APEX Wheels has been engineering purpose-built wheels for over 15 years. From the legendary ARC-8 to today’s high-performance forged lines, APEX has always stood for one core principle. Real Performance. That means proper engineering, rigorous third-party testing, and transparency backed by data not marketing fluff.
On top of that APEX delivers the perfect fitment for their target vehicles. Ensuring the proper offsets and brake clearance so they look just as good as they perform without the need for additional wheel spacers.
Among APEX’s most popular wheel designs is the VS-5, a split 5-spoke design that blends form, function, and fitment in a family of wheels engineered for different use cases. Whether you’re after a lightweight structure for time attack, maximum strength for endurance racing, or daily drivability, the VS-5 family has something tailored to your needs.
But you have probably noticed that there are many difference versions of this wheel available. So which one is going to work the best for you? Let’s break down the entire VS-5 wheel lineup.
Purpose: Lightweight, entry-level performance
Weight: ~21.3 lbs (18×10″ ET25)
Load Rating: 1,600 lbs (1,400 for BRZ/86)
Price Point: Most affordable VS-5
The flow-formed APEX VS-5 sits in APEX’s Evolution Line and is designed to be a strong, affordable alternative to the APEX Wheel family. Side-milled spokes reduce weight while maintaining strength, and a reinforced inner lip provides added durability. Although it doesn’t have the fully custom face profiles of its forged siblings, it still benefits from APEX’s rigorous 3D scanning and mold development process for maximum brake clearance and concavity.
The VS-5 is perfect for someone who is looking for a proper set of wheels for their daily driver that occasionally sees some track use or some spirited driving on the weekends.
Key Features:
Purpose: Ultimate lightweight performance
Weight: ~18.5 lbs (18×10″ ET25)
Load Rating: 1,600 lbs (up to 1,650 for Porsche applications)
The APEX VS-5RS is the forged, ultra-lightweight version in the Sprint Line, created for those looking for their next set of track wheels. Built using a custom forging blank, the RS is engineered with side-milled spokes that taper down to just 3mm. Something that is only possible with forging. Its deep 40mm spoke profile gives the wheel outstanding stiffness with minimal weight.
This is the wheel you really want for those track days. Saving as much unsprung weight as possible while providing all the necessary strength to keep you and your car safe.
Key Features:
Purpose: High-load endurance and racing applications
Weight: ~21.7 lbs (18×10″ ET25)
Load Rating: 2,100 lbs
The APEX VS-5RE was born for the harshest conditions. Part of APEX’s Enduro Line, the RE model dramatically boosts strength with thicker spokes and revised inner and outer lips, resulting in a 2,100 lb load rating. At just 3 lbs heavier than the RS, it offers a massive jump in strength with minimal weight penalty.
Key Features:
Purpose: High-performance EVs and SUVs
Weight: ~24.7 lbs (21×9.5″ ET22)
Load Rating: 2,100 lbs
The newest addition to the family, the APEX VS-5RX, brings APEX’s motorsport engineering to the street-focused world of high-performance SUVs and EVs. It’s engineered off the same foundation as the RE model, with a 2,100 lb load rating, but available in larger sizes for vehicles that are a little more practical.
Key Features:
The VS-5 design isn’t just popular because of its great looks, it’s because it performs. A split 5-spoke layout mimics the structure of a 10-spoke wheel, offering excellent rigidity and strength-to-weight ratio. It’s the ultimate balance of style and structure, and the family of models gives you options depending on how and where you drive.
All APEX wheels, whether flow-formed or forged, are subjected to rigorous third-party testing. Flow-formed wheels are VIA registered, and forged wheels are tested by ITS in Michigan to standards that exceed the JWL baseline. Testing reference numbers are published right on the product pages. No fluff, just hard data.
Whether you’re building a track weapon, a street car with style, or an EV that needs real performance, the APEX VS-5 family offers engineering you can trust and data to prove it. Check out APEX Wheels right here at MartiniWorks.
Alex Gelina "Also Known as Gels"
