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 TSW.
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 TSW – Comparison Table
| Apex | TSW | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 1960s |
| Country of origin | United States | South Africa |
| Made in | China | China |
| Manufactured by | Apex | TSW |
| Build quality | High | Good |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and TSW.
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.
TSW Wheels History
TSW stands as one of the pioneering names in the realm of aftermarket alloy wheels worldwide. Its origins trace back to the 1960s when Eddie Keizan, a former Formula One racing driver, laid the foundation.
The initial incarnation of TSW was Tiger Sports Wheels, which found its footing with retail outlets housed within a modest manufacturing facility in South Africa.
The 1980s brought a significant turning point as TSW Alloy Wheels transitioned into the public sphere, listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and propelling into a phase of expansive manufacturing growth.
The brand’s influence stretched across the globe, forging alliances with prominent car manufacturers on a global scale.
Over the ensuing two decades, strategic acquisitions including the integration of Germany’s ATS Wheels and other strategic expansions resulted in the establishment of production hubs in Germany, Poland, South Africa, and the United States.
In 2001, TSW took a pivotal step, partitioning its aftermarket wheel endeavors from its original equipment wheel production, which retained the Tiger Wheel and ATS monikers.
The Americas’ aftermarket operation found a new helm in Terence Scheckter, its former leader, while the European aftermarket wing was acquired by Yokohama Tire of South Africa.
From this juncture, TSW Alloy Wheels in the United States embarked on a comprehensive transformation.
Their product lineup underwent a thorough revamping, accompanied by a substantial diversification of wheel offerings.
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
TSW Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by TSW to make their wheels:
- Cast
- Rotary Forged (Flow Formed)
Wheel Series
Apex and TSW 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
TSW Wheel Series
- TSW Cast Wheels Series
- TSW Rotary Forged Wheels Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and TSW.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
TSW’s Renowned Models
- TSW Bathurst
- TSW Chicane
- TSW Donington
- TSW Max
- TSW Mechanica
- TSW Nurburgring
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and TSW, 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.
TSW Wheels Price
TSW wheels are considered to be mid-range in terms of pricing.
They tend to offer a balance between quality, design, and affordability.
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 TSW, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
TSW Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime structural warranty
- Limited warranty on finish and clear coat against manufacturer defects for 1 year
Advantages and Disadvantages
Before making a decision, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons that Apex and TSW 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 |
TSW Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Good build quality | ❌Limited track use |
| ✔Wide range of unique and stylish designs | |
| ✔Customization options | |
| ✔Fairly affordable |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs TSW, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
In the showdown between Apex and TSW wheel brands, Apex emerges as the top choice for discerning consumers seeking high-quality wheels.
With their impressive build quality, Apex wheels are known for their durability and lightweight nature, making them a reliable and performance-oriented option. However, it’s worth noting that Apex’s style options are limited, and their forged series can be quite expensive.
On the other hand, TSW wheels offer good build quality and stand out with their wide range of unique and stylish designs. With TSW, customization options are available, allowing customers to tailor their wheels to their preferences.
Additionally, TSW wheels are fairly affordable, striking a balance between quality, design, and affordability. The only drawback with TSW wheels is their limited suitability for track use.
Considering the factors of quality, price, and advantages, Apex takes the lead in terms of high build quality and performance-focused wheels. If you prioritize durability and lightweight construction over a wide range of style options, Apex is the brand for you.
However, if you value customization, unique designs, and affordability, TSW proves to be a compelling choice. Ultimately, the decision between Apex and TSW wheels depends on your specific preferences and priorities.
