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 Japan Racing.
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 Japan Racing – Comparison Table
| Apex | Japan Racing | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 2010s |
| Country of origin | United States | Poland |
| Made in | China | Taiwan, China and Thailand |
| Manufactured by | Apex | Japan Racing |
| Build quality | High | Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and Japan Racing.
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.
Japan Racing Wheels History
Japan Racing Wheels is a leading aftermarket alloy wheels manufacturer that offers good-quality wheels at affordable prices.
The Polish brand incorporates Japanese style with classic European looks to elevate your car’s aesthetics without compromising performance.
You can get alloy wheels in multiple sizes with more than 400 different options. The wide range of width sizes spanning 6.5 to 11 inches also helps your cause, allowing you to find the right match for your automobile.
Additionally, the color schemes offered by the manufacturer ensure that you will have all the finishes to match your personality.
One of the most significant advantages of choosing JR wheels over other aftermarket solutions is their exceptional craftsmanship.
Japan racing wheels have TÜV certification, ensuring their compliance with all necessary safety regulations and quality standards.
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
Japan Racing Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Japan Racing to make their wheels:
- Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Apex and Japan Racing 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
Japan Racing Wheel Series
- Super Light Series
- Tuner Series
- Jr-X Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and Japan Racing.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
Japan Racing’s Renowned Models
- Japan Racing JR11
- Japan Racing SL01
- Japan Racing JR3
- Japan Racing JR20
- Japan Racing JR21
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and Japan Racing, 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.
Japan Racing Wheels Price
Japan Racing wheels are generally considered affordable and offer good value for money.
The cost of Japan Racing wheels varies depending on the specific model and size, but on average, they cost between 120 to 350 euros per wheel.
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 Japan Racing, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Japan Racing Wheels Warranty
- Limited warranty to cover defects in material and workmanship for 2 years
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and Japan Racing 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 |
Japan Racing Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Affordable | ❌Fairly heavy, finish is average quality and they appear to be replicas |
| ✔Wide range of sizes and fitments | |
| ✔Customization options | |
| ✔Stylish designs |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs Japan Racing, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle between Apex and Japan Racing wheel brands, Apex emerges as the clear winner in terms of quality.
With its high build quality, durability, lightweight design, and strong performance orientation, Apex wheels offer a premium experience. However, it’s worth noting that the style options for Apex are somewhat limited, and their forged series can stretch the budget due to their higher price tag.
On the other hand, Japan Racing wheels excel in affordability and value for money. They offer a wide range of sizes and fitments, allowing for greater customization options. With stylish designs, Japan Racing wheels can enhance the visual appeal of your vehicle.
However, it’s important to consider some drawbacks of Japan Racing wheels. They tend to be fairly heavy, and their finish quality may not match the premium standards of Apex. Additionally, there have been concerns about their authenticity, as they appear to be replicas of other well-known wheel brands.
Ultimately, the choice between Apex and Japan Racing depends on your priorities. If top-notch quality and performance are paramount, Apex is the way to go, even if it means a higher price.
However, if you’re seeking affordable options with customization possibilities and stylish designs, Japan Racing wheels can offer a satisfactory experience.
