Callaway Apex 21 Irons £1,089
GM Verdict
Over the years, Callaway has forged a reputation for stunning looks and excellent feel within its Apex irons. Of course, this means that any new Apex launch poses a challenge – how do you move the performance on without taking anything away that contributed to the irons’ popularity?
The answer, Callaway says, lies in the new artificial intelligence Flash faces, which should deliver more distance and spin consistency.
We tested four of the new models for 2021 – the Apex MB, Apex Pro, Apex and Apex DCB – using a Skytrak launch monitor at West Hill Golf Club. There is also an Apex TCB model in the range, which we’re hoping to test soon.
In terms of the looks, there is a simple, clear progression through the range. The Apex MB is the most blade-like – it has a very thin topline with minimal offset and is clearly an iron that’s destined for the tour.
During our testing, it was clear to see the performance followed a similar pattern. As we moved from the Pro version to the standard Apex and on to the DCB, and as the static lofts got stronger, the ball speeds increased, the spin dropped and the carry yardages went up. These changes were nicely incremental and the ball flight remained impressively consistent throughout – there was just one yard difference between the peak heights of the three irons. It was good to see the overall level of consistency remained in the Apex and Apex DCB models, as they add forgiveness and distance.
One of the most important areas of performance to consider with any new Apex iron is the feel. The good news is that whichever iron you are leaning towards, the feel has clearly been carefully considered, with each iron feeling superb in its own way.
Any golfer thinking about investing in a new set will need to weigh up which of the different performance benefits will help them most. But as the changes are so incrementally small between models, we think they can be easily blended within a set. The lure of the extra distance and forgiveness of the Apex and Apex DCB in a package that still looks appealing and feels good will, we think, make these two in particular very popular.
With the Callaway Apex 21 irons, the modern yet traditional looks are combined with some impressive new technologies that deliver high levels of consistency. We loved the soft feel and simple progression across the range.
Key Technology
On the Apex model, increased forgiveness comes from a new Tungsten Energy core that is five times heavier to promote higher and more consistent launch and spin.
Apex DCB is a more distanceorientated club for players seeking forgiveness with forged-like feel.
For the first time in Apex Pro, a Tungsten Energy core includes up to 90 grams of tungsten per iron to improve launch and forgiveness.
“The hitting experience with all the irons was amazing, but it was the Apex Pro that really stood out for me” Joel Tadman, GM technical editor