Forged or modular...which is the more desirable (lightest, strongest, etc.)?

[Speedmaster]

I am looking at two sets of wheels - same maker - but one is forged, the other modular. I think the forged ones will be fine, but wanted to ask since I may be missing something.

 

[kennyvb]

They are not mutually exclusive. You can have a modular wheel built from forged components (centers, lip/barrels). Ninety-nine percent of the time, the single-piece forged wheel will be lighter than the modular version because the multi-piece design requires assembly hardware (fasteners like nuts & bolts). Because the one-piece wheel is just that (one-piece), if it's damaged, the entire wheel will need to be replaced (or repaired :X). If you damage a modular wheel, you can disassemble the wheel and replace the damaged component (usually the lip or barrel) without needing to replace every component of the wheel. The modular wheel also allows for greater flexibility of fitment; you can change the width of the barrel, width of the lip, and even "step-up" the lip and barrel to increase the diameter of the wheel. These can change the overall offset of the wheel.

Better explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU3AI7K8IN0

 

[Zoom]

Lightest and strongest is forged monobloc. Note that multipart wheels have heavier weight set on the outside of the rim (fasteners) which has the most impact on inertia momentum.

 

[goldNSX]

The multipart wheels hype dates dates back to 20 years or so. From the manufacturing point of view they offered more flexibility. If you damaged a part you could change only this part if it was still available (and that's the critical point). Multipart wheels can't resist to corrosion esp. in salty regions. If you ever take a multipart wheel apart you are guarratied that it won't be perfectly round when fitted again.

Been there - went through all the steps- lost a lot of nerves and money with them - NEVER buying this junk again if you want something really lasting long.

Multipart wheels are the choice if you have a true SHOW car.

 

[Zoom]

They do look good indeed ~