New Wheel Decision - AEV vs. Method

[JWR_Explore]

I am getting a lift on my Gladiator (AEV with HD springs), and I'm trying to decide what wheels to select. I'm going to 35's by the way.

I'm looking at the AEV Salta XR or the Method 703s. Same fitment specs. If I read the other specs correctly, the Methods are 7 lbs lighter per wheel, and have higher load ratings. Price is roughly the same.

A few questions for those with experience about this.
1) Will the weight difference make any difference?
2) Any other factors that I should consider (Other than aesthetics)?
3) Any quality difference between these 2?

Thanks in advance,
John

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[SeaSharp]

I was going to say my next wheels will be the Method Bead Grips, which you chose. I saw them at the expo in the smokeys. Gotta have em!

 

[Badweather]

I'm very happy with my AEV Salta wheels they balanced really well with the Mickey Thompson Bajas for what its worth

 

[Blucid]

Method as a brand, provide quality wheels IMO. I just personally don't like the look of the 703s. I will most likely be doing 35s next year and im leaning towards the AEV Salta XRs as well. When you factor in rotating mass it does change the dynamic a bit, but I mean 7lbs is not too bad.

The load rating is also kinda nice, but I mean only if you are using it for overlanding or equipping it with gear. If you are using it daily and just rock crawling on the weekends not really worth it.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

I went with the AEV Pintlers myself. BUT, I did the JK version as well. I wanted a little bit of poke and with the BF Goodrich KO2 35's I've got one inch of poke. Absolutely perfect for my taste.

 

[JWR_Explore]

Thanks for the input! I'm leaning toward the 703's in bronze for my black gladiator. The Methods just seem like a better wheel based on specs (I do have an AluCab installed). I'm sure both will be fine though.

 

[blau iii]

I went through the same decision process and ended up with the Salta Xrs. They are slightly heavier but with 37's, I don't think it matters at that point. I've had them on for four years and they still clean up great. Method didn't have the same sizing available as AEV when I got mine so it made the decision easier. The AEV wheels leave just the shoulder of the tire poking out.

 

[AustyPosty]

Assuming prices are similar, the bead grip technology is worth it alone. Although I do prefer the way AEVs wheels look more.

 

[antwon412]

Method. Lighter, more wheel design options, bead grip technology.

 

[Lukasz]

I am getting a lift on my Gladiator (AEV with HD springs), and I'm trying to decide what wheels to select. I'm going to 35's by the way.

I'm looking at the AEV Salta XR or the Method 703s. Same fitment specs. If I read the other specs correctly, the Methods are 7 lbs lighter per wheel, and have higher load ratings. Price is roughly the same.

A few questions for those with experience about this.
1) Will the weight difference make any difference?
2) Any other factors that I should consider (Other than aesthetics)?
3) Any quality difference between these 2?

Thanks in advance,
John

I was making the same decision last year. AEV makes quality stuff but I went with 703s because of:
- the weight difference - every pound of rotational mass matters,
- bead grip technology - it actually makes a difference when you air down,
- brake caliper clearance - my big brake kit wouldn't fit any 17" AEV rims.

I also talked to AEV people at Overland Expo Mountain West about their wheels and they seemed to be annoyed with my questions. Not sure if AEV cares about the retail customer as much as they used to now that they have all of these contracts with OEMs including Chevy and Jeep.
I may be completely wrong about this, but that's the impression I got.

Hope this helps.

 

[Silverator]

Thanks for the input! I'm leaning toward the 703's in bronze for my black gladiator. The Methods just seem like a better wheel based on specs (I do have an AluCab installed). I'm sure both will be fine though.

I was considering both those wheels as well. I could never really bond with the look of the AEV's. Plus the weight. That pushed me towards the 703's. The bead grip tech is really what sold me. Running 35x11.50R17 Toyo's. I still got a bit more poke than I wanted, but very happy with the wheels. One thing to be aware of - the 703's in various colors do not have all the offset options. I wanted +25 to pull the tires in, and the matte blacks were the only color that had that option. At least a few months ago.... Good luck with it!!

 

[Viper501]

I have the AEV Borahs and really like them. They do beadlock, but I just have the cosmetic rings since I don’t really care for my use case.

Is Method part of the hoonigan bankruptcy?

Rotational mass matters. From a percentage standpoint it’s relatively low but it will ‘matter’. Whether you can tell when you are driving is another question.

 

[JWR_Explore]

Thanks again for the input.

I went ahead and ordered the 703's in bronze, +25 offset. I'm waiting for the lift kit to arrive and get installed along with the wheel installation. I'll post pics once complete.

 

[Green_Gladiator]

I went ahead and ordered the 703's in bronze, +25 offset.

Excellent wheel & color choice

 

[aFatBird]

Is Method part of the hoonigan bankruptcy?

No

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