Question regarding a test with Callaway Apex Iron

[golfer07840]

I'm not 100% sure if this is the right place to pose this question but, so I apologize in advance. 

Yesterday evening on a whim, while at the PGA Store I decided to hit a Callaway Apex (not the pro version, or the DCB) 7i. They didn't have a demo club so I had to hit the one on the rack so it was an R shaft (I hit S) Ali g with extra plastic wrap around the face. 

 

I hit it 10 yards shorter than my Callaway Rogue 7i. I figured it was because the loft was stronger on my Rogue. Not the case, both are 30° (Apex is 30.5° to be exact). 

 

So the question I'm belaboring to get to, is, are Apex irons just not as hot faced as the rogue? Or is it possible there was a combo of shaft and plastic on the face hindering ball speed a pinch? 

 

I should mention that since there was plastic on the face, I could see where I was hitting the ball and I was hitting it pretty center, so I don't think mishits play into this. 

[iNeedMoreGolf]

Short answer is yes to what you think may have caused the distance loss. Also i find store monitors to be somewhat wrong on distance in the first place. Ive seen them tell me i can hit a 4 iron 200 yards..  and 160 yards... in real life i consistently use a 4 iron for  180 shot and probably land within ten yards of that mostly. Screen indoor golf is nothing like outdoor real golf. I tend to think it has trouble calculating slower swing speeds right on indoor monitors.

[Jeff58]

Based on most of the testing I’ve seen, the Apex is likely spinning 1500-2000 rpm more, and is flying 20 to 30 feet higher. 

[golfer07840]

48 minutes ago, Jeff58 said:

Based on most of the testing I’ve seen, the Apex is likely spinning 1500-2000 rpm more, and is flying 20 to 30 feet higher. 

I did notice the ball flight seemed higher.  I didn't have my own 7i with me, but ow that you mention it, that wouldn't surprise me. 

[Stuart_G]

17 hours ago, golfer07840 said:

I'm not 100% sure if this is the right place to pose this question but, so I apologize in advance. 

Yesterday evening on a whim, while at the PGA Store I decided to hit a Callaway Apex (not the pro version, or the DCB) 7i. They didn't have a demo club so I had to hit the one on the rack so it was an R shaft (I hit S) Ali g with extra plastic wrap around the face. 

 

I hit it 10 yards shorter than my Callaway Rogue 7i. I figured it was because the loft was stronger on my Rogue. Not the case, both are 30° (Apex is 30.5° to be exact). 

 

So the question I'm belaboring to get to, is, are Apex irons just not as hot faced as the rogue? Or is it possible there was a combo of shaft and plastic on the face hindering ball speed a pinch? 

 

I should mention that since there was plastic on the face, I could see where I was hitting the ball and I was hitting it pretty center, so I don't think mishits play into this. 

 

Several possibilities but a few things to keep in mind.  NEVER try to compare indoor LM distances with what you're used to hitting out doors on the course.   The only way to compare clubs is to bring yours in and hit it side by side with the new club you want to test in the exact same environment and conditions.    Hitting indoors can effect the results in a lot of various ways - LM settings, hitting off a mat vs turf, for some people just being indoors can alter their swing enough to effect the results.    And yes, the tape on the face can effect the results.  Just the fact that your hitting the softer flex could effect the swing and the results.   For some even just not being warmed up sufficiently, what clothes you might be wearing or even not wearing a glove in the store when they might be on course - all have the potential to effect the results.

 

Ideally you'd have to look at the numbers in more details to figure out what was causing it.   How the numbers change between the two clubs: swing speed, ball speed, launch, spin, dynamic loft, AoA - all might be needed to find which factors might be causing any differences.