Apex ML-10rt

[MotorSportThree]

Thoughts on the Apex ML-10rt? Who has a set?

[Tbonem3]

They're BBS E88s reps that don't look that great. What else to say? It's easy to produce a faitfhul replica of a simple wheel like RC (ARC-8), but the E88s is so intricate, 3 piece, polished/stepped lip. Can't reproduce that in 1 piece flow formed. The lips just look flat on ml10 and the other e88 replicas.

I maintain, there's no better wheel option(performance orientated) than arc8s. Cheap, simple, lots of sizing, clean look that is period correct (well, maybe slightly more e36 era).

[Gt4]

I think the Volk 21a looks better for a kinda similar wheel.

[Gearhead55]

I think the Volk 21a looks better for a kinda similar wheel.

21As slap.

[Tbonem3]

Definitely better than the other reps

[Gearhead55]

Definitely better than the other reps

I mean I don't think the volks would be considered reps if the E88s weren't so over-the-top popular right now. Not every multispoke wheel is an E88 rep. The Ml-10s are even biting the concave areas on the interior of the spokes though.

[Tbonem3]

Did I say every multi spoke wheel is an e88 rep? There are some recent wheels coming out, probably due to the e88 popularity you mentioned, and they are 100% "inspired" by bbs e88. At least RAYs is a top brand, but it's not an original design.

[MotorSportThree]

I would like to see pictures of other set ups other than the very aggressive specs on the website.

[Nate047]

To me, 21As look more like a monoblock BBS LM than an E88. Also Rays is decidedly not a “rep” wheel company, having decades of racing pedigree including F1 and Super GT.

Apex on the other hand, they are not on the same playing field as Rays, but their products are good (design originality notwithstanding) and they have a good replacement policy.

Apex wheels are all made in China or Taiwan so that part sucks. No getting around the elephant in the room. But that’s why they are a couple hundred per wheel cheaper than Rays which are all made in Japan.

[discoelk]

No mesh wheel is an original design.

[9kracing]

...Rays which are all made in Japan.

... on a forge that RAYS owns and maintains.


Apex wheels are contracted out to a forge in China that they have no control over.

All forges are not the same, some are 6K pounds, some are 12K.

I think RAYS is 10K but don't quote me.

[AbbeyRoad]

Good to see some better informed posters here about the wheel game. Those 21As look better than E88s and are likely lighter, more durable and stronger than the old school multi-piece BBS design.

The y spoke mesh belongs to BBS to which all others follow. Nothing wrong with that. It's a timeless, functional design. Also consider the proprietary metallurgy where motorsport backed companies like Volk, BBS, Forgeline, etc ply their trade. Apex is a budget wheel shop looking to serve the track nerd crowd who don't care SO much about looks or brand prestige. They just care about burning rubber, fulfilling their race car driver hobbyist fantasies.

BBS Japan, Rays are just a handful in the wheel industry that has true in-house manufacturing capabilities. Think Rolex, AP.

[Gearhead55]

To me, 21As look more like a monoblock BBS LM than an E88. Also Rays is decidedly not a “rep” wheel company, having decades of racing pedigree including F1 and Super GT.

Apex on the other hand, they are not on the same playing field as Rays, but their products are good (design originality notwithstanding) and they have a good replacement policy.

Apex wheels are all made in China or Taiwan so that part sucks. No getting around the elephant in the room. But that’s why they are a couple hundred per wheel cheaper than Rays which are all made in Japan.

Yea the sharper edged spokes make it look more like a race pocket LM than E88 to me as well.

[Gearhead55]

Good to see some better informed posters here about the wheel game. Those 21As look better than E88s and are likely lighter, more durable and stronger than the old school multi-piece BBS design.

The y spoke mesh belongs to BBS to which all others follow. Nothing wrong with that. It's a timeless, functional design. Also consider the proprietary metallurgy where motorsport backed companies like Volk, BBS, Forgeline, etc ply their trade. Apex is a budget wheel shop looking to serve the track nerd crowd who don't care SO much about looks or brand prestige. They just care about burning rubber, fulfilling their race car driver hobbyist fantasies.

BBS Japan, Rays are just a handful in the wheel industry that has true in-house manufacturing capabilities. Think Rolex, AP.

One aspect of Apexs that I like as well is there are easily replaceable. In reality, if you are tracking enough, wheels are a wear item and being able to replace an individual wheel if you bend of crack one is nice. It's much harder to do that with the expensive and hard to get Volk or BBS stuff.

[usdmej]

One aspect of Apexs that I like as well is there are easily replaceable.

yea Apex actually has Volk beat here even though they don't make their own wheels. with volk they make a wheel and it disappears in the pacific ocean for 12-16 weeks before you can get it