Hi folks, thought I could get some feedback on this. I have been wheeling my Jeep now pretty much at least once a month since Jan 2019. I bought aluminum Mammoth wheels that were only $108 a wheel. I bought aluminum because they are light, and I knew I would be adding weight to the JL over time. I have had great success with them. I air down to between 8-10 psi. Seems to me, for most...non bead-locks are plenty adequate. Mind you...I like the KMC wheels I see some of you use. Badass looking and strong. However I haven't seen the need as of yet to spend $400-500 on a rim x 5, and add all that weight.
As stated before, the risk of popping a bead with lower pressures is there and mostly in the rocks where side impact is more likely to occur.
I've had it happen after many trips of nothing happening and seen it happen to others when the trails have more rocks than bare spots.
Another benefit is it keeps the wheel from spinning inside the tire especially when you're on the gas and spinning those tires up to get over and obstacle.
Next time you go play on the slick rocks, place a mark on the tire and wheel and see if they are still aligned at the end of your trip.
Bead locks are heavy but if you're out wheeling often they give peace of mind.
If you're mostly overlanding then they don't make sense because of the hassle of getting a tire changed.
If you like your current setup and it works for you, no need to change until you feel it would be a benefit.