Mullins Wheels CSA-X Recoil rims put to the test

When you’re setting up a 4×4 for serious touring, wheels don’t always top the shopping list.

Suspension upgrades, extended fuel range, electrical setups and storage solutions usually steal the spotlight. But if you’ve ever pushed a vehicle across remote tracks, you’ll know just how critical the right rims can be. When I upgraded the GVM on my Isuzu D-MAX, I hit that realisation hard – the factory alloys simply weren’t up to the task. They weren’t rated to handle the extra load that comes with carrying all the gear needed for remote travel and, worse still, if I wanted a replacement, Isuzu wanted $1250 per rim.

I prefer to tour with six wheels – four on the vehicle and two spares – which would have been an eye-watering outlay. That sent me looking for alternatives, and I landed on Mullins Wheels, which has a strong reputation for rugged, Australian-spec rims. I settled on the CSA-X Recoil, ordering six in 18×8.5, 6/139.7 stud pattern, +20 offset, finished in Satin Black.

Why choose the CSA-X Recoil?

The decision was pretty simple once I started digging into the specs. The CSA-X Recoil is designed for heavy-duty applications, particularly for vehicles that have undergone a GVM upgrade like mine. Each rim carries a hefty 1500kg load rating, making it a bulletproof choice for serious off-road work. Whether you’re tackling rough tracks or hauling a fully loaded 4×4, they’re an obvious pick if you’ve gone to the trouble of upgrading your GVM.

Then there was the value for money. Compared with the astronomical price of the OEM Isuzu alloys, I could buy a full set of six CSA-X Recoils for far less than four factory rims. That alone made the decision easy – but the bonus is that they look great, too. The Satin Black finish suits the D-MAX perfectly and gives it a tougher stance without being flashy.

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A century of experience

Another factor that swayed me was Mullins Wheels’ history. It has been operating for more than 100 years and remains one of the most trusted names in the Australian wheel market. Its CSA (Custom Styling Alloy) range is engineered with local conditions in mind, and the Recoil has been tested and rated for the realities of heavy touring rigs – not just for looks or light work. That gave me confidence I wasn’t taking a gamble on an unproven brand.

Real-world tests

This wasn’t a driveway impression or a city-based product test. I’ve now put the CSA-X Recoils through thousands of kilometres across some of Australia’s toughest and most varied terrain.

Victorian High Country

This region is a proving ground for both vehicles and drivers. Long climbs, rocky ledges, steep descents and constant tyre-placement challenges can quickly expose weak points. The Recoils shrugged off the punishment. Even after regular scrapes against rocks, they stayed true, with no signs of warping or cracking.

On remote desert tracks, corrugations are relentless. The pounding can shake a vehicle to bits and has been known to crack alloy wheels that aren’t up to the task. The Recoils held firm. I didn’t need to stop and check them or worry about fatigue – they just kept rolling.

Canning Stock Route

If you want a test that covers it all, the Canning provides it: deep sand, endless bulldust, rocky jump-ups and more corrugations than you can imagine. Over two weeks on the CSR, the Recoils performed flawlessly. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your wheels are up to it lets you focus on driving and navigation, not whether your gear will fail.

Mary River and Litchfield National Parks

Up in the Top End, the challenges are different – mud, sand, sharp creek crossings and plenty of red dirt. The Satin Black finish cleaned up easily afterwards and showed only the expected light scuffs you’d pick up anywhere. Structurally, there were no issues at all.

Through all these conditions, what impressed me most was how little I had to think about the wheels. They did their job without fuss – exactly what you want from equipment you rely on in remote areas.

Why do I run six wheels?

Some travellers reckon two spares is overkill, but for me it’s insurance. When you’re hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town, tyre damage is almost inevitable. Having two spares on board means I can keep pushing forward rather than turning back or sitting around waiting for a rescue. The CSA-X Recoils made this setup affordable – without compromising strength.

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Durability and finish

After thousands of kilometres of dust, mud, rocks and corrugations, the Satin Black finish has held up well. There are a few honest stone chips, but no peeling, fading or corrosion. The design makes it easy to wash out clay and grit, and they still look sharp once cleaned up. Structurally, they’re as solid as the day I fitted them – no cracks, no loss of roundness, and no signs of fatigue.

Who are they for?

The CSA-X Recoil rims are ideal for anyone who takes their 4×4 beyond the city limits – especially those who’ve invested in a GVM upgrade. If you regularly carry heavy loads, tow a van or head off on long remote trips, these rims will give you confidence that your wheels aren’t the weak link.

For those who mostly stick to bitumen and only tackle the odd dirt road, they might be overkill – but if serious touring is on your radar, they make a lot of sense.

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Verdict

The CSA-X Recoil rims have proven their worth across everything from High Country climbs to desert corrugations and Top End mud. They’re strong, practical and great value, giving me the confidence to tour fully loaded without worrying about rim failures.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. After thousands of kilometres, they’ve earned my trust. If you’re planning long-distance adventures or heading down the path of a GVM upgrade, the CSA-X Recoils from Mullins Wheels are a smart, dependable choice.

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