The Decision
Curb rash can happen in a split second-a tight parking spot, an angled curb, and suddenly your wheel's edge is scuffed. Rim trims are an easy DIY fix: a flexible strip you attach around the rim to absorb or prevent those scrapes. But with two similar rim trim kits on the market, how do you know if the extra money buys you anything real? Here's a side-by-side look at the Purple and Red versions of the Rim Trim kit.
Quick Verdict
Both Rim Trim kits come as 25-foot flexible wheel protectors that you trim to fit up to four 24-inch wheels. The Purple version lists at $90.89 and uses a plastic finish; the Red version lists at $114.64 and uses a carbon-fiber finish with rubber construction. If you want curb rash protection at the lower listed price, go with the Purple Rim Trim. If the red carbon-fiber look and rubber material are worth $23.75 more to you, the Red Rim Trim is the one to choose.
At a Glance
| Feature | Purple Rim Trim | Red Carbon-Fiber Rim Trim |
|---|---|---|
| Listed Price | USD 90.89 | USD 114.64 |
| Color | Purple | Red |
| Exterior Finish | Plastic | Carbon Fiber |
| Material | Plastic | Rubber |
| Fit Type | Universal Fit | Universal Fit |
| Protection Kit | 25-foot strip, fits up to four 24" wheels | 25-foot strip, fits up to four 24" wheels |
Shared Strengths and Real Differences
The two kits are very similar in the basics: both are 25 feet long, both are 3/8 inch wide, and both use a universal-fit strip that you can trim to match your rims. That means the installation work and the coverage area are essentially the same. The real differences come down to three things: color, finish, and listed price. The Purple kit pairs a purple color with a plastic finish at the lower listed price. The Red kit pairs red with a carbon-fiber finish and rubber material at the higher listed price. There is no difference in the physical coverage or the product's purpose-your choice depends on which look and material you prefer and how much you want to spend.
Product Notes
Purple Rim Trim
If you want a no-frills rim protector and are happy with purple, the Purple Rim Trim is the straightforward choice. It costs the lower of the two listed prices, and the plastic finish keeps the design simple. The 25-foot strip still gives you enough material to cover up to four 24-inch wheels, so you're not sacrificing any coverage relative to the Red kit. The main trade-off is the plastic finish and the lack of the red carbon-fiber look. If that aesthetic matters to you, you'll need to step up to the Red version.
Red Carbon-Fiber Rim Trim
The Red Carbon-Fiber Rim Trim is the version to pick when you prefer red and want a carbon-fiber finish. It lists at the higher price, but it also comes with rubber material instead of plastic, which gives it a different physical character. The 25-foot length and universal-fit trimming process are identical to the Purple kit, so you're paying for the color, finish, and material rather than any extra coverage. The limitation is the price: this is the more expensive kit, so it makes sense only if the red carbon-fiber look and rubber material are worth that extra cost.
Final Choice by Use Case
When curb rash protection is your top priority and you want to keep your spend as low as possible, the Purple Rim Trim gets the job done with a plastic finish. When you want the red carbon-fiber look and rubber material-and you're okay paying the higher listed price to get it-the Red Carbon-Fiber Rim Trim is the kit to go with.
