed) & FFT-R
- 2-Piece Hybrid With Seamless Barrel
- SSF Technology
- HTM 3 Piece Technology
Wheel Series
Rotiform and SSR have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
Rotiform Wheel Series
- Cast Monoblock
- Forged Monoblock Rotispec
- Forged CustomSpec – 1, 2 & 3 Piece
- Aerodisc
- 5 Spoke Rotiform Wheels
- 3 Piece Rotiform Wheels
- BMW Rotiform Wheels
- Audi Rotiform Wheels
- Porsche Rotiform Wheels
- Rotiform Rally Wheels
SSR Wheel Series
- GTX
- GTV
- Professor
- Reiner
- Minerva
- Formula
- Speed Star (Original SSR Designs)
- Executor
- Abela
- Blikker
- Devide
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Rotiform and SSR.
Rotiform’s Renowned Models
- Rotiform Aerodisc
- Rotiform IND-T
- Rotiform RSE
- Rotiform LAS-R
- Rotiform BLQ
SSR’s Renowned Models
- SSR SP1
- SSR GT3
- SSR GTX01
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Rotiform and SSR, 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.
Rotiform Wheels Price
Rotiform wheels are fairly affordable wheels.
They have wheels ranging from around $250 per wheel to several thousand for their Forged series.
SSR Wheels Price
SSR wheels are known for their high-quality and performance, which can make them more expensive compared to other wheel brands.
However, the cost of SSR wheels can vary depending on factors such as size, design, and finish.
On average, SSR wheels can range from around $400 to $800 per wheel.
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 Rotiform and SSR, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Rotiform Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
SSR Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Rotiform and SSR 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!
Rotiform Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High build quality | ❌Limited track use |
| ✔Unique designs | |
| ✔Variety of construction techniques | |
| ✔Fitment options |
SSR Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High-quality construction, durability, and strength | ❌Pricey |
| ✔Aesthetically pleasing | |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Wheels that are suitable for both show and track purposes |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Rotiform vs SSR, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
When comparing Rotiform and SSR wheel brands, both offer exceptional quality, but SSR takes the lead with its very high-quality construction, durability, and strength.
Rotiform, on the other hand, provides a very good quality product.
In terms of price, Rotiform wheels are generally more affordable, with a range starting from around $250 per wheel up to several thousand dollars for their Forged series.
SSR wheels, known for their high-quality and performance, can be pricier, typically ranging from $400 to $800 per wheel, depending on factors like size, design, and finish.
Rotiform stands out with its unique designs, high build quality, and a wide variety of construction techniques, ensuring a diverse selection of fitment options.
However, Rotiform wheels have limitations when it comes to track use, making them less suitable for intensive racing environments.
On the other hand, SSR wheels excel in their versatility, providing both aesthetic appeal and lightweight construction, making them suitable for both show and track purposes.
However, their premium quality and performance come at a higher price point.
Overall, while Rotiform offers good-quality wheels at a more affordable price range, SSR takes the lead due to its superior construction, durability, and strength, as well as its ability to cater to both show and track enthusiasts.
If you are willing to invest in top-tier wheels, SSR is the brand that delivers the highest quality and performance, albeit at a slightly higher price.
