LIVE Q&A: Callaway Golf Apex Irons and Hybrids. Mon Oct 5, 4PM ET / 1PM PT. Ask questions NOW!

[Mitchell]

How much of a reduction in bulge/roll is present when comparing the new Apex hybrid to XR Pro or X2Hot Pro hybrids? No need to get into specifics if proprietary information, just had personally noted that gear effect was pronounced in some previous hybrids, increasing forgiveness yet somewhat limiting workability in certain conditions.

[gprubes]

From what I have seen so far, the Pro version have the 360 cup face. I know that this face will increase ballspeeds across the face, but how much has that increased playability/accuracy? Are these irons now meant for a broader range of player. Should a higher handicap player now not fear playing a "Pro" club??

Dang, I just turned 2 sentences into 3 full questions.

Thanks for your time guys!!

[ORUTRAVIS]

Doc Hock, Does the 360 cup face effect the trajectory or launch conditions in any way? Or does the increased launch I have seen from X hot pros to Xr pros have more to do with other tech?

[Dscvrr St Louis]

First thanks to Wrx and Callaway for getting this together....
I loved the X Forged 13 for their feel and better than average forgiveness....but the forgiveness of the Apex Pro was quite noticeable. It seems like the Apex Pro 2016 is a blend of these two irons, was that the intention and is it due mainly to the input from the pro's and their wants in an iron??

thanks

Leif

[cane700]

I bought a set of Apex irons on a whim and they have proven to be a game changer for me. I've been impressed with how easy the long irons were to hit. So much that i took my hybrid out of the bag. So I was surprised to see an Apex Hybrid offering. What does the hybrid offer as compared to the CF16 long irons?

[Lacey Underall]

I've been a loyal Callaway player since the FT-5 and 2007 X Forged, but I haven't bagged any of the new irons since the stock shafts became lighter. Can you talk about the decision to move back to a heavy/standard weight shaft (Project X) in the new Apex Pro? I think that was great call for the better player but I'm curious how that debate played out.

[roverdog99]

I currently play and enjoy a set if xr pros. How do the apex pros compare? Can I expect similar distance?

[KC35]

how is the durability of the finish of the new apex?

the lack of durability is well documented in the previous version.

[J13]

Hey guys hope all is well

What was the reason behind 2 different finishes between the Apex and Apex Pro? Are you concerned it might turn some off to making combo sets ?

[ron lefthanded holmes]

thanks to Callaway and WRX i play the apex line now and if i was to change to the new apex what benefits would there be,I.E i know the cup tech,but to make me change to the new version is there any difference in sound feel and distance compared to my apex and the new version,Not really looking for distance but its a bonus as these are long enough i need feel and looks,thanks

[Scooterboy59]

The Apex short irons do not have the cup face design. Why is that? And how do you go about choosing what shafts goes with a new iron. The Apex stayed the same, but the Apex Pros have Project X shafts instead of the KBS that came in the old Apex Pros. Why?

[ladahl]

Thanks for reaching out to the WRX community:

[size=5][b][i]I currently play a combo set: 24* Apex UT, 5-7 Apex, 8-G Apex Pro. What set-up would you recommend for me with the new model(s) ? [/i][/b][/size]

Thanks in Advance!

[trueyoung85]

The graphite stock option for Apex CF 16 is Recoil 760/780. Is this an all new recoil shaft? I did not see this model on UST's website.

[Lisnafillansumo]

Do you feel that the Apex iron is unplayable for a higher handicap player?
I am not a big hitter by any means, but I am really excited by the potential distance gains the Apex promises. However, I have read elsewhere that the core group that these irons are aimed at are 5-15 handicappers.
If you do feel that the Apex could be gamed by a higher handicap player, then where does the new Apex hybrid (beautiful club) come into that scenario? Is it aimed solely at the better player? And if so, which current Callaway hybrids do you think may best blend in with the Apex iron set?
I personally love the new Great Big Bertha driver/fairways. So easy to hit! Thanks for your input, and keep up the excellent R&D!

[g_winner]

Thanks for continuing to do the Q&A with us.

1.) With all the advances in technology that goes into irons, how important is it to keep the durability of the irons at a high level?
2.) I'm sure the badges in the cavity help with feel, but have yall considered just going with a simple stamping in the cavity without the use of badges that could pop out?
3.) With the addition of the Apex hybrid will there still be a utility iron somewhere down the line? Love the looks of the hybrid by the way.

[radiman]

Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Your irons seem to be consistent performers. The hybrids however have been a bit of a miss for me. I just couldn't get along with X2 Hot I bought last year and demoed the XR line as well. I just couldn't get consistent contact. They were too much like a fairway wood and not enough like an iron (for me at least). I am used to playing an Adams a12 Pro. This looks to be very similar in shape. What I am excited about is the peak height. I struggle to get consistent height out of my hybrids.

With the main emphasis on golf equipment being pure distance, how do you see a hybrid like this competing in today's market place? I see you say controllable distance, but some could see that as shorter. I appreciate the concept and look forward to trying out the 3H. Maybe even the 4H as well.

Also, any plans on releasing an even more iron like driving iron/hybrid? I like the UT line, but could use a little more lift and forgiveness.

[Lefty19]

[b]Thanks for another great looking pair of irons....[/b]


In regards to Maltby Playability Factor and the Apex line-

1.Do or did you consider the line of irons and who it is targeted to for certain playing characteristics including
a. "c dim"
b. actual VCog
c. MOI considerations- I assume this would really matter as the big commitment with the tungsten usage in the irons.

2. If so, how as did you figure the VCog for better players needed to be above .840 due to the steeper angle of attack?

3. If not, what were the considerations as Callaway has always been pretty forgiving for every type of iron including niche' irons like the protos since players can hit more the center of the face instead of much closer to the hosel like other "player" irons?

Thank you,
David

[Hochbeinz]

Since i'm loving my Black Bomber V Series driver is there any plans for an Apex series driver? There's only two Berthas this year against three last year So there's room in the lineup for one more. Perhaps with less adjustability but lower and further back cg, plus the feel of the FT Tour. That's not asking too much is it ?

[getair23]

What long iron (3/4) replacement would make more sense when purchasing the Apex Pro? Apex irons or Hybrids? Based on the 360 cup face in the Apex irons, my concern is they may not provide the right distance gaps. THANKS!

[TWshoot67]

Thanks for the opportunity Cally guys! My question to the panel would be what type noticeable playing characteristics changes will we see from the previous Apex Pro model to the New 16 model ? i.e.... grind ,bounce ,width of the sole?
Personally I've always liked a narrower sole on my irons, but I realize this doesn't work for everyone. Are the Apex 16 pro's getting more play on Tour then the standard Apex?

Thanks again for your time, Tim

[kiw1982]

Can I have them as a "mixed" combo set?

Thanks

[specialed305]

I was recently fitted at a Callaway Performance Center and the prior Apex irons were the best fit. Now I'm wondering if I should wait to try the new Apex CF 16's before ordering. Where will one see the differences between the sets?

Cheers,

Eduardo

[Sef]

1) Is the no up charge shaft program going to last for the life of this model or for 30 days from release as it has with some prior models?

2) The previous Apex line had what was in my opinion the perfect feel by being soft but solid, how would you compare the feel of the new CF16?

3) Does the hollow face give the CF16 a tingy sound like some other hollow irons? (Specifically the J15 DF sounds horrible)

4) My understanding is that the new grooves on the Apex increase spin vs the previous model, how much increase in spin can we expect on both the CF16 and the Pro?

[summerof]

Did you consider putting the cup face in the apex pro? If so, why did you not decide to include it?

Also was there any discussion about reducing the offset in the standard apex?

[HISPL]

Just interested to find out if the hybrids can be ordered with lie angles adjusted to suit players needs in line with what is offered with the irons?

[jtsunami1229]

I'm a huge Double P fan. I dig the flow. How have the Callaway staff players responded to the new irons and hybrids?

[Mad_Lobber]

I love Callaway! I recently purchased a new Callaway Mack Daddy 3 wedge! It is great! My question is
What are Roger Cleveland's thoughts on these new irons and hybrids?
You guys are awesome!!! Thanks

[Jayseph]

What has been the general feedback from your tour pros on the performance of the new lines? Are any of them playing the new apex pros or the new hybrids?

[Smiggs84]

I'm currently gaming the Apex Pro irons now. What new tech is in the new Apex Pro irons that might make me wanna upgrade to the newer model? And is feel the same or better than the previous Apex Pro irons?

[misplacedtexan83]

Thanks for coming to talk to the consumers.

I notice the hybrid is a glued head that is non-adjustable besides the weight on the bottom, why is that? Is this based off consumer/players feedback or testing? Also, what, if any effect will changing the bottom weight have for ball flight, etc?

Thanks and good luck with the launch.