One of the wheels I'm debating on getting has a "Forged Barrell or (Hoop)" and the spokes and "inner pad" are "pressure cast construction".

The thing is, these rims aren't inexpensive... They're about $350 a piece for 18". So, would this construction be a potential problem? I live in the city and am worried about the occasional surprise pot hole.

 

They would be better than all cast. Since they are 2-piece, the outer rim could be replaced if damaged, but that is still $$.

Knock on wood, I've had 17" wheels, forged and cast, on my last 3 cars without any pothole damage.

 

So you hit some pretty bad pot holes and no damage, or you have yet to hit a big pot hole?

 

Quite a few wheels are made this way. The Roja wheels are made that way for the S2K.