Callaway Apex Pro Irons Review Thread
Nice writeup and those are some impressive numbers. That is a big increase in carry distance. I don't think you would be sacrificing anything in feel by going from Mizunos to the Apex Pros.
From what I saw yesterday on the course, Callaway has done a great job of marrying a distance with great feel. These are every bit as long as my Ping i20s. One thing I struggle with the Pings is being able to flight them and losing the ball left when I am trying to a 3/4 type shot. I so no issue with that yesterday with the Pros. Several occasions I was in between clubs and was able to take something off of it while still being able to keep the ball on target.
jhstew1
Idiot Free
Getting for morning work out! These look too good to hit! But I must do work.
those look nice...
PhilFrance
New member
I'm getting ready to jump the gun with Apex or Apex Pro - unsure which - maybe you all can all help me?
I'm 48 years old, and have been suffering from shoulder and elbow pain over the years. I'm a 5.1 handicap, was down to a 3.8 a couple years ago. I currently game Titleist 712 AP2, with normal KBS C-Tapesrs, R+ flex, played blades previously for many years. My main reason for changing is looking for a gain in distance, and changing over to graphite with lighter shafts than what I am currently playing. My current 6 iron SS is about 86 mph on average, and Driver SS is roughly 96 mph - I usually carry my 6 iron 155 yards (pathetic)... My tempo is generally quite slow, and I play in Northern France (expat american) where it is often cold, so thinking regular or stiff graphite.
I'm concerned with cosmetics on the regular Apex irons, thinking they might be a wee bit chunky. Are they more chunky than Titleist AP2s, or similar? I am quite sure I wouldn't have an issue with either the Apex or Apex Pros, but if the normal are longer, easier and not too disturbing visually..... Why not? If the Apex Pros are just as long, I'll probably get them. Also, have any of you tried the Recoils on any of these? I've read good things..... And if so, o they play true, soft or strong to flex???
Thanks!
Phil
I'm 48 years old, and have been suffering from shoulder and elbow pain over the years. I'm a 5.1 handicap, was down to a 3.8 a couple years ago. I currently game Titleist 712 AP2, with normal KBS C-Tapesrs, R+ flex, played blades previously for many years. My main reason for changing is looking for a gain in distance, and changing over to graphite with lighter shafts than what I am currently playing. My current 6 iron SS is about 86 mph on average, and Driver SS is roughly 96 mph - I usually carry my 6 iron 155 yards (pathetic)... My tempo is generally quite slow, and I play in Northern France (expat american) where it is often cold, so thinking regular or stiff graphite.
I'm concerned with cosmetics on the regular Apex irons, thinking they might be a wee bit chunky. Are they more chunky than Titleist AP2s, or similar? I am quite sure I wouldn't have an issue with either the Apex or Apex Pros, but if the normal are longer, easier and not too disturbing visually..... Why not? If the Apex Pros are just as long, I'll probably get them. Also, have any of you tried the Recoils on any of these? I've read good things..... And if so, o they play true, soft or strong to flex???
Thanks!
Phil
Welcome to THP!
I think someone got the regular Apex with the Recoils, maybe WarEagle??? You might want to take a look at that thread for that.
I think someone got the regular Apex with the Recoils, maybe WarEagle??? You might want to take a look at that thread for that.
Phil, judging by your index, I imagine you're s pretty consistent ball striker. I'm not and when we were fitted Matt basically told me to take my pick. If you're looking for distance, I'd suggest the regular Apexes. They definitely get some more air and distance under the ball, where in finding the pros to be about the same as my DPCs. I've got a combo set, so the Pros were strengthened a little to close the gap, but the regular Apexes just fire the ball of the face.
Hope this can give you a little idea of what I'm kind of seeing out off each in my still relatively short relationship with them. I imagine they'll be in my bag for a while.
As far as clunkiness goes, the regular Apex are a little bit thinner on the sole than the Ping i20s. I felt like the regular are a little easier to hit, with more forgivenss. But at a 5 handicap (my handicap is in your range), you could probably game either one. Or you could be like me and go with a combo set.
Wicked Cool Bearded Man
4thegolf+4thefriends
Getting for morning work out! These look too good to hit! But I must do work.
Stunning in that bag Freddie. I really like the looks of those.
adamw238
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That was the coolest golf shot ever! You managed to hit the ball so hard that you punched a hole in the space-time continuum. I'm sure there's someone in an alternate universe wondering what the heck just hit them in the face. :laughing:
adamw238
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That's kind of what I was thinking. I am honestly in love with these clubs. And that never happens. One of my playing partners has the i20s and suffers the same problem. I don't know if it's the offset or what. But that club does not like 3/4 shots at all. And you are 100% right with their shot making ability. I've never had control combined with distance like that.
I need to change my signature now....since I'll probably be playing the Big Bertha, some Callaway 3w and Callaway irons. Scotty and the Scratches are safe.
Agent Jay
Grandaddy Alumni
Looking good fellas! These Pro's caught my eyes from the start, hope to get a chance to hit them some time soon.
Callawaygolfpro
New member
I would REALLY be interested to see if someone can get some compairison pictures from the Apex Pro and the Razr X Muscleback iron. I've been playing the X-Prototypes for years now and love them. I really want to get on board with Callaway's newer tech but I get nervous looking at the newer lines because they just look so big to my eye, especially at set up. If one of you guys could get a side by side picture or two or three that would be amazing!
Thechosen1
#Thistagwilltravel
Callaway Apex Pro Irons Review Thread
Glad to see this thread blow up like it is. Hope to give some thoughts soon
You guys are killing it
Glad to see this thread blow up like it is. Hope to give some thoughts soon
You guys are killing it
I think I like your explanation better.
Callaway Apex Pro Irons Review Thread
I might be able to that for you in a couple of weeks time. Have a set of x-prototypes sitting at home and I should be able to get some pictures up if no one has already.
I might be able to that for you in a couple of weeks time. Have a set of x-prototypes sitting at home and I should be able to get some pictures up if no one has already.
adamw238
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The regular Apex irons are not chunky at all. Just a tad thicker than the AP2. But if you're looking at the club without comparing it to anything else, you wouldn't be able to tell that it's a thicker top line. The store manager and I were hitting the regular Apex that the rep left for us to hit. Both of us play thin top lined irons and we couldn't get over how sexy the Apex looked for a GI iron. There's a little bit more offset, but it's not nearly as much as the X Hot Pros from last season. He and I were both contemplating just going with the Apex irons because it looks just as good as a players iron. We both agreed that we wouldn't have any problems gaming the regular Apex irons next year. You really can't go wrong with either The Apex offer a bit more forgiveness, but if you're a 5 you don't need to worry too much about that.
I've never really been a "Callaway" guy, but I am now. January can't come soon enough. I feel like a kid again! I'm saving up my Christmas and birthday money for a new set of golf clubs. lol!
codybwallace
New member
Finally got a chance to get some great pictures of the clubs. Posting the photos and them headed to the course for some review time. The rest of this day will be dedicated to the Apex Pros.
Now to compare to the S56s.
Now off to the course.
^^^^Just Tapped That
Now to compare to the S56s.
Now off to the course.
^^^^Just Tapped That
Oregon Jack
Let's real 'er back in.
Glad to see everybody is liking these so much. These will be some of the first things i try out when i get my cast off..
Tadashi70
Well-known member
11/22/2013
Northshore Driving Range
Over cast with slight downwind breeze
Apex Pro testing (day 1)
On a warm weekend in Central Florida, 16 guys, THP director of awesome and Zoocrew front man, Matty Hainline converged on Mission Inn for Callaway Ultimate club testing. This was our first look at the new Apex and Apex Pro irons to be released later in 2013. Fast forward to 7pm 11/20/2013 as I am helping my son with his homework and dragging my bottom lip on the floor because I had no package waiting for me when I arrived at home. I see the UPS guy, I jump from kindergarten math to my feet, out the front door with the wife screaming "what's wrong?"
I yell back, 'my irons are here' and she replies...'good grief, more golf stuff!!!' (she secretely loves golf, NOT)
Fast forward to this morning and me on the range with this beautiful set of Apex Pros paired KBS V2 110gram Stiff shafts. I had a large bucket of 120 balls, my Blue tooth headset and a workout in front of me. To say I was excited, would be an understatement. After some mild Richard Simmons type stretches I pulled the PW in the set, rolled a ball into position and took my first swing. Clipped in clean off the turf on a high 2 yard draw (total guess to give you a picture). I pulled another ball into place and hit the same shot but this stayed straight no draw. I repeated this motion of another 10 balls until I was good and warm. I then pulled my Xforged PW to do some side by side comparison.
The Xforged is heavier and more familiar so its not a fair fight in my book. I can swing these with my eyes closed. I took some cuts, saw the familiar arch with a slight draw headed at the same spot I had been hitting my Apex Pros. It had a heavier hit but the ball on both irons seemed to melt into the club face. The Apex Pro did seem to stop on a dime or back up a bit in the wet turf. This may have been due to the newness of the grooves.
Now my misses with the forged has always been a pull. My misses today with the Apex Pros was a slight push. Granted I was out in front on these shots but it was odd to see. I usually am able to save it at the bottom but not these. The Apex Pros are lighter than my Xforged (S400 TT shafts) and I found that I was out infront on a few swings. But each time I was greeted with a push and minimal distance loss. Staying behind any golf shot is the way to go and the lighter weight is going to take some getting used to, but I think I am up for the task.
As my session continued I started to get a little out of sort with the swing and needed to get back into a groove. During this time I hit number of less than solid shots that fell short of my intended target but surprsingly the feeling I felt in my hands from ball to face wasn't harsh, actually kind of soft feel. I remember looking at my divot and thinking did I hit that fat or was that a dead ball. I knew in the back of my mind it was a bit heavy and I paid the price but the club to truf interaction doesn't feel like a normal fat shot. The club still ripped through the turf as every other swing.
PW - 6 iron delivered a high ball. Not a balloon but a ball that explodes off the face, reaches its point and slowly arch back toward terra firma. The 4 and 5 irons delivered more of a mid ball but still had plenty of spin. I was expecting a high ball form the long irons but would have taken these shots to the course and been pleased. I know my swing was not where I wanted it but it was good enough to give me some good feedback.
The distance comparison between the Xforged and Apex Pros is minor but its there. Just as it was during testing at Mission Inn, the Apex Pro 6 iron easily cleared the 184 flag. To be honest my 7 irons was just landing short. I surmized that my 175-180 club will now be the Apex Pro 7 iron. This is with a stock swing and yellow range balls.
For my first go around with these I was pleased with the results. The look from the top, the way the club set on the ground, the turf interaction and the results. The Apex Pros as stock offer are sweet. I look forward to my first round and a great swing day.
Northshore Driving Range
Over cast with slight downwind breeze
Apex Pro testing (day 1)
On a warm weekend in Central Florida, 16 guys, THP director of awesome and Zoocrew front man, Matty Hainline converged on Mission Inn for Callaway Ultimate club testing. This was our first look at the new Apex and Apex Pro irons to be released later in 2013. Fast forward to 7pm 11/20/2013 as I am helping my son with his homework and dragging my bottom lip on the floor because I had no package waiting for me when I arrived at home. I see the UPS guy, I jump from kindergarten math to my feet, out the front door with the wife screaming "what's wrong?"
I yell back, 'my irons are here' and she replies...'good grief, more golf stuff!!!' (she secretely loves golf, NOT)
Fast forward to this morning and me on the range with this beautiful set of Apex Pros paired KBS V2 110gram Stiff shafts. I had a large bucket of 120 balls, my Blue tooth headset and a workout in front of me. To say I was excited, would be an understatement. After some mild Richard Simmons type stretches I pulled the PW in the set, rolled a ball into position and took my first swing. Clipped in clean off the turf on a high 2 yard draw (total guess to give you a picture). I pulled another ball into place and hit the same shot but this stayed straight no draw. I repeated this motion of another 10 balls until I was good and warm. I then pulled my Xforged PW to do some side by side comparison.
The Xforged is heavier and more familiar so its not a fair fight in my book. I can swing these with my eyes closed. I took some cuts, saw the familiar arch with a slight draw headed at the same spot I had been hitting my Apex Pros. It had a heavier hit but the ball on both irons seemed to melt into the club face. The Apex Pro did seem to stop on a dime or back up a bit in the wet turf. This may have been due to the newness of the grooves.
Now my misses with the forged has always been a pull. My misses today with the Apex Pros was a slight push. Granted I was out in front on these shots but it was odd to see. I usually am able to save it at the bottom but not these. The Apex Pros are lighter than my Xforged (S400 TT shafts) and I found that I was out infront on a few swings. But each time I was greeted with a push and minimal distance loss. Staying behind any golf shot is the way to go and the lighter weight is going to take some getting used to, but I think I am up for the task.
As my session continued I started to get a little out of sort with the swing and needed to get back into a groove. During this time I hit number of less than solid shots that fell short of my intended target but surprsingly the feeling I felt in my hands from ball to face wasn't harsh, actually kind of soft feel. I remember looking at my divot and thinking did I hit that fat or was that a dead ball. I knew in the back of my mind it was a bit heavy and I paid the price but the club to truf interaction doesn't feel like a normal fat shot. The club still ripped through the turf as every other swing.
PW - 6 iron delivered a high ball. Not a balloon but a ball that explodes off the face, reaches its point and slowly arch back toward terra firma. The 4 and 5 irons delivered more of a mid ball but still had plenty of spin. I was expecting a high ball form the long irons but would have taken these shots to the course and been pleased. I know my swing was not where I wanted it but it was good enough to give me some good feedback.
The distance comparison between the Xforged and Apex Pros is minor but its there. Just as it was during testing at Mission Inn, the Apex Pro 6 iron easily cleared the 184 flag. To be honest my 7 irons was just landing short. I surmized that my 175-180 club will now be the Apex Pro 7 iron. This is with a stock swing and yellow range balls.
For my first go around with these I was pleased with the results. The look from the top, the way the club set on the ground, the turf interaction and the results. The Apex Pros as stock offer are sweet. I look forward to my first round and a great swing day.
Scrap Iron
On The Eh Team
Some great feedback sir. I was curious about the distance comparison. I'm loving this thread
AZArmyGolfer
Still Walking
Finally got a chance to get some great pictures of the clubs. Posting the photos and them headed to the course for some review time. The rest of this day will be dedicated to the Apex Pros.
Now to compare to the S56s.
Now off to the course.
^^^^Just Tapped That
Great pics. I really like the side-by-side with the S56. I have a set of S56 irons and will have to give these a look.
180 yard 7 iron is big time. Great feedback to start Freddie - I loved the X Forged on the few occasions I was able to hit it, so it sounds like these might be a decent fit for me. My big question will be whether the extra help of the Apex is worth the look and feel difference (not that they're not pretty, just a little bigger is all).
Tadashi70
Well-known member
I understand that you have to happy with what you are playing. But this thicker top line thing folks have is all mental. Every shot can be played with the Apex as the Pros. If you don't play everyday and aren't against good shots or good results on misses, I'd go Apex all day.
I was actually set on the Apex but Matty didn't like the ball flight and felt the pro produced a more beneficial ball for me. In the end you gotta do what's best for your game