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 Volk.
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 Volk – Comparison Table
| Apex | Volk | |
| Year founded | 2007 | 1973 |
| Country of origin | United States | Japan |
| Made in | China | Japan |
| Manufactured by | Apex | Rays Engineering |
| Build quality | High | Very High |
History
Get ready to dive into the stories behind two wheel manufacturing companies – Apex and Volk.
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.
Volk Wheels History
Volk Racing is a Japanese wheel manufacturer that has been producing high-quality wheels for over 40 years.
The company is known for its TE37 wheel, which is considered a masterpiece and the origin of the forged sports wheel.
Here is a brief history of Volk Racing and the TE37 wheel:
Volk Racing was founded in 1973 by RAYS Co., Ltd, a Japanese wheel manufacturer.
In the early years, Volk Racing produced wheels for both street and motorsports applications.
In the 1990s, Volk Racing began to focus more on motorsports and produced wheels for various racing teams.
In 1996, Volk Racing released the TE37 wheel, which was a one-piece forged aluminum wheel designed for both motorsports and street applications.
The TE37 wheel quickly gained popularity among racing enthusiasts due to its lightweight construction and durability.
Over the years, Volk Racing has released various variants of the TE37 wheel, including the Super Lap edition, which was a bare-bones forged wheel designed for racing.
Today, Volk Racing continues to produce high-quality wheels for both street and motorsports applications, and the TE37 wheel remains one of the company’s most popular and iconic designs.
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
Volk Wheels Manufacturing Methods
In comparison, here are the different methods used by Volk to make their wheels:
- Forged
Wheel Series
Apex and Volk 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
Volk Wheel Series
- TE37 Series
- CE28 Series
- ZE40 Series
- G25 Series
- RE30 Series
- SF Winning Series
- SE37K Series
- Progressive Model Series
- Formula Model Series
- Racing Model Series
Popular Models
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-selling models for Apex and Volk.
Apex’s Renowned Models
- Apex ARC 8
- Apex EC 7
- Apex VS-5RS
Volk’s Renowned Models
- Volk TE37
Price
Alright, let’s dive into the exciting world of wheel prices! We’re talking about Apex and Volk, 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.
Volk Wheels Price
Volk Racing are much more expensive than most aftermarket wheel brands.
Volk Racing wheels start at around $500 per wheel and can go up to $1000 or more for a single wheel.
Volk Racing wheels are known for their high-quality construction, unique designs, and lightweight forged construction.
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 Volk, unlocking the promises they extend to keep your wheels spinning smoothly.
Apex Wheels Warranty
- Lifetime manufacturing warranty
- Limited Wheel finish warranty for 1 year
Volk Wheels Warranty
- General structural warranty for 3 years
- 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 Volk 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 |
Volk Wheels Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔Supreme build quality | ❌Very Expensive |
| ✔Style and street cred | |
| ✔Strong and lightweight construction | |
| ✔Advanced forging techniques |
Final Verdict
The moment of truth has arrived. After exploring the ins and outs of Apex vs Volk, it’s time to put the puzzle pieces together:
Based on the provided information, Volk emerges as the superior wheel brand compared to Apex.
While Apex offers high-quality wheels, Volk Racing raises the bar with its very high-quality construction. Volk Racing wheels are renowned for their lightweight forged construction, ensuring durability and optimal performance.
On the other hand, Apex wheels are known for their high build quality, but Volk takes it to another level.
However, it is important to consider the price factor. Apex wheels can be both affordable or costly, depending on the model, size, and style.
In contrast, Volk Racing wheels lie on the more expensive side. Starting at around $500 per wheel and reaching over $1000 for a single wheel, Volk Racing wheels demand a premium investment.
Moreover, Volk Racing wheels have an edge in terms of style and street cred. Their unique designs and advanced forging techniques set them apart in the market. Apex, while offering high-quality and performance-oriented wheels, has limited style options.
In summary, if budget is not a concern, Volk Racing is the clear winner. Their supreme build quality, advanced forging techniques, and street cred make them the preferred choice for those seeking top-tier wheels.
However, for those looking for a more affordable option with good quality, Apex is still a viable choice, although with limited style options and potential high prices for their forged series.
