The Rays Wheels 05X is their first lightweight offering for the off-road market, with a claimed weight around 19 pounds while still hitting a 2,600lb load rating.
To do that, it’s a one-piece forged aluminum wheel created under ~10,000psi of pressure, then machined for a precision finish.
Available only in 17″ diameters, they offer 26 versions in 8″, 8.5″ and 9″ widths, and with 16 of those hitting the appropriate load rating for built vehicles.
The simple 5-spoke design has cutouts at the top of the spokes to save a few grams, plus a ringed lip around the bolts for style. They’re available in matte black and matte bronze, plus custom options for an upcharge. Full specs and details here. MSRP is around $760 per wheel.
Bead “Lock” Knurls
Featured on their more affordable cast aluminum D-series off-road wheels is Ray’s take on securing the tire bead under low pressures.
Air down, and a knurled ring on the bead seat helps grip the tire and prevent it from spinning or slipping:
The weight difference between these and the forged 05X is about 7.55lbs, with the claimed weight of the Team Daytona M8 (bottom right, bronze in group photo above) in a 17×8.5 (0mm) being 26.55lbs…but they’re about $200 less per wheel.
Volk Racing ZE40X is even stronger
For their Volk Racing division, the ZE40X (top) was developed to be the strongest 4×4 wheel on the market. It uses a forged-and-bonded design, but still boasts a ~19lb weight. Its load rating ranges from about 800kg to 955kg, or up to about 2,100lbs…so not quite as heavy-duty as the 05X, but good enough for non-loaded 4×4 vehicles that aren’t built out for overlanding.
Where can I order rays off road wheels?