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 HRE.
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 HRE – Comparison Table
| Apex | HRE | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 1978 |
| Country of origin | United States | United States |
| Made in | China | United States, Japan and Taiwan |
| Manufactured by | Apex | HRE |
| Build quality | High | High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and HRE.
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.
HRE Wheels History
HRE Wheels is a manufacturer of high-performance forged wheels that has been in operation since 1978. Here is a detailed history of HRE Wheels:
- 1978: HRE Wheels is founded by Gene Howell.
- 1993: HRE is sold to new owners.
- 1999: Alan Pertier, a mechanical engineer working for Northrop Grumman, steps up as the leader engineer for HRE.
- 2009: Alan becomes the president and CEO of the company. He is still in this position to this day.
- 2012: HRE Wheels introduces the Vintage Series, which features classic designs inspired by vintage wheels.
- 2014: HRE Wheels introduces the Classic Series, which features timeless designs inspired by vintage wheels.
HRE Wheels has been a leader in the three-piece motorsports and street performance wheel market for over three decades.
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
HRE Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by HRE to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
- Forged
Wheel Series
Apex and HRE 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
HRE Wheel Series
- FlowForm
- Forged Monoblocks
- Forged 2 Piece FMR
- Forged 3 Piece
- CRBN
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and HRE.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
HRE’s Renowned Models
- HRE FF04
- HRE R101
- HRE P101
- HRE FF10
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and HRE, 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.
HRE Wheels Price
HRE Wheels are generally considered much more pricier than many other aftermarket wheels, but the price range varies depending on the specific model, size, and finish. Here are some examples of HRE wheel prices:
HRE R101 Wheels: Starting at $1,900 per wheel
HRE P101 Forged Monoblock Wheels: Starting at $2,650 each
HRE FF01 Flow Form Wheels: Set of 4 priced at $2,400
HRE Classic Series 301M: Custom pricing starting at $1,400
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 HRE, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
HRE Wheels Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 2 years
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and HRE 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 |
HRE Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔High build quality | ❌Expensive |
| ✔Customization options | |
| ✔Lightweight | |
| ✔Wide range of sizes and fitments |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs HRE, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In comparing the wheel brands Apex and HRE, both exhibit a high level of quality.
Apex wheels are known for their durable and lightweight construction, delivering a strong and performance-oriented experience. However, Apex’s style options are more limited, and their forged series can be quite pricey.
On the other hand, HRE wheels offer similar high build quality along with a notable advantage in customization options. With a wide range of sizes and fitments available, HRE provides greater flexibility to suit various vehicle models and personal preferences.
Considering the price aspect, it is crucial to note that Apex wheels can range from affordable to costly, depending on the model, size, and style.
Meanwhile, HRE wheels are generally perceived as pricier than many other aftermarket options.
Prices for HRE wheels differ based on the specific model, size, and finish, with examples such as the HRE R101 starting at $1,900 per wheel, the HRE P101 at $2,650 each, and the HRE Classic Series 301M custom priced starting at $1,400.
Ultimately, the decision between Apex and HRE depends on individual priorities.
Apex wheels offer high quality and performance but have limited style options and can be expensive in their forged series.
HRE wheels, while more expensive, provide exceptional customization possibilities and a wide range of sizes and fitments.
Thus, potential buyers should consider their budget, desired style, and customization requirements when selecting between these two brands.
