New 2021 Callaway Clubs going directly into my bag

[odshot68]

I was able to hit up the local Callaway demo day and was looking to fill the fairway wood slots and perhaps 200-210 carry shot.  The Epic speed 3 wood was okay, but spin was too low on the 3 wood.  I went up to 4 wood and after trying a few shafts really swung best with the Hzrdus Smoke iM10 60 shaft.  I tried the MMT it just wasn't weighting right for me.  I found a swung it much better with lighter weight over the 70 gram shafts.  The stiff was a bit weak for me as I tend to really want to jump on it so went with X.  I do play X in driver.  I then hit the new Apex Pro 21 hybrids.  These are the perfect shape (I've been playing the XR Pro for awhile but getting worn out).  I went with the stock MMT 80 stiff shaft and it was amazing.  The contact off a tight mat was amazing, time and time again in both the 18 and 23.  They launched high (not ballooning which is what I want these clubs for) but lower spin.  The gapping seemed perfect.  So excited for a long time to play new hybrids and even a 23 degree, something I have never done.  I also tried the new X forged utility iron but didn't work for me.  Hopefully, these don't take too long to get in.  Happy Saturday boys!

[werpennstate23]

Looking at trying some clubs in that 18-19 degree slot, with two of the leading contenders being the Callaway Apex Pro hybrid and the Callaway UT.  What didn’t you like about the utility? Any other feedback on the Apex Pro?

[odshot68]

The sole was too thick for me and the shaft was too soft. Getting huge hooks with it. 

[werpennstate23]

55 minutes ago, odshot68 said:

The sole was too thick for me and the shaft was too soft. Getting huge hooks with it. 

Thanks.  I probably will try the UT with something really stiff then...maybe Ventus Black 9TX.

[platgof]

Did you try the Max at all? That is the one I am looking at right now.

[odshot68]

I didn’t hit the max.my miss is left and prefer the most open or fade based club 

[werpennstate23]

Great recommendation on the new Callaway line...particularly the Apex Pro hybrids.  Just hit it today, and the 20 degree will be going into my bag.  Great club for those that like iron-like hybrids or utility irons.  Just need to figure out the best shaft for me.

[odshot68]

What didn’t you like about the stock mmt shaft?

[odshot68]

I agree about iron like hybrids. The shape and forgiveness is perfect on these. 

[werpennstate23]

13 hours ago, odshot68 said:

What didn’t you like about the stock mmt shaft?

To be honest I just never tried it.  I got fitted at Club Champion, so I had more or less any shaft to choose from.  Knowing my swing profile, that's one that the fitter just didn't pull (or they didn't have on their wall).  I'm debating between the Nippon Modus G.O.S.T. in an X or the Ventus Black 9TX.  Any thoughts on either of those?

[odshot68]

The stock shaft mirrored perfectly in the head I had no desire to try a different shaft. Typical CC never trying the stick shaft. Atmos black is a low bullet. 

[jmurdock81]

@odshot68  How far did you hit the 23* Apex Pro and how far do you hit the clubs above and below that one?  I'm thinking we may be around the same ballpark.

[odshot68]

3 hours ago, jmurdock81 said:

@odshot68  How far did you hit the 23* Apex Pro and how far do you hit the clubs above and below that one?  I'm thinking we may be around the same ballpark.

I was carrying it 205 in 20 degree temps. I typically Cary my 5 iron 190. 

[platgof]

I think the Epic Max fairway wood is the one I want to try out. I am looking hard at the 5 and 7 woods to finish the bag. I wish Callaway offered the Max in the 16.5* like the Speed though, that would be a par 5 bomber for me.

[jmurdock81]

2 hours ago, odshot68 said:

I was carrying it 205 in 20 degree temps. I typically Cary my 5 iron 190. 

I carry my 5 iron 190 as well.  Since you were carrying the 23° hybrid 205 in cold weather, do you think that would look more like 215 in 70-80 degree weather?  I need to fill that 200-210 gap and if you hit that gap in 20° I have to think it will be longer in warmer temps.  

[odshot68]

I like to carry an extra wedge so would rather swing 3/4 or hit a hold off cut. The 3 hybrids will cover 200-240 for me. 

[jmurdock81]

I am asking specifically about the Apex Pro  4 hybrid (23°). Do you think your carry will jump from 205 to 215 with the warmer weather?  I don’t need a gap from 190 to 215.  I am trying to get a 205 club

[odshot68]

I would say the stock 24 degree club will be 210ish

[Jungleland]

I was expecting to put the Epic Max FW in play as I’m playing the Mavrik Max with some level of success.  Not sure if it’s the optics but the Epic Max FW just screws left with how closed it appears,  The Mavrik is slightly closed but it’s easy to open up, this doesn’t appear to be so easy with the Epic Max.

[platgof]

On 2/18/2021 at 10:36 AM, Jungleland said:

I was expecting to put the Epic Max FW in play as I’m playing the Mavrik Max with some level of success.  Not sure if it’s the optics but the Epic Max FW just screws left with how closed it appears,  The Mavrik is slightly closed but it’s easy to open up, this doesn’t appear to be so easy with the Epic Max.

I was hoping the face would not be closed! I don't mind the weighting but can't stand a closed face. The majority of testers said the Mavrik Max was more draw biased than the Epic max, so I am guessing you are referring to the standard Mavrik? I that is the case, I will more than likely be shipping this back.

[dmeeksDC]

I am very likely going with the Epic Speed 3 wood. Just need to settle on shaft. I tested and like the the Cobra RadSpeed Big Tour too, but the Speed was immediately comfortable and seems a bit more versatile in ease of use off tee and turf. Sound is top-notch. I hate a clangy fairway and this one is solid. 

[jmurdock81]

18 hours ago, dmeeksDC said:

I am very likely going with the Epic Speed 3 wood. Just need to settle on shaft. I tested and like the the Cobra RadSpeed Big Tour too, but the Speed was immediately comfortable and seems a bit more versatile in ease of use off tee and turf. Sound is top-notch. I hate a clangy fairway and this one is solid. 

Very much agree with the Epic Speed 3 wood quote above.  It was my last one to try and I was going to skip it bc I usually don't get along with Callaway woods all that well.  From the first hit, it was a winner.  Better ball speed and distance, as well as good dispersion.  Still trying to decide on shaft, but the one I hit on Trackman was the Diamana TB 5th Gen.  I do want to try the VA Comp Raijin as well.  Epic Speed 3 wood already on order, just narrowing down which shaft will be in it this year.  

[dmeeksDC]

3 hours ago, jmurdock81 said:

Very much agree with the Epic Speed 3 wood quote above.  It was my last one to try and I was going to skip it bc I usually don't get along with Callaway woods all that well.  From the first hit, it was a winner.  Better ball speed and distance, as well as good dispersion.  Still trying to decide on shaft, but the one I hit on Trackman was the Diamana TB 5th Gen.  I do want to try the VA Comp Raijin as well.  Epic Speed 3 wood already on order, just narrowing down which shaft will be in it this year.  

How was the Diamana TB? I usually like their shafts but mainly stick to their blue mid-flight shafts. 

[phizzy30]

On 2/16/2021 at 9:46 AM, werpennstate23 said:

To be honest I just never tried it.  I got fitted at Club Champion, so I had more or less any shaft to choose from.  Knowing my swing profile, that's one that the fitter just didn't pull (or they didn't have on their wall).  I'm debating between the Nippon Modus G.O.S.T. in an X or the Ventus Black 9TX.  Any thoughts on either of those?

I think we talked on another thread about this.  I haven't tried the G.O.S.T but have tested the Ventus Black 10x and it's the closest thing to my Diamana Thump.  Very stable and low spin.  I tested several hybrid shafts at the time including IZ, DI, CK pro blue and white among others and the VB 10x had the best numbers and the signature Ventus feel which is second to none.  I normally hit a high spinny ball, but the VB 10x was so stable and accurate for me.   

[jmurdock81]

34 minutes ago, dmeeksDC said:

How was the Diamana TB? I usually like their shafts but mainly stick to their blue mid-flight shafts. 

Diamana TB is a mid flight shaft.  Thought it felt very smooth with good pop.  https://www.mca-golf.com/products/diamana™-tb-series

[odshot68]

9 hours ago, jmurdock81 said:

Diamana TB is a mid flight shaft.  Thought it felt very smooth with good pop.  https://www.mca-golf.com/products/diamana™-tb-series

Did you happen to hit the apex pro 21 2 hybrid and compare it to your pxg?

[odshot68]

I'm not 100% sold on my 4 wood shaft, will have exact setup in another 10 days.  The only question mark in the bag is that shaft.  Super excited for this spring season.  

[jmurdock81]

2 hours ago, odshot68 said:

Did you happen to hit the apex pro 21 2 hybrid and compare it to your pxg?

I don't have a PXG hybrid.  I did not hit the Apex Pro, although I am going to get the 23* to replace my Ping Crossover.  I did test the Ping G425 which replaced my G410 19*.  It performed a little better than the 410 and no turbulators.  

[werpennstate23]

23 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

I think we talked on another thread about this.  I haven't tried the G.O.S.T but have tested the Ventus Black 10x and it's the closest thing to my Diamana Thump.  Very stable and low spin.  I tested several hybrid shafts at the time including IZ, DI, CK pro blue and white among others and the VB 10x had the best numbers and the signature Ventus feel which is second to none.  I normally hit a high spinny ball, but the VB 10x was so stable and accurate for me.   

Went with the 9TX.  I figured both that and the GOST were great shafts, and probably couldn’t go wrong with either one (both very stable for dispersion and not being a too spiny).  One of the deciding factors for me was cost, and I was able to find the Apex Pro with the Ventus Hybrid for a stupid low price (only about an $80 up charge on a shaft that is usually $200+).  I actually had to call the place and just make sure it was in fact the Velocore shaft and not a knock off from Callaway.

[werpennstate23]

13 hours ago, odshot68 said:

Did you happen to hit the apex pro 21 2 hybrid and compare it to your pxg?

I’ve hit the Apex Pro 20 degree and man is it a beauty.  If I didn’t have a 17 degree Super Hybrid in the bag, I’d probably opt for an 18 degree version as well.  I haven’t hit the 18 degree version but I’d imagine it would give you a ball flight similar to a driving iron, yet still be able to get it up off the turf.  If you have any questions on the 20 degree model, or just about the Apex Pros in general I’d be happy to answer them.