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 TSW 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!
TSW vs Volk – Comparison Table
| TSW | Volk | |
| Year founded | 1960s | 1973 |
| Country of origin | South Africa | Japan |
| Made in | China | Japan |
| Manufactured by | TSW | Rays Engineering |
| Build quality | Good | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – TSW 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.
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.
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.
TSW Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by TSW are the following:
- Cast
- 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
TSW and Volk have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
TSW Wheel Series
- TSW Cast Wheels Series
- TSW Rotary Forged Wheels Series
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 TSW and Volk.
TSW’s Renowned Models
- TSW Bathurst
- TSW Chicane
- TSW Donington
- TSW Max
- TSW Mechanica
- TSW Nurburgring
Volk’s Renowned Models
- Volk TE37
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about TSW 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.
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.
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 TSW and Volk, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
TSW Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited warranty on finish and clear coat against manufacturer defects 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 TSW 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!
TSW Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Good build quality | ❌Limited track use |
| ✔Wide range of unique and stylish designs | |
| ✔Customization options | |
| ✔Fairly affordable |
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 TSW vs Volk, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle between TSW and Volk wheel brands, it is evident that Volk Racing emerges as the superior choice.
While TSW offers good quality wheels that strike a balance between design, affordability, and quality, Volk Racing takes the lead with its exceptional quality, very high standards, and advanced forging techniques.
Volk Racing wheels, although quite expensive, are renowned for their supreme build quality, lightweight forged construction, and unique designs that exude style and street cred.
These wheels are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring durability and performance.
On the other hand, while TSW wheels do boast good build quality and a wide range of unique and stylish designs, their limitations in track use somewhat diminish their appeal.
In terms of pricing, TSW wheels fall within the mid-range category, offering affordability without compromising too heavily on quality and design.
Conversely, Volk Racing wheels command a significantly higher price tag, starting at around $500 per wheel and climbing up to $1000 or more for a single wheel.
Ultimately, if your budget allows, opting for Volk Racing wheels will provide you with an unparalleled level of quality, cutting-edge construction techniques, and a distinct style statement.
However, if affordability is a key consideration, TSW wheels still offer a good combination of design, quality, and customization options.
