Callaway has always been a strong company when it comes to woods and game improvement irons. With the new Apex Forged set, they’re stepping up their iron game to appeal to all levels of play.
TECHNOLOGY
The new Apex Forged Irons contain a multi piece construction to allow for a softer forged feel. Callaway’s 360 Cup Face technology surrounds the clubhead of each iron to allow for increased ball speeds and more consistent distance across the clubface.
Basically, you get a more predictable flight, increased distance on solid strikes and mishits, and you’re going to gain optimal ball flights, faster ball speeds, and increased control.
APPEARANCE
I have been using more of a players iron for the better part of 6-7 years (thin face and top line, muscle back type of club). If you are someone that is used to looking at that, this will be a small change to get used to, as the Apex’s have a little more size (although I wouldn’t say they’re as big as a game improvement iron).
From the address position, the longer the iron, you may notice a slight offset near the heel of the club, however, barely noticeable. They are a solid looking golf club that breed confidence in the shot you are about to hit.
FEEL
A lot of higher handicap golfers tend to shy away from anything that says “forged” on them. With the Apex Forged irons, they have the softness of a cast metal, but the performance of a players iron. After getting quite a few practice sessions and rounds in, the more and more I loved the feel of the ball coming off the face. It wasn’t much different from what I’m used to, however, if you’ve always used a cast iron (found in game improvement, large cavity back irons), you’ll be surprised at how soft these are.
For the most part, any solid shot with these irons feels like a rocket. On off center hits, they’re just as soft and perform extremely well across the face, and thin shots don’t feel quite as shocking to the hands.
RESULTS
The distance I have gained with these irons is tremendous. I’m hitting at least 1 club less on all my shots. There is a noticeable increase in initial ball speed, penetrating ball flight, and slightly stronger lofts in a standard set. The ball just seems to stay in the air mid-flight, and almost always looks like it’s going to take off when it hits the ground. This being said, the ball surprisingly lands soft, just as a true blade would.
Normally, with an iron that has a little more size, it’s difficult to work the ball as they are designed to limit side spin and increase forgiveness. With the Apex forged irons, I haven’t found any difficulty shaping the ball when I need to. Highly recommended!
MICHAEL MIDGETTE
Guest Writer
Mike is a PGA Member, Assistant Professional at Hempstead Country Club on Long Island, teaches the game regularly, and competes in tournaments at the National Level. He plays around 175 rounds a year, and practices 4-5 times a week. He has 11 victories at the Professional level since turning pro in 2012 and his scoring average the last 3 years is 70.13.
