Ben Hogan Apex Plus 1999 - 2006 differences

Hey Guys.

Can someone tell me what differences in looks there are between the 1999/2000 Apex Plus and the later (Callaway?) 2006 version.

I saw a thread on here that said the 2006 version has a crescent ring of notches at the top of the hosel. The 1999 version doesn't have that.

Is that correct and are there any other ways of spotting the differences (without playing them).

Btw - a set I'm looking at has Rifle FCM 5.5 shafts. Would that make them likely 2006 model, or were those shafts available in 1999?

(I realise it's also possible they have been re-shafted)

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

The 99s have a rounded muscle pad where "Ben Hogan" is placed. The 06s is more of a straight line muscle pad and no text.

Exactly. 2006 Plus was a totally different and new model. Much more compact, identical to the 2006 Apex blade, but with a straight cavity back muscle line. Also, much MUCH LESS offset than the earlier/original Plus.

The best way to differentiate though, is definitely the cavity muscle line. VERY STRAIGHT on the 2006. Subtle but noticeable curve on the 2000-2005 original model. Those 2006's are uber rare and a great forged CB offering.

2000 here:

then 2006:

Fantastic guys, much appreciated - especially those photos.

Looks like the set I have my eye on are the 99/00 version.

I hear they are a great classic set and forged by Endo in Japan. That correct?

Oops I thought this was about the apex blades not the pluses. I should read the title

99/00 version is a classic, one of the all time best irons in my opinion.

On 9/13/2018 at 4:13 AM, bazinoz said:

Hey Guys.

 

Can someone tell me what differences in looks there are between the 1999/2000 Apex Plus and the later (Callaway?) 2006 version.

 

I saw a thread on here that said the 2006 version has a crescent ring of notches at the top of the hosel. The 1999 version doesn't have that.

 

Is that correct and are there any other ways of spotting the differences (without playing them).

 

Thanks in advance for any pointers.

  The 2006 Apex Plus model with crescent ring on hosel is seen below.

Shade

Any one have any idea if they are different in terms of playability... I looked at the Maltby MPF and the '99 apex plus has a dreadful score...

3 hours ago, JahSteve said:

 

Any one have any idea if they are different in terms of playability... I looked at the Maltby MPF and the '99 apex plus has a dreadful score...

MPF not always gospel. Maltby hates them because they have a compact head and higher COG. MP-33s have a ‘better’ MPF, and the Apex Plus is definitely more forgiving than an MP-33, as well as its own Maltby rating. Plain and simple, if you strike it well, it will sing for you. If you miss the sweet spot, expect to lose some distance. 

I know there are forgiveness nuances within the class, but If you can comfortably play the general family of ZX7, P7MC, 223s, T100s, etc. you can probably play an Apex Plus.

Mid/long irons may be tougher to launch if you’ve got strike inconsistencies, but the short irons are fine if you get along with the sharper edge and thinner sole.

For an older iron with tame lofts compared to most modern irons, I have found the 99 Apex+ to be very "hot" irons.  Usually a half to 3/4 club longer than my cobra forged cb's and a full club longer than my mizuno blades.

On 5/8/2021 at 8:11 AM, Shade Ruff said:

 

  The 2006 Apex Plus model with crescent ring on hosel is seen below.

 

Shade

 

The 2004-05 Hogan Apex FTX clubs had an identical crescent ring.

Played the 99 for several years.  Still have them and on days when I decide, however unwisely,  that I want a 3i in the bag,  the Apex plus gets the call. I like it on long par 3s. It's like swinging a sledgehammer. Feels very heavy and stout. Rifle 6.0 is what are in mine. 

The 99 Apex Plus shaft has a red sticker on the shaft that includes the word "Spaulding". The 2006 clubs do not have it. The word "Spaulding" is also not on the sticker of the 2004-5 Hogan Apex FTX irons. Both of these later clubs have the crescent ring on the hosel.