Wheel brush comparison (Alchimy7, Wheel Woolies, EZ, GYEON)

• Product: Wheel brushes
• Manufacturer: ALCHIMY7, WHEEL WOOLIES, EZ, GYEON
• Models: Various sizes and angle brushes

Test overview: The purpose of this hands-on presentation is to highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of each model so that everyone can form their own opinion before buying, choosing either the most versatile one or the one that best suits the maintenance of their own rims based on their design.

We did not choose all the brushes available on the market, nor even all of those we sell, but those that are the most popular and represent the current benchmarks on the market.

The test and opinions presented below are given based on the rims we had to clean on the day of the test. It is obvious that one brush or another will be more suitable depending on whether the rim has a more open design or, on the contrary, a more intricate one with tight spokes.

GYEON Q²M Wheelbrush Kit (Large & Medium):

The first brushes to be tested are those from the GYEON brand, namely the Wheelbrush Large and Medium, recently released.

The first thing one can notice is the texture of the brush bristles, which resembles the one found on their washing mitt (Q²M Smoothie). There is a slight difference, however, in bristle thickness — thicker on the mitt than on the brushes.

The "neoprene"-style section of the handle provides a good grip even when wet, which is a plus. However, the anti-splash collar is mobile and proves impractical when it moves along the shaft during use or when rinsing the brush in the bucket.

In use, on rims with wide openings, the GYEON Q²M Wheelbrush Large or Medium prove very effective for cleaning the inner face thanks to the bristle density and the "mass" effect while also picking up contaminants well.

On the other hand, and this is a major drawback, as soon as the spaces between spokes narrow, neither the Large nor the Medium can pass through and you are left without a solution to access those areas. The same applies when trying to get behind the spokes — the GYEON Q²M Wheelstick Large or Medium do not bend and no angled model is offered to access them.

Advantages

+ Bristle density
+ Handle material.
+ Cleans deep into rims well.

Disadvantages 

- High price.

- Impossibility of bending the brushes to pass behind the spokes.

- Unavailability of a small model for tight spokes.

Our opinion: The GYEON Q²M brushes are, in my view, best suited for rims with a simple design and wide openings. Their fiber texture is really effective for cleaning without leaving marks. Make sure to clean the brush after each pass as contaminants tend to get trapped. Good brushes with a quality finish, but they will not be suitable for all rims, especially those with tight spokes.

WHEEL WOOLIES Brush Kit + Spoke Back Brush:

A true world reference, the American brand indeed offers a kit consisting of 3 straight brushes, plus an angled brush (Spoke Back Brush) to access the back of the spokes.

The distinctive feature of these brushes is that they are made of natural wool, therefore extremely soft, thus minimizing the risk of micro-scratching your rims, even the most delicate ones.

The kit offered includes three sizes: an XL to reach the back of rims with wide openings and small-diameter discs; a Medium, more versatile with enough length to reach fairly wide rims; and finally a Small, which allows you to pass between the caliper and the rim, or even between closely spaced spokes.

The definite advantage of owning the kit is that you are equipped to clean all types of rims. The mini brush or the Medium are really practical and allow you to reach into tight corners.

Finally, the Spoke Back Brush is highly recommended for cleaning the back of spokes with ease.

One of the few criticisms one could make of these brushes is the fact that when passing close to or touching mud flaps or raw brake calipers in particular, the nature of the fine fibers that make up these brushes tends to leave some lint behind.

Also, the handle end tends to slip occasionally if your rinse bucket is loaded with shampoo. A slightly wider neoprene grip would have been a plus.

Advantages

+ Build and finish quality.

+ Different sizes suited to all types of rims.

+ Very practical angled model.

+ Very silky fibers with no risk of micro-scratching.

Disadvantages 

- High kit price, not including the angled brush

- Fragility of fibers when in contact with sharp/cutting elements.

Our opinion: WHEEL WOOLIES' reputation speaks for itself and the quality of their brushes is a benchmark known to all detailers. The test simply confirmed what we already knew. Admittedly, the entry price to be fully equipped (kit + angled brush) is high, but it should be seen as an investment, as the durability of these brushes is impressive with an excellent resistance to aggressive wheel products such as iron decontaminants in particular.

A "must have" for anyone looking for quality and effectiveness.

ALCHIMY7 Small, Large, XL and CM45 Brushes:

The French brand has taken the design and finish quality of the Wheel Woolies and added several improvements.

The presentation is very neat and the range consists of 4 straight brushes and one angled one (CM45).

The major plus found on these brushes compared to the original Wheel Woolies is the handle grip, which really makes a difference when your hands are slippery with shampoo. An improved grip that is therefore very much appreciated in use.

The XL brush allows access to the deepest and widest rims, and the slightly more flexible handle provides better maneuverability.

The intermediate brush (Large), for its part, can pass almost everywhere, including through fairly tight spokes. Finally, the mini brush (Small) is highly appreciated for very tight spaces.

ALCHIMY7 thought of everything with the CM45 (angled brush), which allows you to pass easily behind the spokes. Moreover, it is slightly smaller in diameter, brush length and handle diameter compared to its counterpart from WHEEL WOOLIES. This is a definite advantage for passing behind rim spokes close to the calipers in particular.

It's the kind of detail that makes all the difference!

Advantages

+ Build and finish quality.

+ Different sizes suited to all types of rims.

+ Very practical angled model, especially with its reduced size compared to the competition.

+ Very silky fibers with no risk of micro-scratching.

+ Handle grip.

Disadvantages 

- High price per unit.

- Fragility of fibers when in contact with sharp/cutting elements.

Our opinion: ALCHIMY7 has managed to improve the benchmarks of the segment by bringing the small extras that were missing while maintaining the build and finish quality that make the brand's reputation.

A flawless product, if I dare say so, except for a unit purchase price that may put off amateur detailers who do not wish to spend such a budget on their wheel brushes. 

THE new market benchmark in terms of brushes? In any case, we are on board!

EZ DETAIL BRUSH & EZ DETAIL BRUSH Mini:

Yet another benchmark brand in terms of wheel brushes. Copied over and over again, rarely matched. The range is limited to 2 models; another model (not presented here), the EZ GO DETAIL BRUSH, is dedicated to cleaning wheel arches.

EZ DETAIL focuses exclusively on wheel brushes, and initially launched these models to clean the wire spokes of motorcycle wheels such as Harley Davidson and others.

The brushes are made from nylon fibers — admittedly less silky than the wool of the previous models — but virtually indestructible!

Another definite advantage: if the fibers are flattened after long-term storage, simply immerse them in very hot water or under a heat source (hair dryer, heat gun…) so they regain their original shape.

The finish is excellent with the metal tip covered in silicone to avoid scratching the rims. The anti-splash collar is fixed compared to the GYEON models.

The large model is already very versatile as the fibers are very flexible. If needed, the small one can come as a reinforcement for the space between the caliper and the inside of the rim.

The major advantage of the large EZ DETAIL BRUSH is that it can be bent to pass behind the spokes. That is why the brand has not released a curved model.

The few drawbacks one can note about these brushes are the fact that they splash a lot on the return stroke due to the very flexible fibers (elastic effect). Also, the silicone brush tip is quite fragile and will deteriorate over time from knocking against rim weights or mud flaps.

Advantages

+ Finish quality.

+ Flexibility of the large model.

+ Nearly indestructible fibers.

+ Ease of cleaning.

Disadvantages 

- Slightly high price (large model)

- Fragility of the silicone brush tip.

Our opinion: EZ DETAIL BRUSH clearly demonstrates their expertise in the manufacture and ergonomics of their brushes. Some may prefer to use this type of brush over wool brushes, a matter of habit. The EZ DETAIL BRUSH brushes remain nonetheless very easy to maintain, virtually indestructible and very effective for cleaning. A reliable choice, requiring a significant financial investment admittedly, but less so than if you were to purchase the full range from the competition...