Full Forged Aluminum 6061 Wheels vs. Rotary Forged and Cast Wheels: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to upgrading your wheels, choosing the right construction method is crucial. Wheel construction significantly impacts not only the performance and durability of your vehicle but also its aesthetic appeal. In this blog, we will compare the three main types of wheel construction: Full Forged Aluminum 6061, Rotary Forged, and Cast. While our Venom Series offers the pinnacle of Full Forged performance, our Rotary Forged RF-M6 and RF-M17 wheels provide an exceptional balance of quality and cost. Spoiler alert: we don’t carry cast wheels, and here’s why.
Billet Forged Aluminum 6061 Wheels
Venom Series Models: M15R, M17R, M1R, M6R, M10R, M20R
Starting Price: $3800
Full Forged wheels are the ultimate choice for automotive enthusiasts who demand uncompromising performance, strength, and style. Constructed from a single piece of 6061 aluminum alloy and forged, these wheels offer unparalleled durability and precision.
Pros:
Exceptional Strength: Full Forged wheels are incredibly strong due to the forging process, which compresses the aluminum at high pressure. This results in superior structural integrity.
Lightweight: Forging removes excess material, making these wheels lighter than Cast counterparts. Lighter wheels improve handling, acceleration, and braking performance.
Premium Finish and Aesthetics: The Venom Series features a clean back pad shaving and solid barrel construction. They are fully customizable and can be done in any custom finish you wish.
Customizable: Full Forged wheels offer greater customization options in terms of fitment and design.
Cons:
Cost: With prices starting at $3800, Full Forged wheels are a premium option, making them a significant investment. While Forged wheels can be pricey, they retain their value exceptionally well, making them easy to resell without significant depreciation.
Lead Time: The custom manufacturing process can take longer compared to other wheel types. But 100% worth the wait. Custom Forged wheels typically have a lead time of 4-5 weeks. While the wait may require patience, it ensures the highest quality and attention to detail, making the final product well worth it.
Click here to view our Full Billet Forged line.
Rotary Forged Wheels
Models: RF-M6, RF-M17
Starting Price: $1200
Rotary Forged wheels offer a great middle ground for those seeking quality and performance without the premium price tag of Full Forged wheels. This process involves casting the wheel’s center and then using high-pressure spinning to shape the barrel, increasing strength and reducing weight.
Pros:
Improved Strength: While not as robust as Full Forged wheels, Rotary Forged wheels are significantly stronger than traditional cast wheels.
Weight Reduction: The Rotary Forged process reduces the weight of the barrel, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency.
Affordability: Starting at $1200, Rotary Forged wheels are a more cost-effective option without sacrificing quality.
Modern Design: The RF-M6 and RF-M17 feature striking designs that rival more expensive options.
Cons:
Limited Customization: Rotary Forged wheels come in fewer fitment and design options compared to Full Forged wheels.
Click Here to view our Rotary Forged Products.
Cast Wheels
Why We Don’t Carry Them: Cast wheels are made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold and allowing it to cool. While this process is inexpensive, it often results in heavier, weaker wheels. Cast wheels lack the durability and performance qualities required for high-performance vehicles, which is why we don’t carry them.
Cons:
Heaviness: Cast wheels are heavier, which negatively affects acceleration, braking, and handling.
Low Quality: Prone to cracking under stress, making them a poor choice for performance applications.
Inferior Aesthetics: The manufacturing process often leads to rough finishes and less precision in design.
How to Tell the Difference Between RF-M6, M6R, RF-M17, and M17R Wheels
While the RF-M6 and M6R (and RF-M17 and M17R) share the same iconic designs, there are key differences that set them apart:
Engravings: Full Forged wheels (M6R, M17R) feature “FORGED” engravings, signifying their premium construction.
Barrel Construction: Full Forged wheels have a solid barrel with clean back pad shaving, whereas Rotary Forged wheels (RF-M6, RF-M17) display lines on the barrel due to the Rotary Forged process.
Stamping: Rotary Forged wheels have stamped specifications on the backside of the spokes, while Full Forged wheels have a cleaner, more seamless design.
Conclusion
When choosing between Full Forged and Rotary Forged wheels, it ultimately comes down to your performance needs and budget. For those seeking the absolute best in strength, weight reduction, and customization, the Venom Series Full Forged wheels are the way to go. If you’re looking for exceptional quality and performance at a more affordable price point, our RF-M6 and RF-M17 Rotary Forged wheels are a fantastic option. As for cast wheels, they simply don’t meet our standards for quality and performance, so we leave them out of our lineup.
Elevate your ride with the best in wheel engineering—whether it’s the high-performance Venom Series or the value-packed RF-M6 and RF-M17, you can’t go wrong with Modern Muscle Wheels.
