Rev up your curiosity as we introduce you to a wheel showdown like no other.
We’re kicking off with a comprehensive wheel brand comparison of Apex vs Ferrada.
Discover their origins, manufacturing secrets, and what sets them apart in terms of quality, pricing, and warranties.
We’ll analyze the pros and cons, ultimately answering the question: Who takes the wheel throne?
Stick around – it’s time to find out!
Apex vs Ferrada – Comparison Table
| Apex | Ferrada | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 2015 |
| Country of origin | United States | United States |
| Made in | China | Taiwan |
| Manufactured by | Apex | Ferrada |
| Build quality | High | Questionable |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and Ferrada.
These brands didn’t just appear out of thin air; they’ve got histories filled with interesting twists and turns.
We’ll walk you through their journeys, from their early days to where they stand today.
Apex Wheels History
Apex was established in 2007 by Eddy Pintacsi.
They are a Californian-based wheel brand with their main warehouse in Sacramento, CA, and their head office in Pleasanton, CA.
The classic ARC-8 wheel is one of the notable products from Apex Wheels.
It is considered the wheel that started it all for the company.
The founding of the Apex brand and the success of the ARC-8 wheels were intricately tied to Eddy Pintacsi’s personal experience with his E30 M3 track car and his determination to address the specific challenges he encountered while maintaining and upgrading the car.
This experience led to the development of a unique wheel solution that not only met Eddy’s needs but also resonated with other BMW enthusiasts, ultimately shaping the Apex brand’s identity and offerings in the aftermarket wheel industry.
After that, they added more types of wheels for different BMW cars, and recently, they’ve also started making wheels for various other cars like Mustangs, Corvettes, Supras, and Porsches.
In summary, Apex Wheels is known for its focus on engineering and designing track wheels.
They aim to create wheels that enhance performance on the track.
Ferrada Wheels History
Ferrada is an American-based company of aftermarket wheels located in Houston, Texas, United States. It was founded by Michael Youssef in 2015.
This company is becoming increasingly popular due to its innovative techniques, such as:
- CNC milling machines
- plasma arc welding
- rotary forging
- metal spinning
In 2017, they introduced the concept of pit-stop wheel-changing technology, where all parts are manufactured through computerized robots to ensure perfect fitment.
Thanks to their pit-stop wheel-changing technology, Ferrada is now manufacturing deep concave rims that ensure durability and performance while keeping the cost of production to the minimum.
Manufacturing Techniques
Wheel manufacturing is an art that employs three primary methods: casting, flow-forming, and forging.
Casting involves molten metal being poured into a mold, allowing intricate designs but with moderate strength.
Flow-forming merges casting and forging, spinning the wheel under high pressure to enhance strength without compromising weight.
Forging, the most robust method, employs extreme pressure to shape solid metal, producing lightweight and incredibly durable wheels.
Apex Wheels Manufacturing Methods
The manufacturing methods used by Apex are the following:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
- Forged
Ferrada Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Ferrada to make their wheels:
- Low Pressure Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Apex and Ferrada have a number of series available. Below you’ll find information about their current line-up.
Apex Wheel Series
- Forged Sprint Line
- Forged Classic Line
- Flow Formed Classic Line
- Flow Formed Evolution Line
- BMW Apex Wheels
Ferrada Wheel Series
- DC Series (Deep Concave) – Cast
- CM Series (Concave Madness) – Cast
- FT Series – SUV & Truck
- F8 Series – Flow Formed
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and Ferrada.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
Ferrada’s Renowned Models
- Ferrada FR4
- Ferrada FR2
- Ferrada FR8
- Ferrada CM2
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and Ferrada, the masterminds behind those round wonders.
It’s like a treasure hunt – each brand has its own stash of price tags, ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy.
Apex Wheels Price
Apex wheels can be affordable or rather costly, depending on the model, size, and style of the wheel.
Forged wheels will always be more expensive than cast/flow formed wheels.
Ferrada Wheels Price
Ferrada wheels are generally considered expensive compared to other aftermarket wheels.
The cheapest set of Ferrada cast wheels in 19×8.5 can cost around $1600, while the most expensive set can cost up to $3200.
Warranty
When it comes to peace of mind, warranties play a vital role in the wheel-buying journey.
Let’s delve into the warranty offerings of Apex and Ferrada, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Ferrada Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and Ferrada bring to the wheel table.
In this section, we’ll take a close look at what each brand brings to the road – the advantages that make them shine, and the drawbacks to consider. Get ready for the full scoop!
Apex Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High build quality | ❌You have limited style options to choose from and their forged series can get rather pricey |
| ✔Durable and lightweight | |
| ✔Strong | |
| ✔Performance oriented |
Ferrada Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Stylish concave designs | ❌Too expensive for the quality, heavy, peeling wheel finish problems and poor customer support |
| ✔Meeting all JWL and VIA standards | |
| ✔Fitment options | |
| ✔– |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs Ferrada, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In comparing the two wheel brands, Apex and Ferrada, it is evident that Apex offers a higher level of quality compared to Ferrada.
Apex wheels are known for their high build quality, durability, and lightweight design. They are strong and specifically engineered for performance. On the other hand, Ferrada’s quality is questionable, with reports of issues such as peeling wheel finish and poor customer support.
Price-wise, Apex wheels can vary in affordability depending on the model, size, and style. While their forged series can be quite expensive, their cast/flow formed wheels offer a more budget-friendly option.
In contrast, Ferrada wheels are generally considered expensive compared to other aftermarket options. The cheapest set of Ferrada cast wheels in 19×8.5 can cost around $1600, with the most expensive set reaching up to $3200.
Apex’s main disadvantage lies in their limited style options, especially when it comes to their forged series. However, their advantages in terms of build quality and performance-oriented design outweigh this drawback.
On the other hand, Ferrada’s advantages lie in their stylish concave designs and fitment options. However, the high price tag, heavy construction, and reported issues with the wheel finish make them a questionable choice.
Considering all factors, Apex emerges as the better wheel brand between the two. Its high quality, durability, and performance focus make it a reliable choice, even if it may be costlier in some cases.
