Forged vs cast vs flow-formed
Which process actually matters, and what you are paying for.
Cast wheels are poured; the grain runs wherever the metal cools. Forged wheels are pressed from solid billet under high tonnage, so the grain follows the shape of the wheel. That is the whole difference, and it is why a forged wheel can be lighter and still carry a higher load rating.
Flow-formed sits in between: a cast centre with a barrel spun and stretched under heat. It is stronger than pure cast and cheaper than forged, and for a street build it is often the sensible answer.
If you are running heavy tyres, carrying load, or driving off pavement, the load rating matters more than the process name. Ask for the rating, not the marketing.
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Separating the real benefits from the marketing.
Load rating: the number to actually check
The spec that decides whether a wheel is safe on your vehicle.