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 Kansei.
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 Kansei – Comparison Table
| Apex | Kansei | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 2018 |
| Country of origin | United States | United States |
| Made in | China | United States |
| Manufactured by | Apex | Kansei |
| Build quality | High | Very Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and Kansei.
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.
Kansei Wheels History
Kansei wheels is a Californian-based wheel company with quite a remarkable history.
The owner, Chris Sempek, started off by posting wheel renders on Instagram to launching his very own wheel manufacturing brand – Kansei in 2018.
In 2014, Chris became the lead production designer and engineer at Raceline Wheels, making designs for trailers, UTVs, ATVs, passenger cars, and everything in between.
Chris had finally started his dream job. But there was only one problem. Chris wanted to make wheels for his tuner buddies.
Chris started working on his true dream job, a side job that would become known as Kansei Wheels.
He designed all of the flagship wheels for Kansei, using community feedback and friends he had out there.
It took over a year to finalize the concept for the brand and he ended up launching the company with three designs: the KNPs, the Corsa, and the Tandem.
In 2018, Raceline Wheels lent a portion of their SEMA booth to the launch of Kansei Wheels.
Kansei Wheels manufactures wheels for enthusiasts because Chris is an enthusiast himself.
It might sound redundant, but it’s quite challenging to find individuals in the automotive community who make wheels and share the same passion for cars.
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
Kansei Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Kansei to make their wheels:
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Apex and Kansei 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
Kansei Wheel Series
- KNP
- Corsa
- Tandem
- Tandem 15”
- Roku
- Neo
- Astro
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and Kansei.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
Kansei’s Renowned Models
- Kansei Tandem
- Kansei KNP
- Kansei Astro
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and Kansei, 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.
Kansei Wheels Price
Kansei Wheels are generally priced at a mid-range level, making them an affordable option for those looking for aftermarket wheels.
They usually go for around $250-$350 per wheel, which is quite reasonably priced.
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 Kansei, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Kansei Wheels Warranty
- Limited lifetime warranty on the construction
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and Kansei 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 |
Kansei Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Quite affordable | ❌None |
| ✔Variety of sizes and unique finishes | |
| ✔Fairly lightweight for cast wheels | |
| ✔Durable and strong |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs Kansei, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In this comparison between Apex and Kansei wheel brands, both offer commendable qualities, but one emerges as the better choice.
Apex wheels showcase high build quality, durability, and lightweight construction, making them a strong contender. However, their limited style options and the potential for higher prices, especially in their forged series, may deter some buyers.
On the other hand, Kansei wheels excel in offering very good quality at an affordable price range. With their mid-range pricing of around $250-$350 per wheel, they strike a balance between cost and performance.
Additionally, Kansei offers a variety of sizes and unique finishes, allowing for greater customization options. Their wheels also boast reasonable weight, strength, and durability, further enhancing their appeal.
Considering the overall package, Kansei emerges as the better wheel brand due to its affordability, versatility, and competitive quality.
While Apex may excel in certain areas, Kansei’s combination of attractive pricing, strong build, and style options make it the preferred choice for those seeking aftermarket wheels.
