Return of the Regamaster - Desmond Regamaster Evo II

[tb13]

The Regamaster is back!

I'm sure some of you have seen posts on floating around the internet about the new Regamaster EVO II. I was pretty shocked to see them and really was skeptical at first, but its all legit and the Regamaster is making a glorious come back this year.

I was actually able to go check them out in person, the new owner of Desmond is local here in Arizona so I swung by to check out the EVO II a few days ago. I snapped a few pictures of the 18x10.5 +22 version he had set out and man, they are incredible. These follow the original formula of the Regamaster EVO with some slight changes, changes that the owner states were made to "modernize" the wheel. Main styling differences are the center section and lip design, while I liked the originals step lip, this new look is a win in my book. It really does stick to the old aesthetic while bringing the wheel into 2018.

Here is a 18x10.5 +22 he had out to look at. The wheel is insanely light, this model he did not have an exact weight on, but the 18x9.5 +45 weights in at 17.6lbs. The finish is perfect and the stickers are actually being made in the same place that made them 15+ years ago using better materials to ensure longevity. These new wheels are also forged in Japan, not in Russia like the originals. Currently only 18's are available for order in limited quantities, but I was told 17's are slated for later this year in sizing that would be perfect for Schassis owners

https://i.imgur.com/aZj4R03h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/imM2HIlh.jpg

I ended up putting a deposit on a set for my WRX while I was there, will report back once they land in the states.

What do you guys think about the new look? Would you rock a set? Do you think these will kill the market for the OG Regas floating around? More info is available here: DesmondWheels.com (http://desmondwheels.com/)

[NextTimeJr]

Interesting, I like these much more then the over saturated Volks. But in saying that, with the reproduction of regas they may become the generic forged wheels in the future.

Never quite seen the price of OG regas on the market but for that price of ~$2900 it would be a toss up of whether or not to just ball out on some three pieces (my favs: vsxx, vskf) or snag these.


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[tuzzio]

I think this is awesome, although, way to expensive for a monoblock IMO.

Also, very surprised with the lack of sizing.

[tb13]

Interesting, I like these much more then the over saturated Volks. But in saying that, with the reproduction of regas they may become the generic forged wheels in the future.

Never quite seen the price of OG regas on the market but for that price of ~$2900 it would be a toss up of whether or not to just ball out on some three pieces (my favs: vsxx, vskf) or snag these.

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There have been others that have tried to copy the Regamaster, but this is not the case with this re-release. These are the real deal carrying the original name and are properly forged monoblock wheels.

I've always though OG pricing was nuts, but its all about supply and demand and they are still great wheels. I wouldn't compare these to a three piece wheel, these weight half of what any three piece wheel would.

I think this is awesome, although, way to expensive for a monoblock IMO.

Also, very surprised with the lack of sizing.

The pricing is steep for sure, but its pretty much on par with other monoblock forged wheels.

The sizing is odd, I think its because they first batch is quite small and the owner of Desmond is a Honda guy. The 18x9.5 +45 is meant for the Civic Type-R and the 18x10 +35 is NSX rear fitment. I was told this batch is only 60 sets total, about 12 sets of each color/pcd per size. When I asked about future batches he said there will be significantly more sets and more sizes as he feels out the demand.

[NextTimeJr]

I totally understand that a forged monoblock can’t be compared to a three piece, all I was getting at is if I were to spend that kind of money I would buy three piece. I don’t race or do time attack so the weight of the wheel wouldn’t phase me, just looking for something that I like and looks good on my car.

In saying that, the rega is probably the best looking forged wheel out there imo so it will be cool too see where this goes.


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[simmode1]

I dunno man, I've never cared about this wheel. I've always associated it with Hondas & Civics. I've always been more of an LMGT4 kinda guy if we're talking forged monoblock wheels. Advan TC, Enkei RP03, FN01RCs, anything 5 spoke & concave gets me hot.

[!Zar!]

Regamasters are dope.

With the new lip design, I'm sure the 18s will look bigger than the old ones on car.

[tb13]

I dunno man, I've never cared about this wheel. I've always associated it with Hondas & Civics. I've always been more of an LMGT4 kinda guy if we're talking forged monoblock wheels. Advan TC, Enkei RP03, FN01RCs, anything 5 spoke & concave gets me hot.

Yeah the old SPOON version of the Regamaster has been copied and you'll find them on Honda's everywhere. They are insanely played out in the older Honda world.

The Advan TC III is one of my favorite wheels ever, I was so close to ordering a set before these popped up. The concave spoke design with the deep center section looks incredible.

Regamasters are dope.

With the new lip design, I'm sure the 18s will look bigger than the old ones on car.

Funny you mention that, when I was talking with the owner he said that a larger face was the main design reason behind ditching the step lip. I am really interested to see how it looks on the 17in version when those are released.

[gbaby2089]

Yeah the current sizing is definitely a result of the new FK8 Civic Type R.

I'm not sure how to feel about this. These aren't made or designed by the folks who made the originals? ICB just bought the name (if even that) and farmed them out to a manufacturer?

[tb13]

Yeah the current sizing is definitely a result of the new FK8 Civic Type R.

I'm not sure how to feel about this. These aren't made or designed by the folks who made the originals? ICB just bought the name (if even that) and farmed them out to a manufacturer?

ICB seems mainly Honda focused so it makes since he would bring them back in a size that fits the newest and "hottest" :keke: Honda out.

From what I gathered from our chat the new owner has been in the process of acquiring all of Desmond's IP for quite some time, he finalized everything and used the original designs to design the EVO II. He seemed really passionate about bringing the wheels back the right way by not cutting corners and while they are not made in Russia anymore, thats probably not a bad thing. The originals made in Russia are known for their light weight, but also for cracking. As long as the company building the EVO II, TWS Forged wheels, knows how to properly build a forged monoblock wheel, these should be far superior to the OG Regas.

[gbaby2089]

TWS supplies the Zent GT500 team.

Shoot, these good.

[Kviper52]

nvm figured it out

[Citrus]

I'm on the fence, I wouldn't say I love it or hate it.

Step lip + forged monoblock is what makes the Regamaster king of the 1990's wheels. In a way, I suppose this is a good thing for those of us who own originals.

The new Regas look good, but given the choice, I'll keep my originals. As others have mentioned, there are a lot of options in that price range that are light weight and look great.

(Original 18x10.5 shown below for comparison):
https://www.rx7club.com/attachments/2nd-generation-non-technical-pictures-198/710472d1501884704-my-new-18-regamaster-wheels-img_1688.jpg

[Citrus]

Forgot to ask - with the new face, is brake clearance increased? I could see that as a potential benefit to losing the stepped lip.

[tb13]

TWS supplies the Zent GT500 team.

Shoot, these good.

I looked into their background a bit before I ordered my set and saw their history in motorsports wheels. Really helped me justify the price tag, these should be great quality wheels that hold up to some serious abuse.

Forgot to ask - with the new face, is brake clearance increased? I could see that as a potential benefit to losing the stepped lip.

I really don't think these will effect the pricing of the OG's because so many prefer the step lip. I have seen quite a few people selling OG's lately and I can only imagine they are doing it because the think the value is going to drop.

I think it did add a bit of brake clearance, being non-step lip means the barrel should be a bit larger behind the face meaning larger brakes will be easier to fit. I think it will make more of a difference overall on the 17's when they are released. When my set comes in I am going to see if they clear my buddies Akebono's for shits and giggles, there are few flat/convex face wheels that will clear such massive calipers.

[Farzam]

Sizing choices are meh, no stepped lip is meh, price is meh. Still a fan, just hope at least 2 of the 3 things change so I actually buy a set.


edit: voted "loved it" before someone tried to jump down my throat for having an opinion. Meh didn't seem appropriate, lol

[tb13]

Sizing choices are meh, no stepped lip is meh, price is meh. Still a fan, just hope at least 2 of the 3 things change so I actually buy a set.


edit: voted "loved it" before someone tried to jump down my throat for having an opinion. Meh didn't seem appropriate, lol

More sizes are slated for later this year, but I am pretty sure the step lip is dead for the EVO II. Would be cool if in the future they decide to offer a "OG" version kind of like what Volk does with the TE37.

Pricing is high, but like others have pointed out the company manufacturing these builds some super high quality wheels. I'll happily pay $3k for a set of quality wheels. I am interested to see what pricing for the 17in version looks like.

[t3chnique]

Wow, I didn't know they were planning to bring 17s out later this year. I'm excited to see those for s-chassis, hopefully 17x9 +15-25ish. Reverse lip will be perfect for 17s.

[tb13]

Wow, I didn't know they were planning to bring 17s out later this year. I'm excited to see those for s-chassis, hopefully 17x9 +15-25ish. Reverse lip will be perfect for 17s.

Yeah there are suppose to be quite a few 17in sized available. Heard from a friend recently that 17x9.5 +12 is confirmed with the same 70mm lip the 18x10.5's have.

[IIIXziuR]

The lack of step lip on the EVO II looks interesting--not bad!
It is kind of cool that Desmond is 'back'.
A friend had told me about this happening, but I sort of forgot until seeing this.

[tb13]

The lack of step lip on the EVO II looks interesting--not bad!
It is kind of cool that Desmond is 'back'.
A friend had told me about this happening, but I sort of forgot until seeing this.I like that they refreshed the design and didn't just re-release the same wheel. I would love to see them release an "OG EVO" at some point for everyone who prefers the step lip, since these are forged in Japan they will be surperior to the original EVO's made in Russia. I'm also interested to see if other variants come out, not everyone can afford a $2800+ set of wheels .

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[OBEEWON]

Much better without the step. What are the prices?

[tb13]

Much better without the step. What are the prices?

They're not cheap...

Desmond Wheels (http://desmondwheels.com/)

[jumpman2334]

sizes suck and can we get another color other than white? although I will say I do like that they got rid of the step lip. probably minority opinion on this, but I cant stand step lips.


were they that expensive when new too?

[tb13]

sizes suck and can we get another color other than white? although I will say I do like that they got rid of the step lip. probably minority opinion on this, but I cant stand step lips.


were they that expensive when new too?

You're not wrong about the sizes for anything RWD, they do suck. When the pre-orders opened you could get white, silver or gold. The new owner of Desmond runs his company centered around Honda's, he choose the 18x9.5 +45 because they are perfect for a new Type R. From what I can tell, the other sizes are just kind of place holders with the 10.5 +22 being there to show off how the lip looks on such a wide version of this new design. He assured me there will be more sizes in the future and has already confirmed 17x9.5 +12 as another size that will be available soon.

[jumpman2334]

awesome. I figured the owner just wanted to get the money maker sizes out there first.

[integlspwr]

Pre ordered my 10.5 +22 before the prices went up. Going on my wide body s2000

[jumpman2334]

I just saw they have a knurled bead seat. that's rad.


does anyone know what the lip size is on the 18x9.5 +45s?

[integlspwr]

I just saw they have a knurled bead seat. that's rad.


does anyone know what the lip size is on the 18x9.5 +45s?

45.2mm from what I gathered

[jumpman2334]

thank you. it may be wise for me to wait and see if they come out with a lower offset. id prefer not to have to use a 15-20mm slip on spacer if I can get 'em in a lower offset.

[tb13]

The wait is over, picked up my set today from ICB Motorsports. I am beyond excited to get tires mounted and slap them on. They look incredible, finish is fantastic and they are stupid light.

Talked a bit with Matt, the owner of ICB Motorsports, today about the 17in sizes coming soon. He told me the 17in samples are in hand and will be announced soon, there are going to be a ton of different options for sizes and more finish options too.

Opted for 18x10 +35 square in silver since these will be going on my 2017 WRX, wrapping them in Toyo T1 Sport 265/35R18.

https://i.imgur.com/A1zsfHAh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/h6Wq0Fgh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mBeaSErh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8xkGXEGh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CebFl68h.jpg

Will report back once they are mounted!

[tacotacotaco]

excited for pics. Do you have weights on your spec?

[tb13]

excited for pics. Do you have weights on your spec?

I don't, I wish I had a proper scale at home to weigh them. I'll ask Matt for weight on these and let you know.

[tb13]

Tires got mounted yesterday, one needed no weight to balance and the other 3 needed barely anything. Guy who mounted and balanced them said they were probably the lightest wheels he'd ever worked with :)

Also not sure about the "Desmond" stickers, slapped on on, but I am really considering pulling it off and leaving them bare other than the "EVO" sticker. Also have the lip stickers, but not really feeling them at the moment, what do you guys think?

https://i.imgur.com/yxyDWVoh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0MQlEl0h.jpg

Got my coilovers and RLCA's on the WRX and tossed them on, really happy with the fitment, rear needs the lip rolled flat and all will be good. More pictures in the sun to come tomorrow.

https://i.imgur.com/oou57l8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fbt0S8Fh.jpg

[gbaby2089]

Only EVO stickers imo.

[tb13]

Cleaned up nice, for being so basic I am in love with the look.

https://i.imgur.com/5ue7AK7h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pc6KV7ah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3TcEx1Fh.jpg

[dizzariot]

So what's the dude's price on these? Why is it a huge secret...

[tb13]

So what's the dude's price on these? Why is it a huge secret...

Prices aren't secret, all of the 18in prices are up on the site Desmond Wheels (http://desmondwheels.com/)

As for 17in, there are pictures on the desmondevowheels IG. Not sure why pricing hasn't been added to the site yet. 17in price/size (https://www.instagram.com/p/BphO-QkgAUm/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet)

[dizzariot]

Prices aren't secret, all of the 18in prices are up on the site Desmond Wheels (http://desmondwheels.com/)

As for 17in, there are pictures on the desmondevowheels IG. Not sure why pricing hasn't been added to the site yet. 17in price/size (https://www.instagram.com/p/BphO-QkgAUm/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet)

Yeah that's what I was wondering. Thanks for the info.

That price tho...

[tb13]

Yeah that's what I was wondering. Thanks for the info.

That price tho...

Yeah man I was regretting the purchase for a bit, but the finish and quality is top notch. Considering you can't buy a set of 18in OG's anywhere and most other quality forged monoblock wheels come in around the same price state side I'd say the prices are "reasonable".

[adey]

Any more news on these? The website doesn't have sh*t except a pre-order form. Is there a stockist list? Has the company been bought out by someone else? (Despite the existence on a subaru,) are they legit? What's the deal here...