Let’s face it.
Method Wheels have come up with some of the most widely successful aftermarket rims for some years now.
They are perhaps one of the fastest-growing manufacturers of off-road rims in the United States right now. The company is comparatively new. It was founded in 2009 by 3 renowned experts of the off road wheels industry, Bud & Kevin Fitzgerald and their associate, Colby Groom. From its inception, the founders had a dream: to design and manufacture outstanding racing wheels with so many bells and whistles that few other rivals would even try and keep up!
To that end, the company has remained true to its vision. Numerous professional and rookie racers have won such elite championships as the Baja 1000 and ‘King of the Hammers.’ These are some of the toughest off-road racing competitions which separate the wheat from the chaff and make their winners overnight superstars.
The founders were pro racers themselves, and occasionally compete in NORRA Mexican 1000. It’s hardly surprising that when they decided to launch their own enterprise, they brought their collective knowledge of the off-road which is now reflected in their products.
Method Wheels is located in California’s Temecula. Their off-road rims are made in China; however, each wheel has to pass a series of computerized and highly demanding quality control tests right here in the US. It’s only after they successfully pass them that they are shipped to Method’s intricate network of retailers that span the country.
We have personally used and tested several models of multipiece forged wheels that the company manufactures just before the pandemic hit. While the off-road wheel’s market has taken some serious body blows over the last 2 years, it is slowly making a comeback.
Method is leading the charge.
We generally buy these wheels from AudioCityUSA, a 33-year-old veteran with a reputation for excellent inventory and rather attractive prices. This retail outlet has recently shifted to a brand-new showroom on Telegraph Street in Santa Fe Springs. The new HQ has more space, better inventory management, and looks stunning with its glass-and-mortar exterior.
All the better for the thousands of dedicated and vocal clients who have come to rely on this specific retailer over the last 3 decades!
A sneak preview of the latest Method Wheels
Like other major players, Method refreshes its existing ranges and launches new models every year.
We recently had a dekko at the latest racing off-road wheels which have hit shelves countrywide. The following 3 all-new rims stood out.
- Method 305 NV: This is not a new launch, strictly speaking. The 305 NV is a longstanding bestseller and is one of Method Wheels’ most iconic designs. But this year, the model has been upgraded with several new color schemes, improved load ratings, and comes with an industry-leading structural warranty program.
We were bowled over by the new bronze finish. It looks astonishingly muscular and aggressive. Method has positioned it primarily for pickup trucks and SUVs. The 12-window frame remains intact and the simulated beadlock design has been modified slightly.
Our only gripe was that there’s still a single size available- 18 inches.
We saw a brand-new F-150 Raptor outfitted with these rims but they had a matte red finish. With load ratings between 2,500 and 3,500 pounds, it’s a beast!
We believe that the 305 NV off-road wheels will likely have a lot more fans come 2023.
- Method 705: The 705 is one of the latest models and comes with the company’s patented ‘Bead Grip®’ technology. Racing enthusiasts (like you) will know about this proprietary tech pretty well. There’s just one size- 17 inches, but it’s likely that Method will add a few more sizes once the 705 attracts more attention.
Crafted from A356 aluminum and with the usual T6 heat treatment, the 705 has a 10-window design. The technology allows UTVs and small-to-full-size SUVs handle some of the toughest terrains with relative ease. These are lightweight enough to conserve plenty of fuel on the trail while the inner lip has been reinforced to ensure increased durability and longevity of these off-road beauties.
Method Wheels has evidently been working hard in R&D, and the new 705 is proof that the racing DNA is still active! We also loved the matte black and titanium finishes.
- Method 414 UTV: This model targets the UTV market and has the company’s Bead Grip tech onboard as well. It is clearly a descendent of the Model 401, which was also designed keeping UTVs in mind. With a wheel diameter of 15 inches and 2 finishes, matte black and a new glossy graphite, this is Method’s answer to a bevy of UTV-centric models that several major competitors have been launching at regular intervals.
We liked the detachable center cap design. It’s machined beautifully and adds some extra chutzpah to what already is a very attractive rim. And we loved the 1600 pounds’ load rating that Method Wheels promises.
Okay. But what’s the big deal with AudioCityUSA?
Well, it is one of the best-known retailers in the country with guaranteed low prices on every piece of automotive equipment it retails. Audio City USA is an authorized dealer of Method Wheels as well and you can expect all the extra frills that the company offers to come with the set of 4 or 5.
Besides, there’s a new scheme where you can take your favorite off-road rims home with an initial payment of 1USD!
