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Ion Alloy Wheels (Rims) Review- Are they any good?

Ion Alloy is one of the very few wheel brands that rose to fame in a short period of time. In the 20 years since its launch, Ion Alloy has made its place among the leading wheel manufacturing brands, and won the hearts of many truck and SUV drivers.

Ion Wheel’s superiority over other brands lies in the innovation and creativity with which the products are designed alongside the overwhelming versatility. So whether you are inclined towards basic, traditional wheels or oversized fancy ones, you are sure to find something for your taste with Ion Alloy.

Aesthetics:

If you want your vehicle to turn heads wherever it goes, Ion Alloy is sure to serve you. It offers a myriad of traditional as well as unique designs, and interestingly, a fine mixture of both too.

Special attention is paid to the finish and outer coatings, which come in different types ranging from matte and satin black to glossy and chrome. The neatness and uniformity of the finish of these wheels is outstanding, and results in a magnificent outlook.

Although a number of different designs are available, the oval cutout patterns of Ion wheels are particularly popular. These have, over the years, become a signature for Ion Wheels and their uniqueness is not shared by any brand, as of now.

Performance:

Ion Alloy wheels are no less in terms of performance either. They are designed to be versatile and provide a satisfactory performance in both off-road conditions and on paved roads.

Ion wheels are built to be tough and equally capable for high speeds, which is a great advantage. Moreover, they have terrific load capacities of up to 3300 pounds, which makes them best fitted for towing and heavy duty purposes.

Nonetheless, it should be kept in mind that the unique construction of these wheels results in a slight compromise on stability, and they should be carefully monitored to prevent cracking under poor driving conditions.

Durability:

Ion Alloy wheels are designed and manufactured in the U.S which can not be said for most of the options available today. Since Ion wheels are designed for bulky vehicles and unfriendly conditions, they are manufactured to be resilient and tough.

The material used in their making is cast or forged aluminum, which is known for its durability and rust-resistance. The frame of these wheels is thick yet lightweight, and highly capable of surviving under stress.

However, if you intend to drive on very hard and rocky surfaces, these wheels might not be able to take the assault for extended periods of time and you might consider diving into other options. In Ion Alloy’s defense, the finish of most wheels by Ion is long-lasting and easy to clean and maintain.

Sizes and Configurations:

Ion Alloy specializes in producing rims for trucks, jeeps and SUVs. Under this category, however, a diverse range of sizes and configurations is available, with a plethora of bolt patterns.

Most series of Ion Alloy offer products ranging from 14 to 20 inches. The widths also generally lie between 6 to 10 inches. A great quality of Ion wheels that makes them different from other brands is that they are mostly light weight, averaging at around 20 pounds. The bolts are arranged in patterns of 5 to 8 holes.

Price and Value:

Ion Alloy comes under the roof of budget friendly brands, with a cost range that is almost one half lower than that of established brands such as American Racing. Its well-liked rims retail at prices as low as $104 and rise up to about 240$ for most models.

Considering the great quality and off-road potential, it is fairly obvious that Ion wheels offer an excellent value for your money with a standard at par with the likes of other famous brands such as Mickey Thompson.

Best Products by Ion Alloy:

1. Ion Alloy 171

The very odd but unique Ion Alloy 171 is one of their top sellers and also my absolute favorite. Its graceful shiny finish and oversized stepped lip can instantly transform the entire appearance of your vehicle. Three finishes are available; matte black, black/machine lip and a polished silver one.

This wheel is made from aluminum alloy that guarantees strength and durability. Moreover, it has wide, oval cutouts that not only add to its aesthetic appeal, but also allows for easy cleaning, making your vehicle look tough and tidy at all times.

This wheel has also been featured in our article Best wheels for FJ Cruiser.

2. Ion Alloy 174 Black Beadlock Wheel

Although a simulated beadlock wheel, Ion Alloy 174 is a complete wheel in every aspect. Designed to be an all-rounder and to fit all sorts of SUVs and trucks, it does not suffer in any sphere.

The black and silver machined lip combination on the exterior is exceptionally attractive and the raised center cap platform imparts it a unique and a signature look. The very attractive push-thru center cap serves to complete the look and impart functionality at the same time.

We have an entire dedicated review of this magnificent wheel.

2. Ion Alloy 179

Ion Alloy 179 serves to deliver a menacing and rugged look to your SUV or truck. The flattened faintly stepped spokes wrapped in an intimidating matte black finish get that job done perfectly well.

This wheel is manufactured using high quality cast aluminum that makes it robust and durable. Furthermore, it has a tremendous load capacity which makes it ideal for heavy duty tasks.

3. Ion Alloy 141

The Ion Alloy 141 is one of the few wheels that the company offers that does not sport the signature oval-cutout design that Ion Wheels has become known for. The rather mainstream design has some of its own unique design elements to make it stand out.

It has that coveted and rare 8-spoke wheel design with machined details on each spoke alongwith machined rivets on the lip of the wheel. Being another SUV/truck wheel, it comes in two appropriate finishes for larger vehicles; black with milled spokes or a chrome finish.

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