Looking for the pros and cons of machined face wheels (rubicon moabs) vs painted wheels (x moabs). I currently have the x moabs but am looking to get some rubi takeoffs. Not sure if I should run the rubi wheels as well or move the tires to my painted moabs. Does one hold up better than another?

Thanks

 

I think the machined ones a just a little shinier, and that's about it!

 

The machined face wheels look alot nicer IMO, but they are only clear coated and if you live in an area where they use alot of salt/magnesium chloride on the roads during the winters you will more than likely notice the ill effects of the salt, etc on your wheels (salt gets up into small imperfections on the clear coat causing corrosion). The painted wheels seem to hold up to the salt and what not much better.

 

thanks for the info!

 

I think that will happen regardless of where you live. I have one on my spare. Tire has never hit the ground. No harsh winters so, no road salt. And it is showing some corrosion/lifting of the clear coat. It looks like little white worms and travels under the clear. Like this>

The painted ones, while not quite as "shiny", last longer without corrosion since a primer is used under the paint.

 

I have both on my Rubicon - I prefer the painted ones. The machined scratch very easily and corrode, the painted seem to be holding up better. I'll be painting my machined wheels eventually.

For a Mall crawler, the machined are nicer, just not off road.