Why are Champion wheels so expensive?
#61
11-22-2011, 12:28 PM
Thanks for chiming in. The facilities at Tan-Ei-Sya is truly world class and impressive. 
Our wheels are indeed made in Japan by TanEiSya, and we don't really try to hide it. If you open a box of our wheels, each one has a sticker that says "made in Japan" right on the wheel. You see that same sticker on RAC wheels because they are private-labeled through us. Similar can been said for Speedline, although that's a little more complicated. 
Why do we do this? Simply put, because no other company out there has the forgings to accomplish what we can with our wheels. For example, 1 piece fully forged 19 pound wheels with a polished 3 inch lip. Reverse drop-centers to eliminate standing water issues. Our incredible relationship with TanEiSya has been long standing because they are unlike any wheel manufacturer in the world.
When you compare our wheels to other wheels that I consider of equal quality and finish (such as HRE, BBS), the pricing is pretty much the same. Shoot nowadays, there are companies out there selling heavy 3 piece wheels for $8000 per set. Compared to that our wheels are a bargain!
Hopefully that cleared some things up
Why do we do this? Simply put, because no other company out there has the forgings to accomplish what we can with our wheels. For example, 1 piece fully forged 19 pound wheels with a polished 3 inch lip. Reverse drop-centers to eliminate standing water issues. Our incredible relationship with TanEiSya has been long standing because they are unlike any wheel manufacturer in the world.
When you compare our wheels to other wheels that I consider of equal quality and finish (such as HRE, BBS), the pricing is pretty much the same. Shoot nowadays, there are companies out there selling heavy 3 piece wheels for $8000 per set. Compared to that our wheels are a bargain!
Hopefully that cleared some things up
#62
11-22-2011, 12:41 PM
When you compare our wheels to other wheels that I consider of equal quality and finish (such as HRE, BBS), the pricing is pretty much the same. Shoot nowadays, there are companies out there selling heavy 3 piece wheels for $8000 per set. Compared to that our wheels are a bargain!
#63
11-22-2011, 01:24 PM
Former Vendor
Unfortunately for American companies like us and HRE, obtaining TUV approval is a very difficult and expensive process. The prices reflect that.
#65
12-13-2011, 05:01 PM
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Blaine, Wa (not in Irvine anymore)
Posts: 2,481
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I've been totally happy with mine. My only problem was having a local wheel refinisher try to polish out some minor scratches on the polished lip of one of my rear wheels, and they couldn't match the level of polish done by the factory originally.
I hit a bad freeway pavement joint 18 months ago that jolted the car so hard my cup holder flap fell open. I was expecting bent rims it was so harsh. Not one issue with the wheels (or my damptronics).
I hit a bad freeway pavement joint 18 months ago that jolted the car so hard my cup holder flap fell open. I was expecting bent rims it was so harsh. Not one issue with the wheels (or my damptronics).
#67
12-13-2011, 07:45 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: San Diego, San Francisco
Age: 69
Posts: 1,870
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Good stuff cost good money. HRE, BBS, and Champion put a lot of time and effort into making a truely quality wheel. In regards to Champion, the cost of labor and shipping from Japan exceed that of wheels built in the US. So Champion is not taking the cheap route here. I trust very few after market wheel manufacturers beside the above three. TUV approval is a real PIA but required if you're your in the German market. Just because Champion and HRE do not have TUV certs it does not mean there product is inferior. I've had the chance to tour the HRE design and production plant near San Diego and I can tell you they know there stuff. While I've not been to the Champion manufacturing plant in Japan, I've been through other manufacturing plants and the Japanese are fanatics about quality.
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