What manufacturer is the original maker of this knockoff wheel?

La Zona ImageryLa Zona Imagery New Wagonist
in Suspension, Braking & Wheels
First off I don't want to get into a debate regarding knockoff wheels. I understand both sides of the debate.

I just want to know if the original manufacturer of the Rota RB style wheel is still producing it? I really like the design, but would prefer to buy from the original manufacturer if possible. If it is not in production any longer, then I will just have to buy the Rota set. Here is what it looks like:

303.jpg

Comments

  • jb2wheelsjb2wheels Wagonist
    Just guessing - Minilites?
    http://minilite.co.uk/products.htm#sport
    http://www.minilitewheels.us/
  • BrIaN_EE4BrIaN_EE4 Wagonist
    Watanabe

    the original is RS Watanabe

    336.jpg
  • greenteagodgreenteagod Moderator
    Yeah I don't know, I mean they look like they take definitely styling cues from there but the blades have a more angular profile to them than the Watanabe did. To me they look like similar to both but not an exact mold copy of either. But I guess if he's just going for close enough then either would work.

    Minilites you can have the benefit of throwing some bucks down and getting them in light weight magnesium. If you're doing anything racing.
  • La Zona ImageryLa Zona Imagery New Wagonist
    Thanks for the info guys. I have some decisions to make. I don't mind paying more for quality wheels, but it seems like they are difficult to source. So I might go with the Rota's. since I can easily source them even on EBAY.
  • greenteagodgreenteagod Moderator
    I don't blame you at all. Rota makes Decent enough wheels anyway, the only real complaint I've seen on them is being fractionally out of round which requires more weight to balance them. But at the price they are, that's to be expected. And it's not anything that would make them unusable, otherwise they'd sell no wheels. If the Rotas get you where you want to be, then go for it. You can always save up for something else later if the car demands require it. And some people have massive collections of wheels, the crazy buggers. I kinda like the look of the Rota over the Watanabe anyway.
  • BrIaN_EE4BrIaN_EE4 Wagonist
    i have a contact in Australia that can get just about any old school wheel that you may be looking for if you are interested

    i honestly don't trust Rota or any replica wheel personally.. i have seen rotas shatter twice on two different occasions and XXR's damn near shatter.. i will only buy quality wheels or any type of part that my life depends on for that matter
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    La Zona Imagery wrote: »
    First off I don't want to get into a debate regarding knockoff wheels. I understand both sides of the debate.

    Fairly sure OP intended the discussion to stay on topic.
  • BrIaN_EE4BrIaN_EE4 Wagonist
    Thats cool, i still stated opinion anyways :encouragement:
  • dukevonDANKdukevonDANK Wagonist
    Sorry to bump an old thread, but I do have something to add.
    Those kind of look like Panasport wheels, like the kind commonly found on vintage mini coopers.
    Never owned a set, but I'm sure they're good and light.
  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    Actually, the Panasport wheel is a knockoff of the original Minilite, which is still manufactured in England. IIRC Panasports are still made in California. Minilites were THE race wheel on '60s-'70s imports.

    In my opinion, the Konig Rewind is a nice-looking version of the style.
  • dove grey 64dove grey 64 Wagonist
    Minilites are the original, even they had various styles of the same wheel like some were jelly bean shaped spokes, then sharper blade types. Watanabe then took inspiration and carried the spokes straight down, rota rkr is the closest copy of Watanabe 8 spokes.
    panasport is kind of a mix of Minilites and watanabe.
    many other copies were made like superlites, ultralites etc and they all changed it up a bit.
    you can order the any of the originals these days including magnesium watas these days online so its not hard buying genuine.
  • Ryanthegreat1Ryanthegreat1 Wagonist
    Banana spokes that's what they are.
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