Hi guys,
Method Race Wheels look pretty bad ass, and despite being imported wheels from the US are a great option for Aussie off-roaders.
Here’s why:
Nice looking rims, right?
But how do Method Race Wheels stack up on Aussie dirt and rough terrain?
A bit about the Method Race Wheel company
Method Race Wheels stem back to around 2006 and have become a popular option in the US for aftermarket 4x4s. The design and engineering is pretty good, pretty distinguished, and the rims have been tried and tested on all kinds of abusive terrain.
The company has expanded it’s reach globally, which is why we see them here in Australia. Consider that testament to how good these rims are – you’ll find them in Canada, the UK, Europe, South Africa, South America, the UAE, and of course all over Australia.
In Australia you can check out their website, which will also help you find the price for your vehicle and recommended retailers. Don’t jump over there just yet, as we have more to talk about to help you decide if you should buy Method Race Wheels for your 4WD.
How robust are Method Race Wheels?
When you think about it, our Land Cruisers and Navaras come from Japan, as do most aftermarket rims and of course OEM rims. The US has much harsher terrain than Japan, which means 4X4 rims from the US should be more tried and tested than the likes of Volks which can set up back more than twice the dollars.
Method Race Wheels use robust materials and CNC machining to create wheels which not only look good, but can tackle the terrain you’re buying them for.
When it comes to racing – on road, off road, on track – a lightweight wheel will always give you the best performance. Acceleration, handling, and traction. A light wheel (because of unsprung weight) will stay more in contact with the tarmac or dirt than a heavier wheel. Rotational weight and nerdy physics mean a lighter wheel will spin up faster, which is why you can spin an umbrella over your head easier than an old tyre.
On the flipside, a heavier wheel construction may offer you more robustness, and this may have benefits for intense off-road use.
Personally I’d opt for a lighter rim like Volk TE37s. That’s if cost wasn’t a factor, which it is. Method Race Wheels cost less than half what you’ll pay for TE37s, for what benefit? A few grams?
How low can you go – 8PSI!
There’s some nifty science which sets Method Race Wheels apart from other brands in the 4X4 market. Using some clever engineering – in layman’s terms a few ridges inside the rim – Method Race Wheels can handle some really low PSIs. That’s great for beach and sand driving, and you won’t get such a benefit with cheaper 4X4 rims or steelies like Sunraysias.
You’ll see in the photo below what I’m talking about, on these Method Race Wheels 703s:
Availability of Method Race Wheels in Australia
Method Race Wheels are easy to get hold of all over Australia, with a wide range of styles – 101, 103, 105, 106, 201 forged, 301 standard, 304 double standard, 305s (including blue gloss and red tinted clear coat), 306, 308, and so on. Check out 707 bead grips in bahia blue, and for the radical amongst us maybe the 901s.
Big thanks to Tyrepower Perth City who hooked me up, so your go to place for Method Race Wheels in Perth, although one of numerous retailers.
Summary – Should you buy these rims!?
Compared to the Volk TE37s I ran on my previous Land Cruiser 100 series, the Method Race Wheels will leave much more cash in your bank account. Seriously so given the price of popular brands of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) race wheels.
In comparison to the Volks, the Method Racing Wheels are heavier, and heavier isn’t a good thing when it comes to performance, but when you consider the Methods are under half the price they may make the most sense.
That also means it’s less painful financially if you scratch your wheels up on a rock climb.
If you’re still undecided about buying Method Race Wheels, then my advice is go for it. If you want a decent set of wheels which won’t break the bank, which are designed for the off-road use you want, yet you want a bit of style to go with it (which of course you do), then Method Race Wheels are a decent choice.
