Ok let me start off with I build my jeep and wheel it.

Now, I really like the look of beadlocks but don't want the hassle they come with compare to basic steel wheels. Plus my steelies are dirt cheap so when or if I damage one bend a rim eyc I can fix or replace

That being said what are the best and most cost effective options for some sort of a rock ring without going to beadlocks.

 

Take a look at the OMF rings. They make some that are non functional, or you can send them your wheels if you want the real deal.

 

Level 8 has a new wheel out with replicable rings. Pretty sweet looking.

 

Not sure what additional hassle you are referring to other than during mounting?

I know some wheels require monthly re-torquing but my Walkers have been spot on for years without any additional maintenance...

 

I had the Mickey Thompson wheels with fake rings I did like the look BUT playing on rocks they'd be bending all the time..... Destroyed them in Moab(easily hammered back but a pain) I now have the Trailready beadlocks(real ones) and love them(put on last week haven't wheeled them yet) see pics below ..... Mickeys in Moab .... Trailready in driveway lol..... If you don't want true beadlocks and just want the look... I'd really consider going to a fabricator and getting them to make rings for you thicker steel rather than the thin fake aluminum and get them welded right onto your rim my buddy did that and it looks great (picture of the TJ)

 

Rugged ridge, Mickey Thompson, Trailready all make a nice Fake beadlock

 

I have a rugged ridge fake beadlock ring and when I put them on all the guys at work thought they were real

 

I have TrailReady and have been very happy with them.