Differences in Apex 4 shafts

Swingingk · February 6, 2019

I've got a 3-E set of Hogan Edge Forged irons with red banded Hogan Apex 4 shafts. I also have some Apex II Cameo irons with silver banded AMF Apex PRO 4 shafts. The step pattern appears to be the same. I believe these two models were issued many years apart. Would these shafts be identical, similar, or completely different? Is one better than the other? Just curious. I was thinking of putting one or the other into a set of 2011 TaylorMade TP MB heads I have laying around along with some long Wilson ferrules - just for flavor. I think Stu will appreciate this. Lol

Fellaheen51 · February 7, 2019

Identifying Apex shafts seemingly brings forth conflicting discussions depending what one reads. Best consensus of opinion. Apex 4 were similar if not the same as Dynalite Gold S300 in older Hogans (Royal Precision 6.5 in "newer" models). Weight was 115 grams. The Apex 4 Pro was heavier than regular Apex 4 by ~10 grams IIRC. Info suggests the Apex Pro (TT) was patterned after the TTDG Lite, the weight was similar. Perhaps the Apex Pro's may be a bit more tip stiff as well. Edge's and Apex II's likely both had shafts made by True Temper, they were approximately 10 years apart in age. The switch to RP didn't occur until later (1996 ?).

Had Apex Pro 4 in a couple of Apex II's in my set assembled from multiple sources. Felt heavier based solely on a waggle test. The Apex II's have been retrofitted with Rifle FM 5.5's now and find them quite nice for occasional classic play.

As to perceived differences across differing eras, can't add anything. The only real course time with Apex 4's was in a set of Redlines. Didn't get on with them very well, the shaft or the head. Haven't been a stiff shaft hacker in a long time. The Apex Pro's, forget about it. Would argue that the differences between the two eras of shafts, all things being equal, would be marginal at best. Between the two sets of shafts on hand, would let the desired shaft weight be the determining factor. While similar, you're not comparing equals. Could always shaft up adjacent heads with one of each and perform some preference testing. Not like you have to contend with pins in so doing.

My .02 before the experts way in.

Swingingk · February 8, 2019

Excellent info Fella, much appreciated.

The red banded shafts sound like what I'm looking for as I like a lighter shaft myself. I too find stiff a bit much these days but folks seem to go on about this shaft like it's some kind of magic so I figured I'd throw them into some decent heads and see what happens. Thanks!

augustgolf · February 8, 2019

As usual, Fella is pretty spot on in his description of the Apex shafts.

My take is that the red band Apex 4 shafts played almost identical to the Dynamic shafts of the same era (mid to late 80's or so)

While understanding the difference and similarities in the shafts, I always preferred the Dynamic shaft myself. Something that true WRX afficianados understand

Swingingk · February 8, 2019

As usual, Fella is pretty spot on in his description of the Apex shafts.

My take is that the red band Apex 4 shafts played almost identical to the Dynamic shafts of the same era (mid to late 80's or so)

While understanding the difference and similarities in the shafts, I always preferred the Dynamic shaft myself. Something that true WRX afficianados understand

Yeah, I do like both the early Dynamic as well as DG shafts. I also really like the Apex 3's in my Radials - which brings me to another strange point: the step pattern is almost exactly the same between my Apex 3's and my Apex 4's. Maybe 1/4" difference from hosel to first steps on like irons and the same step measurements. I wonder what is up with that? Wrong shaft bands? Heavier wall thickness in the head 4's? Weird...

augustgolf · February 8, 2019

As usual, Fella is pretty spot on in his description of the Apex shafts.

My take is that the red band Apex 4 shafts played almost identical to the Dynamic shafts of the same era (mid to late 80's or so)

While understanding the difference and similarities in the shafts, I always preferred the Dynamic shaft myself. Something that true WRX afficianados understand

Yeah, I do like both the early Dynamic as well as DG shafts. I also really like the Apex 3's in my Radials - which brings me to another strange point: the step pattern is almost exactly the same between my Apex 3's and my Apex 4's. Maybe 1/4" difference from hosel to first steps on like irons and the same step measurements. I wonder what is up with that? Wrong shaft bands? Heavier wall thickness in the head 4's? Weird...

Someone might have tipped or soft/hard stepped one of the shafts at some time

BIG STU · February 8, 2019

As usual, Fella is pretty spot on in his description of the Apex shafts.

My take is that the red band Apex 4 shafts played almost identical to the Dynamic shafts of the same era (mid to late 80's or so)

While understanding the difference and similarities in the shafts, I always preferred the Dynamic shaft myself. Something that true WRX afficianados understand

Yep the Apex shafts made a believer out of me

weeicemon · February 24, 2019

I have a Hogan iron that has an Apex DB shaft in it. The band is silver just like the Apex Pro. Any ideas?

Porker · March 10, 2019

Don't want to hijack.... But can Fella or big Stu comment on the difference between the older red band apex 3 of the early 70's and newer early 90's apex 3 shafts? I can get a pulled set of the older and they felt really good in the current non- Hogan heads of a fitter near me? Flex? Weight? Feel in general? Holy grail?

T308 · April 22

On 2/24/2019 at 2:34 PM, weeicemon said:

I have a Hogan iron that has an Apex DB shaft in it. The band is silver just like the Apex Pro. Any ideas?

Necro threading, but the DB was for "Dual Balance". Different step pattern that spread weight to the tip and butt. Was part of the much maligned H40 program in 1993-4.