Coby Wheel Product Review

[cakM3]

I have seen a few people here on the forum get their Coby wheel but haven't noticed an actual product review thread regarding Mike's products so here goes…

For those of you who have been following my ZHP project thread, you know I was planning to replace my ZHP steering wheel with a Coby Alcantara steering wheel. I will admit that I have been delaying this in favor of other mods but was planning to do this by sometime this summer. That is until Mike contacted me recently and gave me an awesome offer I couldn't refuse. I will tell all of you that Mike is an awesome guy to deal with and I will definitely go this route again when I need to :thumbsup

With that said, my first experience with Mike's product was in my best friend's ///M when he pulled the trigger and got his. He had the ///M tri-stitch done with black alcantara. After he had mounted his new wheel I came up to his place and he let me drive his ///M so I could really check out his new Coby steering wheel. My initial impression of the Coby wheel was that this wheel looked so fresh and when I felt it, it was so soft and comfortable to grab. I could only imagine how the OE alcantara steering wheel felt in ZHP's and ///M's with competition package. It was awesome. Anyway this is Brian's steering wheel just before I got to take his ///M out for a drive :)

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/BriansCobyWheel_zps9110eeca.jpg

When Mike contacted me I told him that I wanted to get my steering wheel, shift boot, and e-brake boot done in black alcantara (thanks to Brian's steering wheel) but have red stitching. I wanted my new steering wheel to be slightly different but at the same time blend in more with my Imola ZHP. This may not be for everyone but I happen to love it and that's what it's all about…modding with taste, in this case mine ;) After sorting everything out, Mike got to work on my new steering wheel and got it out to me relatively quick. I was really impressed by the amount of time he needed before my wheel was shipped out to me. There was a delay but it wasn't Mike's fault, as much as it was just timing. I got my wheel a day later as a result but all was well. Signed for delivery with FedEx the next morning and then had to go to work. I can tell you that it was torture knowing that my brand new steering wheel was at home and I had to spend the rest of the day working…well, it only made the anticipation that much sweeter. :thumbsup

The first thing I did was examine everything and realized that the boots will have to wait until I can get some glue to bond the cloth to the frame then mount, so I went ahead and prepped the ZHP to mount my wheel. Overall, it took me about an hour to swap out the wheel only because I was taking my time. It wasn't too much fun swapping my steering wheel in 25 degree weather but when it comes to my BMWs… I will find a way to mod them no matter what…;)

Pics of the new wheel mounted in it's new home :biggrin

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0077_zps9540dc51.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0080_zpsa34f7ac2.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0079_zpsbdf739b2.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0078_zps54f30ab5.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0084_zps9c918638.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0083_zps2de525c6.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0082_zpsfa086393.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0087_zps8d632ed3.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0088_zps99b02616.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/DSC_0089_zps150cbfc8.jpg


I haven't installed my shift and ebrake boot just yet….once I get the glue, I will bond the alcantara to the mounting bracket and then install them. :thumbsup

Shift Boot:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/ShiftBoot01_zps376fadb2.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/ShiftBoot03_zpse042403f.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/ShiftBoot04_zps91f520bc.jpg

Ebrake Boot:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/EbrakeBoot05_zps4268c584.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/EbrakeBoot03_zpsd985dc21.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/EbrakeBoot04_zps22b5504b.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Coby%20Wheel/EbrakeBoot02_zps19419836.jpg


My initial impression is that of a steering wheel that will easily rival any OE alcantara steering wheel with additional options for different color alcantara! There are so many ways that an individual can personalize their car and keep everything tasteful. I have only had this steering wheel mounted in my ZHP for a day now and can easily tell everyone I absolutely love this wheel! It feels so right when I grab it to drive my car, the alcantara being fresh and soft makes this wheel feel even more comfortable to hold while driving. This is a high quality steering wheel that anyone who's on the fence of buying one should experience in person. I think once you do, you too will be ordering one. For others who have Coby wheels, please use this thread to express your experiences so others can have more than one input regarding this "quality" product :thumbsup

Here is a very useful video I used to take my airbag and steering wheel out since this was the first time I have attempted to do this. Once I saw this video, I couldn't believe just how easy it is to remove the airbag :thumbsup


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cEq-ZAWAS4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX9MAG9sJzY


My wheel gets :chuck

[Hornung418]

The wheel looks awesome. Mike really does churn out great products, but one small detail really bothers me - that line of stitching at 6 o'clock. That stitch isn't present on the OE wheels and it just looks out of place.

Is there a way to do away with that stitch or is it a critical stitch the way Mike does it? I would like to see it removed if possible.

Nontheless the steering wheels at Coby are top notch and a guaranteed upgrade from a worn, faded and tattered OEM Alcantara steering wheel. Thanks for the write up, Chuck.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[cakM3]

Actually Justin, my OE alcantara ZHP wheel does have that stitching at the 6 o'clock position. It's just not as noticeable as Mike's wheels are but it's there...

[Hornung418]

Hmm. Then the question becomes, can he hide it better?

From a GS3, this was sent.

[Dave_B]

love, love LOVE My COBY wheel.

Best wheel I've ever had in my hands, period. Won't be hot in summer, nor cold in winter. Just feels super soft and comfortable. Can't imagine not having one in my car. Unfortunately I've never had a stock Alcantara wheel in my hand either, so I can't compare but this wheel is super nice!

Eventually I plan to match the shift boot and e-brake handle as well.

[cakM3]

Very nice Dave! Thanks for adding your take on this awesome product :thumbsup

[UdubBadger]

Nice Charlie, I've loved mine from the day I got it.

[JupiterBMW]

I can tell you that it was torture knowing that my brand new steering wheel was at home and I had to spend the rest of the day working…

Charlie... I have ZERO sympathy for you!!! My Coby wheel and both boots have been waiting for me at home for a couple weeks, and I still have 3 more weeks to wait before I'm home!!!!

I will agree though, Mike is excellent to work with and even did me an additional favor with my setup.

I can't wait to get home and install. I will post again in this thread after my initial review also. Will also be interesting to see Charlie's color combo vs mine. I went with OEM grey and the tri-color ///M stitch on all 3 pieces (for the OEM look, at least on the wheel) Can't wait to see it!

[cakM3]

I'm sure you will love your Coby wheel Jon when you get home... ;) In fact with that said... I need to take the ZHP out so I can deliver my daughter's new glasses to her....got to enjoy the new wheel ;) :thumbsup

[Avetiso]

I can't wait to buy boots and a wheel in about a week. Mike, wanna approach me with an offer? :biggrin just kidding.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[johnrando]

Charlie... I have ZERO sympathy for you!!! My Coby wheel and both boots have been waiting for me at home for a couple weeks, and I still have 3 more weeks to wait before I'm home!!!!

I will agree though, Mike is excellent to work with and even did me an additional favor with my setup.

I can't wait to get home and install. I will post again in this thread after my initial review also. Will also be interesting to see Charlie's color combo vs mine. I went with OEM grey and the tri-color ///M stitch on all 3 pieces (for the OEM look, at least on the wheel) Can't wait to see it!

Wow. Thought you were already on the way back. Soon, though, soon.

[TheStig]

Outstanding product, especially for the price. Now if only I could convince him to rewrap the BMW performance wheel. :(