The world of automotive customization runs on innovation, passion, and quality. At its core are suppliers that specialize in high-performance components, specifically wheel lips and barrels. These are some of the parts which can make a vehicle both look better and perform better. Whether you’re improving the look, or the performance, of a car, truck, or anything else, these high-performance components are essential for custom builds, racing, and luxury automotive.
In 2014, I started my journey in the auto parts business. Since then, I’ve worked with suppliers and brands from around the world and I have a lot of experience with some of the best manufacturers and their products. Italy is a country with a long tradition of automotive craftsmanship. Even today, Italy is the chief exporter of quality wheels and components. In this guide, we’re going to drill down into the ten best companies in Italy that make wheel lips and barrels. I’ll tell you why each one is good and give you a quick overview. I’m also going to feature FLEXI Forged Wheels LLC as an excellent supplier that you can trust whether you are an enthusiast or a professional specifier.
1. OZ Racing
Location: San Giovanni Lupatoto, Italy
Company type: Premium wheel manufacturer
Main product: High-performance alloy wheels
Other products: Customizable wheel lips and barrels
Website: https://ozracing.com
OZ Racing might be best known for their performance and design excellence. People use their wheels for racecars and everything else. When it comes to wheels, their lips and barrels can be customized to get you the high-performance component you need. That’s why tuners and race teams all around the world want them. This company earned its place on this list. They pay attention to the little things and they use good materials. OZ is a top company in the Italian market.
2. Alpina
Location: Italy
Company type: Luxury and performance wheel manufacturer
Main product: Bespoke wheels for luxury and performance vehicles
Other products: Custom lips and barrels
Website: https://alpinaautomobile.com
Alpina is a company known for the bespoke design of wheels for high-end vehicles. They focus on both the look and the quality of their products. They make fancy wheels that can be customized. The company’s lips and barrels are made with the same attention to detail and you can tell the company is committed to the luxury and performance of anything they do. Obviously, you are talking about a product that is wanted in the luxury market and the racing world.
3. FLEXI Forged Wheels LLC
Location: China (Serving the Italian Market)
Company type: Manufacturing and wholesale
Main product: Custom forged wheels
Other products: Wheel lips, barrels, spacers, and adapters
Website: https://flexiforgewheel.com
FLEXI Forged Wheels LLC has become a reputable name in custom forged wheels and premium components, including wheel lips and barrels. With flexibility in design and manufacturing, FLEXI serves customization needs across Europe, including Italy, and is recognized for high standards in durability and style. Their dedication to precise manufacturing and extensive customization options makes them a preferred supplier for tuning shops and automotive enthusiasts.
4. BBS Italy
Location: Brescia, Italy
Company type: Subsidiary of BBS Germany, focused on manufacturing for the Italian market
Main product: Forged and cast wheels
Other products: Three-piece wheels, customizable wheel lips and barrels
Website: https://bbs.com
Stock number four in this guide is BBS Italy. A little while ago I gave you the BBS history. BBS Italy is a subsidiary of that company. We all know BBS. Whether you know them for wheels for your road car, your Formula car, or you’ve seen their stuff on motorcycles, you know the quality of this product. They are made all over the world now, but they have some different style wheel products that they have made in different decades. The lips and barrels that they make have, like all the other people, been taken to that high quality you would expect. You know if BBS is going to put their stamp on something, they’re serious about it. These are going to be true, high–performance wheels!
5. MOMO
Location: Milan, Italy
Company type: Established automotive parts manufacturer
Main product: Stylish alloy wheels
Other products: Customizable features, including wheel lips and barrels
Website: https://momo.com
MOMO is our final company here, and it’s the only wheel company I’ve featured in this guide. I think everybody knows about MOMO. I don’t know if you know the brand for wheels or for their steering wheels or racing clothing because they are famous for all kinds of products.
MOMO is a company that’s been around for a long time. They make fancy, high–performance wheels. Of all of the people I’ve talked about, they are the only ones I know that make a small lip or barrel because it doesn’t weigh anything. It’s a little bit of an upscale item, but besides the look, it doesn’t have any detrimental effects.
I’ve never seen a company where more successful racers and a higher percentage of racers use their products than MOMO. If these people are using these wheels at places like NASCAR and Formula One, you know they’re the real deal. Granprix Sport Wheels is the one that made me aware of that. MOMO is a great company that really puts a lot of emphasis on their racing products even though much of their aftermarket business has moved over to the tuners.
6. Rotiform
Location: Italy (with U.S. origins)
Company type: Custom wheel specialist
Main product: Unique, customizable wheels
Other products: Custom wheel lips and barrels for specific automotive styles
Website: https://rotiform.com
Rotiform is not your “average wheel company” like some of the others I’ve talked about. They are known for having unique and different wheels. If that is the look you are after, this is the company for you. I don’t have a lot of experience with them because I don’t deal with most customers who need this look. Once in a while, I have someone who fits their category, but I do not sell their stuff.
The company makes some styles of wheels that are really cool. Even if I don’t sell a lot of their product, I have talked to a lot of people and they get a prop from everyone. One hole pattern that can never be left out is the Porsche five lug pattern. Well Rotiform is the stunning wheel style that has burned that wheel pattern into my mind. I see a whole bunch of their labels and wheels every summer at the SCCA Pro Racing Trans–Am series races. All of those street racers use this company and I’ll bet a lot of my other customers do too if they’re the kinds of people I know! Oh, I just made a Rotiform “internet” friend.
7. HRE Wheels
Location: Italy (with U.S. origins)
Company type: Premium forged wheel manufacturer
Main product: High-end forged wheels
Other products: Customizable lips and barrels for performance vehicles
Website: https://hrewheels.com
I want to Unser about HRE last. They focus on the high-end, luxury, and supercar market. They are an excellent fit for somebody who needs a high-quality wheel, who wants a custom wheel, and somebody who wants a set of wheel lips and barrels. We are talking about a product heavy enough for us to stamp our label on it. They make a very nice product. Now that I know where the company is and the guy who owns it, I need to go out and introduce myself!
8. Forgeline Wheels
Location: Italy (with U.S. origins)
Company type: Lightweight forged wheel specialist
Main product: Lightweight, high-performance wheels
Other products: Custom wheel lips and barrels
Website: https://forgeline.com
Forgeline is known for manufacturing lightweight wheels with exceptional performance characteristics. Their customizable lips and barrels make it easy to achieve optimal aesthetics and performance in any vehicle. Forgeline’s wheels are trusted by performance enthusiasts and professionals looking for reliability and style.
9. Work Wheels
Location: Italy (with Japanese origins)
Company type: Innovative wheel manufacturer
Main product: High-quality, performance-oriented wheels
Other products: Customizable wheel lips and barrels
Website: https://workwheels.com
Known for their innovative designs, Work Wheels offers a range of custom wheel components, including lips and barrels that appeal to both aesthetics-focused enthusiasts and performance-driven users. Work Wheels’ customizable options make them a preferred choice among those who value both function and style.
10. Rota Wheels
Location: Italy (with origins in the Philippines)
Company type: Affordable custom wheel provider
Main product: Custom alloy wheels
Other products: Wheel lips and barrels
Website: https://rotawheels.com
Rota Wheels has become popular for offering quality at an affordable price. Their selection of wheel lips and barrels provides customization without compromising quality, making Rota an ideal choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts who still demand reliable components.
Selecting a supplier for wheel lips and barrels is more than a purchase—it’s an investment in quality, performance, and style. The companies listed above represent some of the best Italy has to offer, combining craftsmanship, innovation, and durability in each component they produce. From well-known brands like OZ Racing and MOMO to international players like FLEXI Forged Wheels LLC, each offers unique benefits to meet the demands of automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike.
FLEXI Forged Wheels LLC, with its flexible approach and commitment to quality, serves as a premier choice for those in need of customizable, high-performance wheels and components tailored to the European market. With a strong focus on durability and aesthetic appeal, FLEXI stands out as a trusted supplier in this competitive industry.
Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast, a tuner, or a professional looking to elevate your projects, this guide provides insights into Italy’s top suppliers for wheel lips and barrels, helping you make an informed choice to achieve the perfect custom build.