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 Rota.
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 Rota – Comparison Table
| Apex | Rota | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 1976 |
| Country of origin | United States | Philippines |
| Made in | China | Philippines |
| Manufactured by | Apex | Philippine Alloy Wheels Inc (PAWI) |
| Build quality | High | Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and Rota.
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.
Rota Wheels History
The Philippine Aluminum Wheels, Inc. was established in 1976.
It is a joint venture between Filipino Entrepreneur Romeo Rojas and Italian Company FPS to manufacture high-performance and budget-friendly alloy wheels in the Philippines.
In 1976, the company imported and exported automotive accessories and gears like aftermarket wheels into the Philippines.
Afterward, FPS had to retire the market, which left Rojas full ownership of the Philippine Alloy Wheels, Inc. (PAWI).
Fortunately, PAWI came into existence at the perfect time. During this period, the Philippine car market was at its peak, increasing demand for automotive wheels and other accessories.
Due to this demand, PAWI created Rota – a separate brand to focus on affordable yet high-performance wheels.
Rota also offers OE wheels to the Philippine automotive industry, along with their affordable aftermarket wheels.
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
Rota Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Rota to make their wheels:
- Low Pressure Gravity Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Apex and Rota 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
Rota Wheel Series
- Low Pressure Gravity Cast Series
- Flow Formed Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and Rota.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
Rota’s Renowned Models
- Rota Grid (TE37 Replica)
- Rota Slipstream
- Rota GTR
- Rota Fighter (CE28 Replica)
- Rota HM3
- Rota Shakotan
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and Rota, 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.
Rota Wheels Price
Rota wheels are famous due to their affordable price tags.
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 Rota, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Rota Wheels Warranty
- 1 year structural warranty
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and Rota 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 |
Rota Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Good quality for the price | ❌Reliability concerns and the fact that they are knock offs |
| ✔Stylish designs | |
| ✔JWL and VIA certified | |
| ✔Affordable prices |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs Rota, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the battle between Apex and Rota wheel brands, the winner ultimately depends on your priorities and budget.
Apex stands out for its high build quality, durability, lightweight design, and performance-oriented features. While their forged series can be quite expensive, the overall quality justifies the price.
However, it’s worth noting that Apex has limited style options to choose from, which may limit your customization preferences.
On the other hand, Rota wheels gain recognition for their affordable price tags and stylish designs. They offer good quality for the price, and their JWL and VIA certifications ensure their adherence to safety standards.
However, concerns about reliability and being considered knock-offs may raise some doubts about their long-term performance and authenticity.
If budget is a major consideration, Rota wheels provide an attractive option with their affordable prices. But if you are willing to invest more for higher quality, Apex wheels excel in terms of craftsmanship and performance.
