Tyre Genie Wheels - Is this a LEGITIMATE or BOGUS vendor?

[Treemagnet]

Was searching for a used set of Carrera Sport Wheels to use on our 2022 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 and discovered a vendor on eBay called Tyre Genie. They purportedly sell very similar wheel sets that are supposed to be forged at a very reasonable price...perhaps too reasonable, which makes me wonder whether it's a ruse or, at best, a cheaply manufactured inferior product.

Tire Genie ( https://geniepowered.com.au/ ) claims to be a high quality manufacturer based in Sydney, Australia, with manufacturing plants in the USA, Japan, Italy and Australia. I'm considering ordering one of the following three wheelsets:

https://geniepowered.com.au/wheels/porsche/pc224/ (which looks like a Carrera Sport Wheel knockoff)
https://geniepowered.com.au/wheels/porsche/pn226/
https://geniepowered.com.au/wheels/porsche/pn224/

Some of Tyre Genie's eBay Listings:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/312747511504?h ... Swq0tdmKLg
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313381745983?h ... OSwAIddZq5
https://www.ebay.com/itm/312818429604?h ... SwWplfhaQM
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313808421385?h ... R5yQs96WYQ

I suppose I could order from Tyre Genie on eBay and at least that might safeguard the purchase. Regardless, I would never be able to determine whether they were a poor cast imitation or an actual high quality forged product, as they claim. Would love to hear from anyone who has any information regarding this vendor, especially those having experience with Tyre Genie's product, reputation, or local knowledge of their business in Sydney Australia.

Thank you!

Edit: Tried to correct eBay links, but the edits reverted to the old bad links.

[blueline]

Intriguing, but like you I wonder if they are as good as the company claims. They make no bones about low pricing with their home page banner touting "MASSIVE Discount On All Wheels". As to the forged wheels they sell, it's a good sign I think if they are in fact made from T6-6061. But then again, how does one know for sure? I couldn't tell by having one in front of me.

GeniePowered has a big internet search presence which is both good and bad I guess, and a quick glance indicates that they have a huge selection of wheels, forged and otherwise. Some of the wheel designs I saw are kind of odd which is a bit of a red flag for me, but others are ok looking. Supposedly the company has been around since 1988. However, they appear to be just a retailer since the wheels I glanced at on their website say "Product Origin Salerno, Italy" on the specs tabs. That's where the manufacturer apparently is but exactly who is it?

I've seen several other brands/retailers like this over recent years for wheels at discounted prices. I think there a few no-name contract manufacturers around the globe (mostly in China) who make and brand products for anyone who wants to be a retailer. A bigger concern might be durability, quality and, most importantly, safety. I'd be leery if high performance driving was in the cards but again, who really knows?

I do have a gut feeling that one would probably be ok for regular driving use but if there was an issue of any kind, getting things rectified might be a herculean task. Guess you weigh that against the big savings.

By the way, your eBay links did not work for me. Here is their eBay storefront:

https://www.ebay.com.au/str/Tyre-Genie

[Treemagnet]

Intriguing, but like you I wonder if they are as good as the company claims. They make no bones about low pricing with their home page banner touting "MASSIVE Discount On All Wheels". As to the forged wheels they sell, it's a good sign I think if they are in fact made from T6-6061. But then again, how does one know for sure? I couldn't tell by having one in front of me.

GeniePowered has a big internet search presence which is both good and bad I guess, and a quick glance indicates that they have a huge selection of wheels, forged and otherwise. Some of the wheel designs I saw are kind of odd which is a bit of a red flag for me, but others are ok looking. Supposedly the company has been around since 1988. However, they appear to be just a retailer since the wheels I glanced at on their website say "Product Origin Salerno, Italy" on the specs tabs. That's where the manufacturer apparently is but exactly who is it?

I've seen several other brands/retailers like this over recent years for wheels at discounted prices. I think there a few no-name contract manufacturers around the globe (mostly in China) who make and brand products for anyone who wants to be a retailer. A bigger concern might be durability, quality and, most importantly, safety. I'd be leery if high performance driving was in the cards but again, who really knows?

I do have a gut feeling that one would probably be ok for regular driving use but if there was an issue of any kind, getting things rectified might be a herculean task. Guess you weigh that against the big savings.

By the way, your eBay links did not work for me. Here is their eBay storefront:

https://www.ebay.com.au/str/Tyre-Genie

Excellent concerns and questions, especially the safety issue. The plan was to use the Tyre Genie wheels on road, and my Turbo wheels on track and as backups if anything were to happen to the Tyre Genie wheels.

What I find most difficult to believe is no one in any of the forums I've posted (Carpokes, Rennlist, Planet-9, 718 Forum) has mentioned they had heard of this company, much less owned one of their products...those factors alone gives me pause regarding legitimacy.

Thanks for your feedback!

[Treemagnet]

For whatever reason the eBay links don't seem to work once posted to this thread. However, placing the item number in the eBay search field will bring up the item, then clicking on the item opens the page.

eBay item numbers:

• 312747511504
  • 313381745983
    • 312818429604
      • 313808421385

[blueline]

@Treemagnet

Using the Tyre-Genie/GeniePowered wheels in the manner you've indicated seems a good way to proceed. The prices are certainly fantastic and if the wheels are good (as I think they may be), then it's a great alternative.

If you do purchase a set, please post pics, info, and feedback after you've had time to inspect and use them.

[blueline]

For whatever reason the eBay links don't seem to work once posted to this thread. However, placing the item number in the eBay search field will bring up the item, then clicking on the item opens the page.

eBay item numbers:

• 312747511504
  • 313381745983
    • 312818429604
      • 313808421385

I looked at the ones you picked out at eBay - all look to be good wheels. I most like the first item (set 312747511504).

They apparently ship from Salerno - it's a long lead time before estimated arrival but free shipping helps. Also, wheels are priced in Australian currency, so there is the conversion issue to consider. No idea how that works with eBay but my experience elsewhere outside of US has been smooth. Dollar is strong now too so that might help lower the cost, depending on strength of their currency vs U.S.

There's a boilerplate eBay warning concerning potential customs issues and fees, although that should not be a problem. (I've watched some of Nat Geo's "To Catch A Smuggler" TV series so that's in the back of my mind! Hah!)