503Alex
01-28-2009, 06:31 PM
Here's a review by Tim on D2Forged wheels:
Originally Posted by 503Tim
So after I accidentally mixed up D2Forged with D-Forged (I am not a fan of D-Forged quality and obviously easy to confuse) I was asked by Derrick Williams, President of D2Forged, to check out the product and give my honest opinions or as I will call them the UPS and DOWNS. Well I have been buying and selling custom wheels in one way or another for about 14 years and I feel that I have pretty good idea of what is good and bad so I took the offer. Derrick promised me a wheel right away and it arrived today via UPS.
(All Photos taken with Leica D-LUX 3)
Now this wheel is sent to me as a display unit and I am not sure how far into production they are so I will start with:
DOWNS
The packaging was a bit loose and I would be afraid that after UPS gets their hands on it there could be some damage resulting in lost time and possible revenue, these are already on the three-piece waiting list average of 3-4 weeks. So I would hope that as they grow and prosper these details would be looked at first and a good solid packaging with brand recognition be put in place.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020344.jpg
Upon initial inspection I found quite a few shavings from the milling process that were still on the back of the wheel and static clinged to the barrel. A great pre-ship inspection is needed to insure end user satisfaction.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020342.jpg
I also noticed that there were a lot of tool marks on the assembly hardware which discerning clientele may find off putting.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020341.jpg
On the face of the wheel there is a small amount of pitting that could either be in the aluminum or in the clear final coat, but this was right on the face.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020335.jpg
These are all extremely easy to fix and minor to some but I feel they are worth noting. With that said let's get on to the UP's......
UP's
The initial stand back impression of this wheel is that it is fantastic. Nice clean style though seen in many other manufactures lines is still an easy sell and timeless in my opinion.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020330.jpg
The fit and of the components is excellent and milling is far above standards. Notice the polished inner windows, this was all consistent and excellent.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020336.jpg
Again, attention to detail in the milling process is nice and while some clients may not like the tag on the wheel spoke I feel that it actually adds a bit to this wheel and is executed very nicely.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020332.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020334.jpg
The chrome plating on the barrels is flawless and bright and while I may assume that these are outsourced it is still a wise decision in vendor for your final product.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020337.jpg
One of my favorite aspects of D2FORGED line is the Aluminum center cap. Very nice touch and again great attention to detail here.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020331.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020339.jpg
So my final impression is that this is a company with their eye on the prize. The quality is there and with a few tweaks of the packaging and final quality control I certainly see them being a contender in the crazy market that is the aftermarket wheel industry. Thanks again to Derrick for sending out the product and allowing me to do an Ups and Downs review for the L4P Community.
Here is some information from Derrick Williams with D2Forged, some interesting information on the wheels they produce.
-Hubcentric Build (no hubrings)
-TPMS acceptance
-6061-T6 Forged Aluminum
-Fully Forged Construction (center and barrels) -Weight Starting at 22lbs in 19"
(Exact weight varies based on fitment type) -Built by Materials 100% Made in the USA
-3-4 Week Average Lead Time
-2 Piece Modular Construction available
-Seal of Authenticity on EACH wheel, with serial number.
-Engraved Metal center caps (free with the first 100sets sold, a $250.00 dollar value) -D2FORGED's Exclusive "Bespoke Program" - Configure your own wheel finish combination
An additional benefit of owning D2FORGED wheels, the first 100 sets sold will include a complementary 13month Membership to the Autolife Emergency Services - Roadside Assistance Program. (Specifically targeted towards Sports and Luxury Vehicles).
As far as fitment is concerned, we have over 20 years combined experience and have measurement / fitment data on almost every mass produced vehicle, from Porsche, to Viper to Prowler to Bugatti Veyron (that's not a joke, we really have measured the Veyron). So most any car on L4P we can ensure proper fitment.
In the short time since our public introduction we have wheels fitted and installed on Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Corvette Z06-TT, Lexus ISF, Lexus GS, and Porsche 997tt vehicles.
A partial list Vehicles we would like to fit with wheels for promotional
purposes:
(partial)
AUDI R8
FERRARI SCUDERIA
LAMBORGHINI LP640
FORD GT
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
ASTON MARTIN DBS
BENTLEY GT SPEED
White BMW M6 recently returned from body shop..... (wink wink!)
Originally Posted by 503Tim
So after I accidentally mixed up D2Forged with D-Forged (I am not a fan of D-Forged quality and obviously easy to confuse) I was asked by Derrick Williams, President of D2Forged, to check out the product and give my honest opinions or as I will call them the UPS and DOWNS. Well I have been buying and selling custom wheels in one way or another for about 14 years and I feel that I have pretty good idea of what is good and bad so I took the offer. Derrick promised me a wheel right away and it arrived today via UPS.
(All Photos taken with Leica D-LUX 3)
Now this wheel is sent to me as a display unit and I am not sure how far into production they are so I will start with:
DOWNS
The packaging was a bit loose and I would be afraid that after UPS gets their hands on it there could be some damage resulting in lost time and possible revenue, these are already on the three-piece waiting list average of 3-4 weeks. So I would hope that as they grow and prosper these details would be looked at first and a good solid packaging with brand recognition be put in place.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020344.jpg
Upon initial inspection I found quite a few shavings from the milling process that were still on the back of the wheel and static clinged to the barrel. A great pre-ship inspection is needed to insure end user satisfaction.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020342.jpg
I also noticed that there were a lot of tool marks on the assembly hardware which discerning clientele may find off putting.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020341.jpg
On the face of the wheel there is a small amount of pitting that could either be in the aluminum or in the clear final coat, but this was right on the face.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020335.jpg
These are all extremely easy to fix and minor to some but I feel they are worth noting. With that said let's get on to the UP's......
UP's
The initial stand back impression of this wheel is that it is fantastic. Nice clean style though seen in many other manufactures lines is still an easy sell and timeless in my opinion.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020330.jpg
The fit and of the components is excellent and milling is far above standards. Notice the polished inner windows, this was all consistent and excellent.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020336.jpg
Again, attention to detail in the milling process is nice and while some clients may not like the tag on the wheel spoke I feel that it actually adds a bit to this wheel and is executed very nicely.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020332.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020334.jpg
The chrome plating on the barrels is flawless and bright and while I may assume that these are outsourced it is still a wise decision in vendor for your final product.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020337.jpg
One of my favorite aspects of D2FORGED line is the Aluminum center cap. Very nice touch and again great attention to detail here.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020331.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/503motoring/Wheels/L1020339.jpg
So my final impression is that this is a company with their eye on the prize. The quality is there and with a few tweaks of the packaging and final quality control I certainly see them being a contender in the crazy market that is the aftermarket wheel industry. Thanks again to Derrick for sending out the product and allowing me to do an Ups and Downs review for the L4P Community.
Here is some information from Derrick Williams with D2Forged, some interesting information on the wheels they produce.
-Hubcentric Build (no hubrings)
-TPMS acceptance
-6061-T6 Forged Aluminum
-Fully Forged Construction (center and barrels) -Weight Starting at 22lbs in 19"
(Exact weight varies based on fitment type) -Built by Materials 100% Made in the USA
-3-4 Week Average Lead Time
-2 Piece Modular Construction available
-Seal of Authenticity on EACH wheel, with serial number.
-Engraved Metal center caps (free with the first 100sets sold, a $250.00 dollar value) -D2FORGED's Exclusive "Bespoke Program" - Configure your own wheel finish combination
An additional benefit of owning D2FORGED wheels, the first 100 sets sold will include a complementary 13month Membership to the Autolife Emergency Services - Roadside Assistance Program. (Specifically targeted towards Sports and Luxury Vehicles).
As far as fitment is concerned, we have over 20 years combined experience and have measurement / fitment data on almost every mass produced vehicle, from Porsche, to Viper to Prowler to Bugatti Veyron (that's not a joke, we really have measured the Veyron). So most any car on L4P we can ensure proper fitment.
In the short time since our public introduction we have wheels fitted and installed on Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Corvette Z06-TT, Lexus ISF, Lexus GS, and Porsche 997tt vehicles.
A partial list Vehicles we would like to fit with wheels for promotional
purposes:
(partial)
AUDI R8
FERRARI SCUDERIA
LAMBORGHINI LP640
FORD GT
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
ASTON MARTIN DBS
BENTLEY GT SPEED
White BMW M6 recently returned from body shop..... (wink wink!)