Fatlace article on fake wheels...
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
From: Four-One-Oh
http://fatlace.com/slammedsociety/reps-or-real/
So the debate continues and we’ve taken our stand against some replica wheel manufacturers. It’s not a debate whether or not it’s cool to rock them, its more to support our friends who run and own Rays, Advan, Work, and AME. Our friend Jay from JDM EGO has pushed this ideology as long as we’ve known him and we’ve become good friends with these wheel manufacturers throughout the many years we’ve been tuning cars and it’s our right to take the stand of not featuring cars with replica/fake wheels. A big part is that we’re sponsored by one of the Japanese wheel manufacturers mentioned above so we feel it’s part of our loyalty to their company.
These companies push hard to come up with designs that excite all of us when they first debut at Autosalon only to get copied the day they’re released with a cheaper knock off. Sure, some of the knock off brands are built well and can handle the track but its only due to the origin of its design. If the design wasnt built tough, the original manufacturer wouldnt make it, right? Also, it shouldnt be about price since it’s Forged vs. Cast.
So to this site that has tried to take a stab at us by using nationality as a reason to like/hate the brand, please understand the logic behind this decision.
Here’s an example of a new wheel manufacturer doing their thing. Rotiform out of Westminster, California. Their own designs, Their style.
These companies push hard to come up with designs that excite all of us when they first debut at Autosalon only to get copied the day they’re released with a cheaper knock off. Sure, some of the knock off brands are built well and can handle the track but its only due to the origin of its design. If the design wasnt built tough, the original manufacturer wouldnt make it, right? Also, it shouldnt be about price since it’s Forged vs. Cast.
So to this site that has tried to take a stab at us by using nationality as a reason to like/hate the brand, please understand the logic behind this decision.
Here’s an example of a new wheel manufacturer doing their thing. Rotiform out of Westminster, California. Their own designs, Their style.
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
From: Four-One-Oh
Background Info:
MACKIN Industries, the Volk/Rays authorized distributor released a memo stating they will cancel and business dealings with a Dealer who also markets Varrstoen wheels.
http://www.autofashionusa.com/conten...-the-copy.html
MACKIN Industries, the Volk/Rays authorized distributor released a memo stating they will cancel and business dealings with a Dealer who also markets Varrstoen wheels.
http://www.autofashionusa.com/conten...-the-copy.html
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 0
From: Four-One-Oh
More Background Info:
Fatlace has edited their original statement, which now reads:
Fatlace has edited their original statement, which now reads:
Edit: We would like to know your opinion on this matter as we definitely do not want to alienate people from being featured. We do however know that companies that spend alot of time and money doing R&D building these great wheels are suffering from copycats. We are however considering being lenient with them on Hellaflush since it isn’t about wheels itself but is about the overall fitment and look as a package.


Honestly, only brand ****** on car forums and forum junkies at meets care about this debate. To the other 99.9999% of the world, a wheel is a wheel is a wheel. Not that that matters, because you really should try to avoid buying what everyone else tells you that you should.
Wrong forum as well.
Last edited by phreaktor; Oct 4, 2010 at 12:43 PM.
Trending Topics
I'll add this to my earlier thought. I do go to hellaflush every once in a while if I'm bored in class. I've never seen such a self-congratulatory group of people in my life. All it takes to be legit with that crew is to have a retarded suspension set up, and some Fatlace and Illest stickers on your windows. Maybe throw a Yakima rack on the room for some extra cred. Their idea of pushing the envelope is having an extra .5" or so of lip on your wheels. Sweet...
If you don't like what they're doing, you're a hater
I've actually seen people on S2Ki that will refuse to give out information about their offset because someone else can use it then.
I'm not in favor of fake wheels just like I'm not in favor of fake watches or sunglasses, but the HF crew are too trendy for their own good, and before long, that style will be dead just like the Altezza lights and rusted hood craze.
If you don't like what they're doing, you're a hater

I've actually seen people on S2Ki that will refuse to give out information about their offset because someone else can use it then.
I'm not in favor of fake wheels just like I'm not in favor of fake watches or sunglasses, but the HF crew are too trendy for their own good, and before long, that style will be dead just like the Altezza lights and rusted hood craze.
Last edited by JAM3Z; Oct 4, 2010 at 04:11 PM.


Honestly, only brand ****** on car forums and forum junkies at meets care about this debate. To the other 99.9999% of the world, a wheel is a wheel is a wheel. Not that that matters, because you really should try to avoid buying what everyone else tells you that you should.
Wrong forum as well.
Blatant ripoffs are illegal.
Mention Rota or Varrs to the auto-enthusiast locals here. They'll either be clueless or laugh at such a thing.
Personally, I don't care that much. A buddy has a set of 19" Varrs on his R32 GTR, and the look badass.
Last edited by Spork; Oct 4, 2010 at 05:01 PM.
I'll add this to my earlier thought. I do go to hellaflush every once in a while if I'm bored in class. I've never seen such a self-congratulatory group of people in my life. All it takes to be legit with that crew is to have a retarded suspension set up, and some Fatlace and Illest stickers on your windows. Maybe throw a Yakima rack on the room for some extra cred. Their idea of pushing the envelope is having an extra .5" or so of lip on your wheels. Sweet...
If you don't like what they're doing, you're a hater
I've actually seen people on S2Ki that will refuse to give out information about their offset because someone else can use it then.
I'm not in favor of fake wheels just like I'm not in favor of fake watches or sunglasses, but the HF crew are too trendy for their own good, and before long, that style will be dead just like the Altezza lights and rusted hood craze.
If you don't like what they're doing, you're a hater

I've actually seen people on S2Ki that will refuse to give out information about their offset because someone else can use it then.
I'm not in favor of fake wheels just like I'm not in favor of fake watches or sunglasses, but the HF crew are too trendy for their own good, and before long, that style will be dead just like the Altezza lights and rusted hood craze.







