Oribi Composites and Packard Performance partner to develop advanced thermoplastic composite wheel for off-road powersports

For over 13 years, Oribi Composites has been producing high-performance, advanced composite components for a wide variety of markets and applications, including military protective gear, footwear, bike, and outdoor equipment markets.  Oribi combines proprietary processes with aerospace grade composite materials to produce high-performance components for consumer applications, affordably and in high volumes.  “Packard Performance has been an incredibly collaborative partner for Oribi, and we are excited to see these wheels finally enter the market,” says Oribi’s VP Business Development, Matt Christensen.  “Thermoplastic composite materials address the shortcomings of traditional thermoset epoxy materials; they are inherently tougher, can be processed into parts faster, and are recyclable.  Packard Performance now has the unique ability to offer a lightweight wheel, while still addressing durability and toughness for this demanding application.” 

Jace Packard, CEO of Packard Performance, is equally enthusiastic about the application and opportunities for structural thermoplastic wheels in the Powersports market.  “We launched our new carbon composite wheels during one of our recent trade shows in California.  The new composite wheels allowed us to drop an average of 25lbs of unsprung weight out of the cars,” says Jace.  “It’s a huge difference which improves speed, responsiveness, and handling during regular driving or racing.  We believe in the very near future, you will need to have composite wheels to win races in powersports.” 

Packard Performance wheels are available in two sizes: 15×6 and 15×11 and are currently available for purchase.  Please contact Packard Performance directly to find an authorized dealer in your area for the latest information, availability, and pricing.