What are the Differences Between the VS-5 and the VS-5RS?

At Apex, we strive to engineer high-performance wheels for everyone. We make fitments for an incredibly diverse range of platforms, but we also consider a wide range of applications and budgets when adding new wheels to our offerings. In fact, when it comes to our iconic split 5-spoke design, which was first introduced with the forged VS-5RS, we now actually produce four unique variants! Part of how we bring Real Performance to as many drivers and price points as possible is producing several designs in both fully-forged and flow-formed variants. When engineered properly, both of these construction techniques can produce truly high-performance, competition-grade wheels. Understandably, this can make things a little confusing when deciding which Apex wheel is the right choice for your application. In this article, we’re going to clear up that confusion by looking at the different split 5-spoke offerings we make and specifically comparing the two most commonly cross-shopped variants of it, the forged VS-5RS and the flow-formed VS-5.

All in the Family

Of our four different split 5-spoke wheels, the flow-formed VS-5 and the forged VS-5RS are the wheels best suited for most applications. We produce two additional forged variants of this design and both are relatively specialized: The VS-5RX and the VS-5RE.

The VS-5RX is part of our Touring Line and is a lightweight, high-performance wheel that is optimized to handle the heavier load rating requirements of modern SUVs and EVs. It’s produced in fitments tailored specifically for those vehicles.

The VS-5RE is part of our track-focused Enduro Line and is our strongest motorsport-optimized wheel. It was engineered for heavier race cars, particularly domestic platforms and track builds that run aggressive aero setups, which can create a lot of downforce and require a wheel with a higher load rating to maintain performance. If you’re not shopping for your SUV/EV or for a heavier track car with an extreme aero package, neither of these wheels are for you.

Iconic Look. Iconic Performance. Different Construction.

Choosing between the VS-5 and the VS-5RS is a little trickier. Both are legitimate high-performance wheels, with the primary differences being how they’re made and the price points they fall in. The VS-5RS is a fully-forged wheel and the VS-5 is a flow-formed wheel. Both of these wheels offer a performance upgrade, and both are truly track-worthy. However, the forged VS-5RS represents the pinnacle of Apex’s offerings when it comes to performance. It’s going to outperform the flow-formed VS-5 in some key areas and is ideally suited for the driver that’s seeking to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of their build. The VS-5RS’ ultra-high performance profile and forged construction comes at a higher cost that may push it out-of-budget for some enthusiasts. Additionally, it’s a wheel that could be considered overkill for those looking for an upgraded aftermarket wheel, but don’t necessarily need peak racing performance for their application, like a daily driver.

When we created the flow-formed VS-5, we did so with the intention of making a wheel that not only got incredibly close to the premium look of its forged sibling, but delivered the maximum performance possible out of a flow-formed wheel at an incredible value. With almost two decades of experience producing flow-formed wheels, we knew exactly how to engineer the VS-5 to achieve that, and at nearly half the price of its forged sibling, VS-5 delivers. It’s a wheel that brings many functional features to the flow-formed category that are typically only found on forged wheels. While the VS-5 isn’t quite going to match the performance of its forged counterpart, it is an impressive wheel that we consider the last step in flow-formed performance before leveling up to a forged option. So, how exactly do the two wheels stack up against each other?

By the Numbers

Weight-Savings: A well-engineered forged option will deliver the maximum combo of weight-savings and strength. While a well-engineered flow-formed option can be a remarkably strong and lightweight wheel – and can even outperform a poorly engineered forged option in some cases – the forged VS-5RS is a lighter wheel than the flow-formed VS-5. In this case, the VS-5 is between ~2-3 lbs heavier than the forged VS-5RS in most fitments. For example, the VS-5RS in an 18x10 ET25 fitment weighs 18.5 lbs, while the VS-5 in the same fitment weighs 21.3 lbs. While the flow-formed wheel offers respectable weight-savings, those looking for maximum weight savings will want to opt for the VS-5RS.

Aesthetics: Despite how strikingly similar these wheels look, they have some slight aesthetic differences as a byproduct of their different construction techniques. With the forged VS-5RS, we can dial-in tailored face profiles for each fitment we make. This allows us to make a wheel with the absolute maximum concavity possible for a given platform. With flow-formed construction, we are limited to creating 3 fixed face profiles to use across all fitments. While those 3 face profiles were designed to deliver max concavity, some fitments will sacrifice a bit of concavity relative to their forged counterpart. Additionally, forged construction allows us to create thinner, deeper spokes without compromising any of the wheel’s strength and stiffness, and the VS-5RS has spokes as thin as 2.4mm at their thinnest point. Because of the nature of flow-forming, the VS-5 has to be thicker in some areas in order to closely replicate the forged design. This means slightly thicker spokes and a less-defined, “chubbier” look than the forged version. There’s also a difference in spoke depth between the two wheels; because we use custom motorsports blanks for our forged wheels, we can create a remarkably deep spoke at 41mm. The flow-formed wheel has spokes that are around 25mm deep.

Additionally, we’ve reintroduced our incredibly dynamic Hyper Black finish on the flow-formed VS-5. This is the first wheel to feature this finish outside of the legendary ARC-8, and it is not available on the VS-5RS at this time. If that finish is a must-have for you, the flow-formed VS-5 is your wheel. That said, the hand-applied Brushed Clear finish we produce the VS-5RS in has a similarly dynamic look and may be a great option in lieu of Hyper Black if you’re buying the forged wheel.

Strength/Load Rating: While it’s important to note that load ratings aren’t the only way to define how strong a wheel is, it is considered the most clear-cut and standardized metric the wheel industry uses. The flow-formed VS-5 and the forged VS-5RS both boast an impressive 1,600 lb load rating, and both wheels were tested to meet or exceed stringent JWL standards by 50-200%. However, the forged VS-5RS was subjected to more rigorous testing, which was carried out and certified by Standard Testing Labs (STL).Though VS-5 was also tested to exceed JWL requirements, the tradeoff is the extra weight of the material used to reinforce the wheel. While the VS-5 is more than strong enough for track use, the forged option may fare better when it comes to impacts like those you may encounter going off-track or battling in-the-pack during intense racing. This makes it the better option for serious competition drivers with cars that will exclusively see track time. Fortunately, both are covered by our legendary Wheel Replacement Program and one of the best warranties in the industry, so you can race without fear…at least about having to replace a wheel.

Brake Clearance: Another important factor for high-performance wheels is brake clearance. Both the VS-5 and the VS-5RS offer excellent clearance, and both feature a 0-degree draft barrel to maximize brake caliper clearance. This is an exceptionally rare design feature to find on a flow-formed wheel! However, because forged construction allows us to strategically remove more material from a wheel’s spoke design, the forged VS-5RS generally offers a bit more brake clearance in many fitments. If you’re already running an aftermarket big brake kit or planning to upgrade to one, you may need to go with the VS-5RS depending on your platform. Consulting our comprehensive fitment guides or reaching out to our fitment experts will clarify which wheel will work best.

Performance Features: Something that sets the VS-5 apart from many other flow-formed wheels on the market is the number of features we incorporated in its design that are typically only found on forged wheels. These features include aggressive, side-milled spokes that provide significant weight-savings and a reinforced inner lip for durability and strength at the wheel’s most vulnerable point. The VS-5 was also designed to accommodate oversized race lugs and impact sockets, so swapping wheels at the track is easy. Of course, you’ll find those features the VS-5RS as well, and while the VS-5 has a reinforced inner lip that makes it exceptionally strong for a flow-formed wheel, the forged wheel features our superior Sprint Spec design with a unique channel profile that makes it exceptionally durable on-track, particularly when it comes to impacts.

Center Caps: This is the last area where these two wheels differ from each other. The forged VS-5RS offers OEM center cap compatibility in every fitment we produce the wheel in. The flow-formed VS-5 is only OEM center cap compatible with 1021 caps for BMW and Toyota (non-86 cars), and 676B Mustang. If you prefer running your OEM center caps, but have a car other than those, the VS-5RS is the option for you. However, we do think these wheels look fantastic when running our colored Apex-branded center caps and we make every color in our center cap range for those sizes.

In summary the flow-formed VS-5 is right for you if:

• You’re budget conscious
• Want high-performance, but don’t need the ultra high-performance of a forged wheel
• Don’t need to run OEM center caps on cars that aren’t BMW 5x112mm or GR Supra
• Absolutely must have our Hyper Black finish

The forged VS-5RS is for you if:

• Peak performance and maximum strength/weight-savings are important to you
• Prefer a slightly sharper and more-defined look
• Want to run OEM center caps on a car other than 5x112mm BMW and GR Supra

Tom M.

Tom is a BMW Fitment Expert at APEX Wheels. Prior to joining the company in 2019, he worked for BMW of North America as Fleet Manager: Portland (OR) for the ReachNow car-sharing program, and as Warranty Administrator/Loaner Fleet Manager at BMW Portland. In addition, Tom has extensive training in BMW TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) as well as in-depth knowledge of all BMW chassis and their wheel fitment options, with and without aftermarket brake and suspension upgrades. His high-performance driving experience includes autocross events in southern Oregon and track days at PIR in his 2004 E46 330i with 17x9 ET42 APEX ARC-8 wheels. Vehicles he owned prior to indulging his passion for BMWs include a 1989 Jaguar XJ6 and a 2006 S197 Ford Mustang. Fun Fact: Tom is a huge Formula 1 fan. Have questions about wheels for your BMW? Use our contact form and ask for Tom.