Apex VS-5 vs. VS-5RS: Which Wheel Is Right for You?
Apex Wheels designs high-performance wheels for a wide range of vehicles. The VS-5 and VS-5RS are two of their most popular split 5-spoke options.
While both wheels share a similar design, construction and performance differences exist. The VS-5RS is ideally suited for drivers seeking maximum performance, while the VS-5 offers similar styling and pushes the limits of flow-formed wheel performance at an incredible value.
This article will compare and contrast the Apex VS-5 and VS-5RS, helping you choose the best option for your specific needs and budget. We’ll explore the key differences, including materials, manufacturing processes, weight, strength, and price, so you can make an informed decision.
Construction and Manufacturing: Flow-Formed vs. Forged
The Apex VS-5 and VS-5RS wheels differ significantly in how they’re made, resulting in different performance characteristics and price points.
Flow-Formed Construction (VS-5)
The VS-5 wheels are made using a process called flow forming. In flow forming, pressure is applied to a cast wheel while it’s spinning, stretching and compressing the aluminum. This improves the grain structure of the metal and makes the wheel stronger and more resistant to impacts.
Flow forming is a good compromise between strength, weight, and cost, allowing for a broader range of applications and a more accessible price.
Forged Construction (VS-5RS)
The VS-5RS wheels, on the other hand, are forged. Forging involves shaping metal using intense compressive forces. The VS-5RS is forged from 6061-T6 aluminum under 10,000 metric tons of pressure.
Forging results in a wheel that’s lighter and stronger than a flow-formed wheel. Forging also allows for more precise control over the design of the wheel’s face, spokes, and brake clearance. The VS-5RS’s forged construction incorporates innovative engineering, including side-milled spokes.
Performance and Specifications: A Detailed Comparison
Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Apex VS-5 and VS-5RS wheels, focusing on performance-related specifications.
Weight
The Apex VS-5 wheels range in weight from 18.6 to 23.7 lbs, depending on the size you choose. The VS-5RS wheels, on the other hand, are lighter, ranging from 16.3 to 21.1 lbs. That’s a weight savings of about 2-3 lbs per wheel in some fitments. For example, an 18×10 ET25 VS-5RS weighs in at 18.5 lbs, while the VS-5 in the same size and offset weighs 21.3 lbs.
Load Rating
Both the VS-5 and VS-5RS wheels have a load rating of 1600 lbs. This is the “APEX Forged Sprint™ Line” load rating. The “APEX Flow Formed” load rating, for comparison, is 1550 lbs.
However, the VS-5RS wheels undergo more rigorous testing and quality control procedures during manufacturing.
Strength and Durability
The VS-5RS wheels offer enhanced strength compared to the standard VS-5. This is due to the “Sprint™ spec inner lip,” a design feature that provides significant reinforcement. In fact, the Sprint™ spec inner lip offers 32% more reinforcement than flow-formed wheels.
Both wheels are designed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This allows Apex to optimize the wheel design for both light weight and high strength.
Additional Features
Both wheel types offer significant brake clearance and a deeper concavity, which is beneficial for high-performance applications. They also feature unpainted knurled beads to enhance tire grip and are optimized for use with impact sockets and oversized race lugs.
Aesthetics and Design: Subtle but Noticeable Differences
At first glance, the Apex VS-5 and VS-5RS wheels look pretty similar. Both sport that classic split 5-spoke design we all know and love. But when you start looking closer, some key differences pop out.
One convenient feature of the VS-5RS is its compatibility with OEM center caps. So, you can keep that factory look if you want to. The VS-5, on the other hand, boasts a unique “Dynamic Hyper Black” finish that really makes it stand out.
The forged construction of the VS-5RS also allows for some more intricate design details. For example, the VS-5RS has a spoke depth of 41mm and a spoke thickness of 2.4mm, compared to the VS-5’s 25mm spoke depth. Forging lets Apex precisely tailor the face profiles and spokes for optimal performance and aesthetics.
Which wheel is right for your car?
The VS-5RS is really meant for high-performance driving, like track days. The VS-5 is more of an all-arounder, comfortable on the road and the track.
Choosing the right wheel isn’t always easy. If you have aftermarket parts, it can be tricky. Always check the fitment guides on Apex’s website. The company also has experts you can talk to.
These wheels fit a wide range of vehicles. We’re talking Chevrolet Corvette C8 Widebody, BMW 2 Series, BMW M4, and a whole lot more.
Apex has different wheel lines for different purposes. The VS-5RX is designed for SUVs and EVs. The VS-5RE is for motorsports.
Warranty and Support
Both Apex and 5RS offer warranties on their wheels, giving you some peace of mind with your purchase. Apex provides a lifetime structural warranty, protecting you against defects in workmanship and materials. They also offer a 1-year warranty on the wheel’s finish.
5RS goes a step further with their VS-5RS wheels. They offer a similar lifetime structural warranty and a 1-year finish warranty. On top of that, they have an accidental damage replacement program that gives you 50% off replacement wheels if yours are damaged in an accident.
Both brands offer customer service and fitment support. Apex’s website has fitment guides to help you find the right wheels for your car.
In Conclusion
The Apex VS-5RS is a specialized, high-performance wheel designed to save weight and maximize performance. The VS-5, meanwhile, gives you many of the benefits of a forged wheel in a flow-formed option, and it’s an excellent choice for price-conscious drivers.
When choosing between the VS-5 and VS-5RS, it’s important to consider your individual needs and budget. Think about whether you need to save every possible ounce of weight, how important aesthetics are to you, and the specific demands you’ll place on the wheels.
If you’re still not sure which wheel is right for you, contact the experts at Apex for personalized recommendations.