RAYS Volk Racing vs Gram Lights: Which Wheels Suit You?
RAYS offers two of the best-known Japanese performance wheel families: Volk Racing and Gram Lights. Both sit under the RAYS brand, but they are not the same product line and they are manufactured differently.
Short answer: Volk Racing is RAYS’ forged sport-wheel line, while Gram Lights is its performance cast-wheel line. The right choice depends on your budget, preferred model, available fitment and the exact wheel specification your car needs.
Volk Racing vs Gram Lights at a glance
| Category | Volk Racing | Gram Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Construction focus | Forged sport wheels | Performance cast wheels |
| Popular HausofWheels models | TE37, remaining CE28SL stock | 57DR, 57CR, 57NR, 57XR |
| Common shopping priority | Forged construction, motorsport heritage, premium specification | Performance-focused designs, wider model choice and more accessible pricing |
| Fitment | Depends on exact size, width, offset, PCD and brake clearance | Depends on exact size, width, offset, PCD and brake clearance |
What is RAYS Volk Racing?
RAYS describes Volk Racing as its forged sport-wheel brand. The range includes the long-running TE37 family and other forged models developed around low weight, strength and motorsport use.
At HausofWheels, the most searched Volk Racing model is the TE37. Current stock can include different TE37 variants, sizes, offsets and finishes, so the model name alone is not enough to confirm fitment.
If you are shopping for a Toyota GR86 or Subaru BRZ, compare our TE37 17 vs 18 inch guide before choosing a size. You can also browse the broader RAYS Volk Racing collection.
What is RAYS Gram Lights?
RAYS positions Gram Lights as a performance casting line. Current models such as the 57DR and 57NR are listed by RAYS as cast one-piece wheels, with the range focused on motorsport-inspired designs and a broad spread of fitments.
Popular HausofWheels Gram Lights collections include:
The 57DR is especially common across 5x100 and 5x114.3 performance applications. For GR86, BRZ and earlier WRX fitment, see our 57DR 18x9.5 +38 5x100 guide.
Is Volk Racing “better” than Gram Lights?
They serve different buying priorities. Volk Racing gives you forged construction and access to models such as the TE37. Gram Lights gives you a large range of performance-oriented cast designs such as 57DR, 57CR and 57NR.
For many buyers, the better choice is the one available in the correct PCD, width and offset for the car. A wheel from the more expensive product family is not useful if the specification is wrong for the vehicle.
Which is better for a street car?
Both families can suit street cars when the exact specification is appropriate. For a daily-driven car, prioritise correct fitment, sensible tyre sizing, brake clearance and enough inner and outer clearance before choosing between forged and cast construction.
For a GR86 or BRZ, for example, an 18x8 or 18x8.5 wheel can be a more conservative direction than an aggressive 18x9.5 setup, regardless of whether the wheel is Volk Racing or Gram Lights.
Which is better for track use?
Track buyers often place more emphasis on wheel weight, rigidity, tyre support, brake clearance and available replacement specifications. Volk Racing’s forged construction may be attractive for this use, but the complete wheel-and-tyre package still matters more than the brand family alone.
Gram Lights models are also widely used in motorsport environments, and RAYS continues to develop the range around performance applications.
Price: Volk Racing vs Gram Lights
In the current HausofWheels catalogue, Gram Lights sets are generally priced below comparable Volk Racing sets, although exact pricing changes by size, finish, availability and model. Limited finishes and unusual specifications can also affect price.
For the most accurate comparison, browse the current RAYS wheel range rather than relying on an old advertised price.
How to choose the right RAYS wheel
Start with the vehicle and fitment before choosing the model. Confirm:
- PCD
- wheel diameter
- wheel width
- offset
- centre bore and hardware
- brake clearance
- tyre size
- suspension and guard clearance
Then choose between the available Volk Racing and Gram Lights options that suit those requirements.
Browse 5x100 wheels or 5x114.3 wheels, or use our wheel fitment guides if you are shopping by vehicle.
Volk Racing vs Gram Lights FAQ
Are Volk Racing wheels forged?
Volk Racing is RAYS’ forged sport-wheel line. Individual product specifications should still be checked for the exact model being considered.
Are Gram Lights wheels cast?
RAYS describes the Gram Lights line as performance casting, and current models such as 57DR and 57NR are listed as cast one-piece wheels.
Is TE37 a Volk Racing wheel?
Yes. TE37 is part of the RAYS Volk Racing family.
Are 57DR and 57CR Gram Lights wheels?
Yes. 57DR and 57CR are part of the RAYS Gram Lights range.
Which should I buy for my car?
Choose the wheel that matches the correct PCD, width, offset, tyre and brake-clearance requirements for your vehicle. Construction and model preference come after correct fitment.
Manufacturer construction references were checked against the current RAYS product catalogue. Always verify the individual wheel specification and vehicle fitment before ordering.