Published on January 14th, 2016 | by Joe
0DWT Stealth ATV / UTV Wheels Test: WITH VIDEO
A strong, affordable, cast aluminum wheel made here in the USA.
There are many reasons to switch out your ATV’s wheels: for looks, for strength, for competition, and more. Many base model ATVs come equipped with lackluster steel wheels. They’re reasonably light, but they bend pretty easily and don’t lend themselves much to the overall appearance of the machine.
With a project in the works to modernize our older Grizzly 700, we wanted to switch to a set of wheels that would add some style and strength without breaking the bank. In 2014, Yamaha widened the Grizzly’s track 2”. To add some width and stability to our Grizzly, we ditched the stock 5+1 and 5 ½+2” offset 12” steel wheels for a set of 4+3 “ offset, 12” Stealth Wheels from DWT.
Technical Stuff
The DWT Stealth Wheels added a little over 2” of width to our machine. They’re made in the USA of cast aluminum, heat-treated for enhanced strength. They feature a machined black finish and molded-in center cap providing a clean, refined appearance. Their machined center provides the same striking look as the billet center on DWT’s 3-piece Sector beadlock wheels at a much more affordable price. The Stealth Wheels weigh a bit more than DWT’s proven, Ultimate Sport Utility Wheels. However, their added weight comes with enhanced strength and appearance. Valve stems come pre-installed from DWT, so just add tires and they’re ready to go.
The Test
With the DWT Stealth Wheels wrapped in a set of DWT Moapa tires, we headed out to the versatile terrain of Haspin Acres Off-Road Park located in Laurel, Indiana to put them to the test. The Stealth Wheels enhance the appearance of the Grizzly without sacrificing practicality in search of over-the-top appearance. The machined center looks sharp, while remaining closed off enough that they don’t easily collect branches or kicked-up rocks.
After several days of aggressive sport riding and repeated rocky climbs and descents, there are no bends or dents to report. We roosted around in some sandy, rocky sections where the Stealth Wheels’ black, powder coat finish proved to be pretty tough when it comes to resisting scratch damage from flying rocks.
The added offset of the Stealth Wheels provided the added stability for side hills and corners we were looking for. On our non-power steering Grizzly, the added wheel offset comes with a manageable increase in steering effort and bump feedback. This would be even less noticeable on a machine with power steering, but any time you use a wider offset wheel, steering effort will increase somewhat. Overall, we felt the wheels’ added offset was a big win for our Grizzly’s handling.
The Bottom Line
Based on our experience, the Stealth Wheels’ thick aluminum construction, and DWT’s long standing reputation for building extremely durable, top-quality aluminum wheels, we’re confident in the Stealth wheels’ build quality. They’re far nicer looking than a blaze steel wheel without sacrificing function for form. If you want an over-the-top looking wheel, DWT has other models that will have you covered. For a clean, classy looking wheel at a reasonable price, DWT’s Stealth wheels fit the bill nicely.
Manufacturer: DWT
Product:Stealth Wheels
Price: See Dealer
Contact: http://www.dwtracing.com/
DWT Stealth ATV / UTV Wheels Rating
Summary: Based on our experience, the Stealth Wheels’ thick aluminum construction, and DWT’s long standing reputation for building extremely durable, top-quality aluminum wheels, we’re confident in the Stealth wheels’ build quality. They’re far nicer looking than a blaze steel wheel without sacrificing function for form. If you want an over-the-top looking wheel, DWT has other models that will have you covered. For a clean, classy looking wheel at a reasonable price, DWT’s Stealth wheels fit the bill nicely.