Rock ‘N Roll: Put your Best Foot Forward

Honestly, nothing sets a ride apart from the rest than a fresh set of wheels. Sure, a healthy lift kit doesn’t hurt either, but wheels really are the way to set the tone for your ride’s character.

The market is as hot as it ever has been, which means that whittling down the selection is tougher than you’d imagine. With so many different applications, designs and finishes to look at, things can get overwhelming real quick. Luckily, we’ve already started the process for you, and here’s what we’ve come up with. Surely, you’ll find your future set of rollers right here whether you’re ready to race or tear up the trails at your own steady pace.

Fuel Off-Road FF19

Fuel’s Forged line of wheels are the real deal. They are machined from 6061 T-6 forged aluminum mono blocks. Each order is custom made to each vehicle’s specific fitment and specifications. The FF16 seen here, along with the rest of the Forged line, are available in polished, black and milled, brushed silver or custom painted finishes. All Fuel Forged wheels are available with or without machined lip dimples, so no matter what finish is selected, a truly customized wheel will be the end result. Wheel diameters are available in 20-26-inch sizes.

Helix SF5

The Special Force lineup of wheels is definitely the baddest of the bad. These forged 6061 aluminum wheels were created for those who want more load capacity, tow capacity, and tire life. In fact, the Beast SS8 is just begging to be bolted onto your rig. Wheel diameters are 19.5” x 7.5”.

Walker Evans Beadlock 31-Series

There are no frills here, what you see is exactly what you get (and what you get is pure muscle). Evans Racing’s 17-inch true Beadlock Racing Wheels have become well known for their strength and success in short courses and off-road racing. The high-pressure cast aluminum wheels delivers superior strength for any terrain you may encounter. The standard finish is satin silver with a plain finish inside. Machined, matte, and gloss black options are also available. Custom colors can also be added to these wheels, and the Walker Evans staff is ready and waiting to help take your set to the next level.

Method Race Wheels NV MR305

The Method NV MR305 matte black and machined face wheel is a one-piece design that features a simulated bead lock ring by way of a strategically placed under-cut on the outer lip of the wheel. Around the “Street-Loc” ring are zinc plated bolts. The clean 12-spoke features “Method” branding that has been machined onto the wheel face—a new look that has not been added to another other Method Street Series wheel. Wheel diameters are available is 16-20-inch sizes.

Center Line LT1MB

Center Line’s LT1MB is part of their Alloy Wheel line, which is a new generation with a fresh perspective in design innovation that still maintains the original classic elements that gave them their name. This wheel in particular is available in machined or gloss black or chrome finishes and features an optional simulated beadlock ring that can be ordered in either polished or brushed selections. Wheel diameters are limited as they are offered in 17×9, 20×9, and 20×12-inch sizes.

Interco Swamper

When you hear the name Swamper, the thought of rough and rugged tires must be the first thing that comes to mind. Well, Interco has released a wheel that carries the same name, and it truly does live up to the hype. The 2-piece aluminum wheel comes in two different sizes (solid satin black or satin black with machined aluminum). The Swamper wheel combines classic looks and modern age technology in an ultra-affordable package that is truly worthy of carrying their legendary namesake. Wheels are available in 20×9 and 20×10 sizes.

Method Race Wheels 101 Beadlock

From the deserts of Baja to the Rocky Mountains, the MR101 Beadlock is the premier wheel in off-road racing. These lightweight, raw machined wheels are beefed up in all the right places to deliver the ultimate in strength. The beadlock is forged from 6061 aluminum and fastens using grade 8 zinc plated bolts. Refined over the years of racing, the 101 Beadlock wheel is the natural choice for the best off-road vehicles. Wheel diameters are available in 15-17-inch sizes.

Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the Winter 2015 print issue of Tread Magazine.