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 SSR 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!
SSR vs Volk – Comparison Table
| SSR | Volk | |
| Year founded | 1971 | 1973 |
| Country of origin | Japan | Japan |
| Made in | Japan | Japan |
| Manufactured by | SSR | Rays Engineering |
| Build quality | Very High | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – SSR 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.
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.
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.
SSR Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by SSR are the following:
- FFT (Flow Formed) & FFT-R
- 2-Piece Hybrid With Seamless Barrel
- SSF Technology
- HTM 3 Piece Technology
Volk Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Volk to make their wheels:
- Forged
Wheel Series
SSR and Volk have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
SSR Wheel Series
- GTX
- GTV
- Professor
- Reiner
- Minerva
- Formula
- Speed Star (Original SSR Designs)
- Executor
- Abela
- Blikker
- Devide
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 SSR and Volk.
SSR’s Renowned Models
- SSR SP1
- SSR GT3
- SSR GTX01
Volk’s Renowned Models
- Volk TE37
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about SSR 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.
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.
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 SSR and Volk, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
SSR Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship 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 SSR 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!
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 |
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 SSR vs Volk, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle of wheel brands, SSR and Volk Racing both excel in terms of quality with their wheels rated as very high.
SSR wheels are renowned for their high-performance and durability, which comes at a higher price compared to other brands.
The cost of SSR wheels can vary based on size, design, and finish, ranging from around $400 to $800 per wheel on average.
On the other hand, Volk Racing wheels are in a league of their own when it comes to price.
Starting at $500 per wheel, they can reach staggering prices of $1000 or more for a single wheel.
But with this higher price tag comes supreme build quality, unique designs, and lightweight forged construction.
Volk Racing wheels offer a blend of style, street cred, and advanced forging techniques.
While SSR wheels boast high-quality construction, strength, and an aesthetic appeal suitable for both show and track use, their disadvantage lies in their affordability, making them pricey for some.
On the other hand, Volk Racing wheels shine with their strong and lightweight construction, but their drawback lies in their steep price point, making them an investment for those seeking the absolute best.
Ultimately, the choice between SSR and Volk Racing wheels boils down to personal preference, budget, and the value placed on premium features.
Both brands offer exceptional quality, with SSR catering to those seeking a balance between performance and cost, while Volk Racing targets enthusiasts willing to invest more for top-notch craftsmanship and style.
