Method wheels are excellent choices for serious off-road enthusiasts. Method Race Wheels has built an outstanding reputation since 2009, producing some of the lightest and strongest wheels available in today's off-road market. Their engineering approach achieves what seems impossible—creating wheels that are both incredibly light and exceptionally strong.
Method wheels consistently earn praise for their durability in harsh conditions. These wheels use solid A356 aluminum with T6 heat treatment, specifically engineered to handle the toughest off-road environments while delivering superior performance. A standard 17×8.5" Method wheel weighs only 27.7 pounds, showcasing their dedication to performance-focused design. Method backs their confidence with a lifetime warranty against structural failures.
Method operates six manufacturing facilities, each using premium materials to maintain the highest production standards. Their extensive racing experience allows Method to test their designs in some of the world's most demanding racing conditions.
These premium wheels represent a significant investment for your vehicle. We'll examine exactly what makes Method wheels worth considering and how they perform when pushed to their limits.
When it comes to off-road wheels, Method Race Wheels represents the perfect blend of racing experience and cutting-edge engineering. Their reputation comes from years of proving their products in the world's most challenging terrain.
Method Race Wheels builds every product with competitive racing at its core. Their wheels have dominated prestigious events including the Dakar Rally, SCORE Baja 1000, and King of the Hammers. This racing background isn't just marketing—it's how they develop better wheels. Every design gets tested by professional drivers in actual race conditions, with their feedback shaping the final product.
Method goes beyond simple sponsorships. The company developed their 'Heritage Series' to honor iconic off-road racing vehicles with custom paint jobs on modern race cars. This approach shows their genuine connection to off-road racing culture and history.
Method Race Wheels started in 2009 in Temecula, California. Kevin Fitzgerald, Bud Fitzgerald, and Colby Groom founded the company as passionate off-road enthusiasts. Colby Groom explained their philosophy: "We wanted to be a brand that was from off-road racing culture. Not a wheel brand that made disco wheels and then got into racing as a marketing tool".
FOX Factory later acquired Method Race Wheels as part of Custom Wheel House to expand their performance aftermarket solutions. This acquisition allows Method to grow while keeping their original focus on innovation and quality.
Several key factors drive Method's popularity among serious off-road drivers. Their patented Bead Grip technology gives drivers a major advantage—allowing lower tire pressures for better traction without risking tire de-beading. This technology fills the gap between standard street wheels and traditional beadlocks.
Method's founders actively participate in the racing they support. They compete in events like the NORRA Mexican 1000 with their vintage 1974 Ford F100. This authentic involvement connects with the off-road community on a deeper level.
Their commitment to creating wheels that are "lighter, stronger, faster" than competitors results in exceptional performance when conditions get extreme. Method combines racing-proven technology with extensive real-world testing, making them the preferred choice for drivers who demand the best off-road performance.
Method's exceptional performance starts with superior manufacturing processes and premium materials. Understanding how these wheels are built explains why they excel when conditions get tough.
The manufacturing process determines everything about a wheel's strength and weight characteristics. Cast wheels use molten aluminum poured into molds, where it cools and hardens. This cost-effective process creates microscopic air pockets called porosity during cooling. Cast wheels need extra material to compensate for these weak points.
Forged wheels start with solid 6061 billet aluminum shaped under extreme pressure. This compression eliminates porosity and aligns the metal's grain structure for maximum strength. Method's forged components receive heat treatment at approximately 1000°F (558°C) temperatures to enhance durability. The result is wheels that are stronger and lighter than conventional alternatives.
Method uses both techniques strategically. Forging is reserved for premium beadlock rings where maximum strength is essential.
Method wheel bodies use refined A356 aluminum alloy, known for excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Method's proprietary heat treatment process enhances tensile strength far beyond standard T6 treatments.
The T6 process involves solution treatment, quenching, and aging. This creates microscopic strengthening particles throughout the metal structure. Method's enhanced version exceeds traditional T6 parameters, allowing wheels to be lighter while supporting impressive load ratings up to 4500 pounds per wheel.
Method operates as an American company based in Temecula, California, but manufactures wheels in China. This isn't a quality compromise. Their 100% USA-based engineering, product development, and quality control teams ensure every wheel meets strict standards.
This manufacturing approach delivers premium wheels at competitive prices compared to fully American-made options. Every wheel undergoes extensive testing before reaching customers, supporting Method's lifetime structural warranty.
Real performance happens when wheels face the harshest conditions on earth. Method Race Wheels proves their quality through actual racing victories and customer experiences, not just laboratory testing.
Method's track record speaks directly to their reliability. The company has earned 8 Baja 1000 overall Trophy Truck victories and 3 Baja 1000 overall UTV victories over 15 years. Their championship collection extends far beyond Baja, including 9 King of the Hammers overall wins, 4 Dakar Rally overall titles, 7 ARA Rally Championships, and 3 TORC Pro 4x4 Championships.
Method doesn't just sponsor racing teams. They use actual race data to improve their wheel designs, ensuring every product benefits from professional racing feedback.
Method tests every wheel design through both laboratory and real-world race conditions before production. Their testing protocols exceed SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards for severe impact collision, radial fatigue, and cornering fatigue. Professional drivers push prototypes to their breaking points while high-tech data logging equipment captures detailed performance metrics.
This testing approach ensures Method wheels can handle whatever terrain you encounter, from rocky trails to sandy washes.
Real customers report outstanding experiences with Method wheels. One Reddit user praised Method's exceptional customer service after ordering wrong-sized wheels: "George not only offered to pay for the return shipping, likewise covered the difference in cost due to the size change!".
A Canadian Gearhead reviewer noted excellent corrosion resistance: "After two years, my wheels look exactly as they did when I took them out of the box—no issues with corrosion at all". These customer reports confirm that Method wheels maintain their appearance and performance over time.
Method's wheel selection includes several standout designs created for different off-road applications. Each model balances aggressive styling with performance-focused engineering.
The MR305 NV stands out as Method's most recognizable design with its distinctive 12-window pattern and debossed Method logos. This wheel features Street-Loc V.1 lip undercut design that creates a simulated beadlock appearance. The MR305 delivers impressive load ratings from 2,500 to 3,640 pounds, with heavy-duty versions supporting up to 4,500 pounds.
We carry Method's complete selection of popular models at Performance Plus Tire. Our extensive inventory includes various sizes and finishes to match your specific vehicle requirements.
True beadlock wheels use a mechanical clamping system where bolts secure the tire's outer bead through a beadlock ring, maintaining tire attachment regardless of air pressure. Simulated beadlocks provide the aggressive appearance without the mechanical function.
Method's Bead Grip technology offers a practical middle ground. This system provides better bead retention than standard wheels when running lower pressures, without requiring the maintenance that true beadlocks demand. For most off-road enthusiasts, this technology delivers the performance benefits they need.
Method produces wheels in various finishes, with painted gloss options engineered for enhanced wear resistance and corrosion protection. While some users report early corrosion concerns, these cases appear to be exceptions rather than common issues.
Regular cleaning and proper maintenance help preserve wheel finish and extend service life. Method's finish quality generally provides excellent durability when properly cared for.
Hub-centric wheels feature center bores that match your vehicle's hub exactly, creating direct mechanical centering. Most factory wheels use this design. Many aftermarket wheels, including several Method models, are lug-centric, meaning they center through the lug nuts rather than the hub.
You can convert lug-centric wheels to hub-centric performance using aftermarket hub rings. This simple addition provides the centering benefits of hub-centric design while maintaining the flexibility of aftermarket wheel selection.
Method Race Wheels delivers outstanding value for off-road enthusiasts who demand proven performance. These wheels earn their premium pricing through race-tested durability and innovative engineering that works when conditions get extreme. Eight Baja 1000 Trophy Truck victories and multiple Dakar Rally championships demonstrate real-world reliability that matters most when you're miles from help.
Method's Bead Grip technology solves a key problem for off-roaders—allowing safe low-pressure driving without the maintenance headaches of traditional beadlocks. This practical innovation gives you the traction benefits you need while keeping things simple.
The lifetime structural warranty backs Method's confidence in their product quality. Smart off-road enthusiasts know that buying quality components once costs less than replacing cheap wheels repeatedly. Method wheels hold their value and performance over years of hard use.
At Performance Plus Tire, we carry the complete Method wheel lineup with various sizes and finishes to match your specific vehicle needs. Our expert team can help you select the right Method wheels for your off-road adventures and ensure proper fitment for optimal performance.
Method Race Wheels has earned their reputation by staying true to racing roots while engineering wheels that work for everyday off-road enthusiasts. These wheels cost more upfront, but they deliver the reliability and performance you need when pushing your vehicle to its limits. For serious off-roaders who won't compromise on quality, Method wheels represent the smart long-term investment.
Method Race Wheels delivers exceptional performance backed by 15+ years of racing victories, including 8 Baja 1000 Trophy Truck wins and proven durability in extreme conditions.
• Method wheels use A356 aluminum with proprietary T6+ heat treatment, creating lighter yet stronger wheels than competitors • Bead Grip technology allows safe low-pressure driving without tire de-beading, bridging standard wheels and beadlocks • Racing-proven durability with 8 Baja 1000 victories and lifetime structural warranty backs their premium pricing • Popular MR305 model offers simulated beadlock styling with load ratings up to 4,500 pounds per wheel • Premium investment justified by superior materials, extensive testing, and exceptional long-term reliability reports
Method's authentic racing heritage and engineering excellence make them the top choice for serious off-roaders who demand performance where it matters most—pushing limits in the harshest terrain.
Method Wheels are engineered for exceptional durability in harsh off-road environments. Made from solid A356 aluminum with proprietary T6 heat treatment, they offer superior strength while remaining lightweight. Their performance has been proven through multiple victories in grueling races like the Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally.
Method's patented Bead Grip technology provides enhanced tire retention at lower air pressures compared to conventional wheels. This allows off-road enthusiasts to safely air down their tires for improved traction and ride quality on challenging terrain, bridging the gap between standard wheels and beadlocks.
Yes, Method Wheels are compatible with various tire types, including light truck and E-rated tires. Many users report successfully using them with brands like BFGoodrich, Falken, and Toyo in sizes ranging from 33" to 37". The wheels' design accommodates different tire constructions while maintaining performance.
Method Wheels stand out for their race-proven performance, innovative features like Bead Grip technology, and lightweight yet durable construction. While other brands may offer aggressive styling or heavy-duty options, Method's focus on engineering and real-world testing results in wheels that excel in extreme off-road conditions.
Method Race Wheels provides a lifetime structural warranty on their products, demonstrating confidence in their durability and quality. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser, offering peace of mind for those investing in premium off-road wheels.
