Callaway 2014 Apex Pro Irons: In-hand photos

[ButterSwing]

but how does the Apex Pro compare to the 714 AP2s? I'm sure I'm not alone in having that thought

[pullfade]

[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383723761' post='8108786']
but how does the Apex Pro compare to the 714 AP2s? I'm sure I'm not alone in having that thought
[/quote]
714 AP2 has slightly wider soles, more offset(but it is blended in nicely) and a higher MOI, which should lead to it being very forgiving, IMO only. Having hit the Apex Pro briefly, I would say size, sole, offset, playability and looks (except for the satin finish) are very close to the current 2013 x forged, but with more forgiveness.

Feel is subjective, but both have a nice muted sound/feel. Not Mizuno soft or Bridgestone firm, but very similar. FWIW I would play the Apex over the AP2.

[ButterSwing]

[quote name='pullfade' timestamp='1383741162' post='8109000']
[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383723761' post='8108786']
but how does the Apex Pro compare to the 714 AP2s? I'm sure I'm not alone in having that thought
[/quote]
714 AP2 has slightly wider soles, more offset(but it is blended in nicely) and a higher MOI, which should lead to it being very forgiving, IMO only. Having hit the Apex Pro briefly, I would say size, sole, offset, playability and looks (except for the satin finish) are very close to the current 2013 x forged, but with more forgiveness.

Feel is subjective, but both have a nice muted sound/feel. Not Mizuno soft or Bridgestone firm, but very similar. FWIW I would play the Apex over the AP2.
[/quote]
Thanks for the input pullfade I'm currently gaming the xforged 2013 and while it's been amazing thus far (good distance and forgiveness for its size and profile) I just fell in love with the feel of the 714 AP2s. I've also found the x forged just a tad harder to manage on firm fairways where it feels like there's just a bit too much bounce.
The apex pros look really good however. Definitely seems to be an improvement made with the x forged as the base reference.

[pullfade]

[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383745682' post='8109248']
[quote name='pullfade' timestamp='1383741162' post='8109000']
[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383723761' post='8108786']
but how does the Apex Pro compare to the 714 AP2s? I'm sure I'm not alone in having that thought
[/quote]
714 AP2 has slightly wider soles, more offset(but it is blended in nicely) and a higher MOI, which should lead to it being very forgiving, IMO only. Having hit the Apex Pro briefly, I would say size, sole, offset, playability and looks (except for the satin finish) are very close to the current 2013 x forged, but with more forgiveness.

Feel is subjective, but both have a nice muted sound/feel. Not Mizuno soft or Bridgestone firm, but very similar. FWIW I would play the Apex over the AP2.
[/quote]
Thanks for the input pullfade I'm currently gaming the xforged 2013 and while it's been amazing thus far (good distance and forgiveness for its size and profile) I just fell in love with the feel of the 714 AP2s. I've also found the x forged just a tad harder to manage on firm fairways where it feels like there's just a bit too much bounce.
The apex pros look really good however. Definitely seems to be an improvement made with the x forged as the base reference.
[/quote]I would think the AP2 would be worse on firm fairways???

[Woodridge]

This thread is why I love this place. Great pictures!

[jdubbs]

maybe im in the minority, now don't get me wrong I think they look beautiful, but I think i still prefer the 2013 xforged.

[elcgolf]

Another Roger Cleveland offering with a ton of offset. The 2013 x forged were heading in a nice direction, but it looks like he decided to go back to his roots. Why release a pro model with a ton of offset?

[Bogey's Belly]

The extra grooves on the X Forged definitely create an optical illusion making the head/face appear larger than it is.

[Fish-N-Chips]

So we expect this to be a bit smaller than the x-forged but with more forgiveness?

Sounds a lot like a forged S55 to me.

[RPVL]

Does anyone have the head dimensions for the Apex Pro and Apex? Would like to compare them to the Razr x tours.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='pullfade' timestamp='1383747707' post='8109386']
[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383745682' post='8109248']
[quote name='pullfade' timestamp='1383741162' post='8109000']
[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383723761' post='8108786']
but how does the Apex Pro compare to the 714 AP2s? I'm sure I'm not alone in having that thought
[/quote]
714 AP2 has slightly wider soles, more offset(but it is blended in nicely) and a higher MOI, which should lead to it being very forgiving, IMO only. Having hit the Apex Pro briefly, I would say size, sole, offset, playability and looks (except for the satin finish) are very close to the current 2013 x forged, but with more forgiveness.

Feel is subjective, but both have a nice muted sound/feel. Not Mizuno soft or Bridgestone firm, but very similar. FWIW I would play the Apex over the AP2.
[/quote]
Thanks for the input pullfade I'm currently gaming the xforged 2013 and while it's been amazing thus far (good distance and forgiveness for its size and profile) I just fell in love with the feel of the 714 AP2s. I've also found the x forged just a tad harder to manage on firm fairways where it feels like there's just a bit too much bounce.
The apex pros look really good however. Definitely seems to be an improvement made with the x forged as the base reference.
[/quote]I would think the AP2 would be worse on firm fairways???
[/quote]

The AP2 have less bounce...haven't seen the specs on that yet for them, but if the same the 3 iron starts at 0*.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='Fish-N-Chips' timestamp='1383760589' post='8110474']
So we expect this to be a bit smaller than the x-forged but with more forgiveness?

Sounds a lot like a forged S55 to me.
[/quote]

No, Apex Pro is slightly larger than the X Forged and slightly smaller than the Apex.

[TheMoneyShot]

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1383761069' post='8110534']
[quote name='Fish-N-Chips' timestamp='1383760589' post='8110474']
So we expect this to be a bit smaller than the x-forged but with more forgiveness?

Sounds a lot like a forged S55 to me.
[/quote]

No, Apex Pro is slightly larger than the X Forged and slightly smaller than the Apex.
[/quote]

Sounds like enough forgiveness for them to be deadly!

[bph7]

Does anyone know what their plan for the x forged 2013 is in light of the Apex Pros? I understand that the Pros are slightly larger and more forgiving, but it seems like they are both forged player's cb's with similar forgiveness. Is the X forged going to be phased out? If not, who is the Apex Plus going to be marketed to, and who is the x forged going to be marketed to?

[golf_junkie27]

For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?

[RandomGolfGuy]

[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1383769302' post='8111262']
For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?
[/quote]

I'm still playing the '09 X Forged irons...haven't had a need to swap them out still don't but the want occasionally creeps just bc of wanting something new...and well these new Apex Pro Irons really have me intrigued!

[MrParr1Noid]

[quote name='zakkozuchowski' timestamp='1383655361' post='8104040']
Our front-page tech story on the irons can be read here: [url="http://www.golfwrx.com/147878/tech-talk-callaway-apex-pro-irons/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...apex-pro-irons/[/url]

- Zak
[/quote]

Winner winner...chicken dinner..

[hayzooos]

[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1383769302' post='8111262']
For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?
[/quote]

I don't think you'll be able to draw any real conclusions from any answers you get for a few reasons. First, this is more personal than anything else. It's based on what the person does, not necessarily the clubs the person is using. For a while, I would always buy the latest version of Titleist irons. Not because I needed new ones or I honestly thought they would make me better, I simply wanted them.

Secondly, you're asking a group of the biggest golf degenerates in the world! There are people around here that will literally go through five sets of irons in a single year. Some avid golfers will only play five sets of irons their entire lives.

I've said previously in other threads...I'm playing Callaway X Hot Pro irons now and when I switch, it won't be because I think the new irons will help me score better; it'll be because I just want new irons. Thankfully, I can actually admit that

[bph7]

[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1383769833' post='8111314']
[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1383769302' post='8111262']
For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?
[/quote]

I don't think you'll be able to draw any real conclusions from any answers you get for a few reasons. First, this is more personal than anything else. It's based on what the person does, not necessarily the clubs the person is using. For a while, I would always buy the latest version of Titleist irons. Not because I needed new ones or I honestly thought they would make me better, I simply wanted them.

[b]Secondly, you're asking a group of the biggest golf degenerates in the world! There are people around here that will literally go through five sets of irons in a single year. Some avid golfers will only play five sets of irons their entire lives.[/b]

[b]I've said previously in other threads...I'm playing Callaway X Hot Pro irons now and when I switch, it won't be because I think the new irons will help me score better; it'll be because I just want new irons. Thankfully, I can actually admit that [/b]
[/quote]

This is exactly how I feel.

[tsur1]

[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1383769833' post='8111314']
[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1383769302' post='8111262']
For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?
[/quote]

I don't think you'll be able to draw any real conclusions from any answers you get for a few reasons. First, this is more personal than anything else. It's based on what the person does, not necessarily the clubs the person is using. For a while, I would always buy the latest version of Titleist irons. Not because I needed new ones or I honestly thought they would make me better, I simply wanted them.

Secondly, you're asking a group of the biggest golf degenerates in the world! There are people around here that will literally go through five sets of irons in a single year. Some avid golfers will only play five sets of irons their entire lives.

I've said previously in other threads...I'm playing Callaway X Hot Pro irons now and when I switch, it won't be because I think the new irons will help me score better; it'll be because I just want new irons. Thankfully, I can actually admit that
[/quote]

I feel the exact same!! I played TM for 8 years, switched to Titleist and played the 710 and 712s, and went to Callaway XHP in every club except SW/LW and putter! I haven't hit irons any better in my life than playing the XHPs, and these Apex irons have me quite intrigued... and not cause I need to switch, but more because I am one of those degenerates hayzoos is talking about!
I'm more excited for the woods to come out though...

[ButterSwing]

[quote name='pullfade' timestamp='1383747707' post='8109386']
[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383745682' post='8109248']
[quote name='pullfade' timestamp='1383741162' post='8109000']
[quote name='ButterSwing' timestamp='1383723761' post='8108786']
but how does the Apex Pro compare to the 714 AP2s? I'm sure I'm not alone in having that thought
[/quote]
714 AP2 has slightly wider soles, more offset(but it is blended in nicely) and a higher MOI, which should lead to it being very forgiving, IMO only. Having hit the Apex Pro briefly, I would say size, sole, offset, playability and looks (except for the satin finish) are very close to the current 2013 x forged, but with more forgiveness.

Feel is subjective, but both have a nice muted sound/feel. Not Mizuno soft or Bridgestone firm, but very similar. FWIW I would play the Apex over the AP2.
[/quote]
Thanks for the input pullfade I'm currently gaming the xforged 2013 and while it's been amazing thus far (good distance and forgiveness for its size and profile) I just fell in love with the feel of the 714 AP2s. I've also found the x forged just a tad harder to manage on firm fairways where it feels like there's just a bit too much bounce.
The apex pros look really good however. Definitely seems to be an improvement made with the x forged as the base reference.
[/quote]I would think the AP2 would be worse on firm fairways???
[/quote]
Nope! The x forged has quite a bit more bounce on it as compared to the ap2s. Mr Roger Cleveland designed it with ample bounce in mind, great from most fairways and under most conditions but just a bit harder to manage in firm conditions. Here in Singapore the fairways can get baked pretty hard under the sun and heat

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='bph7' timestamp='1383763915' post='8110814']
Does anyone know what their plan for the x forged 2013 is in light of the Apex Pros? I understand that the Pros are slightly larger and more forgiving, but it seems like they are both forged player's cb's with similar forgiveness. Is the X forged going to be phased out? If not, who is the Apex Plus going to be marketed to, and who is the x forged going to be marketed to?
[/quote]

For the guy who wants a more traditional set of forged players irons..the X Forged are that club...you want the X Forged size for the most part but a little more multi-material forged forgiveness...APEX PRO...you want the explosive distance of the XHP, with the X Forged feel and a ton of forgiveness and can get your damn ego out of the way...APEX!!! I kicked my ego to the curb, btw...Apex for me.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='tsur1' timestamp='1383792353' post='8113224']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1383769833' post='8111314']
[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1383769302' post='8111262']
For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?
[/quote]

I don't think you'll be able to draw any real conclusions from any answers you get for a few reasons. First, this is more personal than anything else. It's based on what the person does, not necessarily the clubs the person is using. For a while, I would always buy the latest version of Titleist irons. Not because I needed new ones or I honestly thought they would make me better, I simply wanted them.

Secondly, you're asking a group of the biggest golf degenerates in the world! There are people around here that will literally go through five sets of irons in a single year. Some avid golfers will only play five sets of irons their entire lives.

I've said previously in other threads...I'm playing Callaway X Hot Pro irons now and when I switch, it won't be because I think the new irons will help me score better; it'll be because I just want new irons. Thankfully, I can actually admit that
[/quote]

I feel the exact same!! I played TM for 8 years, switched to Titleist and played the 710 and 712s, and went to Callaway XHP in every club except SW/LW and putter! I haven't hit irons any better in my life than playing the XHPs, and these Apex irons have me quite intrigued... and not cause I need to switch, but more because I am one of those degenerates hayzoos is talking about!
I'm more excited for the woods to come out though...
[/quote]
Hey T..what up!!

[tsur1]

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1383793864' post='8113332']
[quote name='tsur1' timestamp='1383792353' post='8113224']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1383769833' post='8111314']
[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1383769302' post='8111262']
For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?
[/quote]

I don't think you'll be able to draw any real conclusions from any answers you get for a few reasons. First, this is more personal than anything else. It's based on what the person does, not necessarily the clubs the person is using. For a while, I would always buy the latest version of Titleist irons. Not because I needed new ones or I honestly thought they would make me better, I simply wanted them.

Secondly, you're asking a group of the biggest golf degenerates in the world! There are people around here that will literally go through five sets of irons in a single year. Some avid golfers will only play five sets of irons their entire lives.

I've said previously in other threads...I'm playing Callaway X Hot Pro irons now and when I switch, it won't be because I think the new irons will help me score better; it'll be because I just want new irons. Thankfully, I can actually admit that
[/quote]

I feel the exact same!! I played TM for 8 years, switched to Titleist and played the 710 and 712s, and went to Callaway XHP in every club except SW/LW and putter! I haven't hit irons any better in my life than playing the XHPs, and these Apex irons have me quite intrigued... and not cause I need to switch, but more because I am one of those degenerates hayzoos is talking about!
I'm more excited for the woods to come out though...
[/quote]
Hey T..what up!!
[/quote]

What's up bud!!? These Apex sightings are killing me!!! There is no reason for me to even consider these irons lol

I am killing my irons and driver. 3 wood and hybrid are looking to retire as soon as I can try the new gear coming out!

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[b]What's up bud!!? These Apex sightings are killing me!!! There is no reason for me to even consider these irons lol

I am killing my irons and driver. 3 wood and hybrid are looking to retire as soon as I can try the new gear coming out![/b]

I hear you...of course, have the Apex heads in the Callaway booth, so can always hit them !!

[mukster]

I have finally decided that I might upgrade my irons for next season. It's going to be a tough call between the Nike Forged Pro Combos and these!

[MAYKO]

Great looking iron

[south_side_lefty]

[quote name='tsur1' timestamp='1383792353' post='8113224']
[quote name='hayzooos' timestamp='1383769833' post='8111314']
[quote name='golf_junkie27' timestamp='1383769302' post='8111262']
For those of you that are Callaway iron users, do you find yourself switching irons frequently? Or is it that once you make a purchase they stay in the bag for a few seasons?
[/quote]

I don't think you'll be able to draw any real conclusions from any answers you get for a few reasons. First, this is more personal than anything else. It's based on what the person does, not necessarily the clubs the person is using. For a while, I would always buy the latest version of Titleist irons. Not because I needed new ones or I honestly thought they would make me better, I simply wanted them.

Secondly, you're asking a group of the biggest golf degenerates in the world! There are people around here that will literally go through five sets of irons in a single year. Some avid golfers will only play five sets of irons their entire lives.

I've said previously in other threads...I'm playing Callaway X Hot Pro irons now and when I switch, it won't be because I think the new irons will help me score better; it'll be because I just want new irons. Thankfully, I can actually admit that
[/quote]

I feel the exact same!! I played TM for 8 years, switched to Titleist and played the 710 and 712s, and went to Callaway XHP in every club except SW/LW and putter! I haven't hit irons any better in my life than playing the XHPs, and these Apex irons have me quite intrigued... and not cause I need to switch, but more [b]because I am one of those degenerates hayzoos is talking about[/b]!
I'm more excited for the woods to come out though...
[/quote]

People been callin' me a degenerate all my life. Now I know why.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

Probably will go with the standard Apex, but those are beautiful looking irons right there.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

I just plagarized my own post to put it here too...since there are two threads about these irons...Mods, if necessary delete a post from me!!

 

Little update...

 

So....went to GG tonight after work for some testing of the Apex and Apex Pro, vs my X Forged!! Used the Callaway Certified Fitting bay, since we looked pretty dead...no one even interuppted my hour of ball striking. Well the first 10 minutes were of me cussing myself out :angry22: for still having a swing that sucked Word not allowed!! Just been off the last couple months, still scrambling to 80-83 and knowing it could be better.

 

Contenders: :bb2:

X Forged -Ctaper X-130 grams, SS 1x

Apex Pro-- KBS Tour S-120 grams and DG S300-130 grams

Apex - KBS Tour S- 120 grams and DG S300-130 grams

 

All heads were 6 irons.

 

Intentions--find out what I really want and can really help my game overall. Been leaning major league Apex...mind you have only hit the Apex Pro in the KBS Tour V-110 Grams Stiff before today. :rap:

 

Started by benching my 6 iron in the monitor and trying to get 4-5 good shots in a row to see how it was hanging.

Consistently in the 184-188 range(normal) and baby fades of 4-8 yards. Solid spin and launch for me. :scenic:

 

Testing--- :beruo:

Started Apex Pro, since similar to the X Forged the most.

KBS Tour..started thinning it too much, was coming off it just a touch, thought it was the shaft..realized I was just too far off the ball and wasn't allowing my left arm to hang straight down..plus kept lifting head off the ball..all normal for me when I get out of whack...made the adjustments and BOOM! 190+ on solid hits--avg 194-196, same launch as X Forged and about same spin...pretty consistent dispersion, very solid...this club sings for me with a 120+ gram shaft in it.

 

Went to Apex with KBS Tour...same set up at address and 196+ on average...full club over the X Forged..yadda yadda..lighter shaft, less loft...NOT THAT MUCH LIGHTER OR LESS LOFT! Felt great off the face...JUST like the XHP at impact...soft and buttery explosion of a golf ball. Launch about the same, spin about the same...ball speed HIGHER!

 

I tried the DG's in them for a 130 to 130 comparison with the Ctapers...and anyone who has hit both knows the smoothness of the Ctaper's make them 'swing lighter'...so balanced...anyway...I was getting very solid results with the DG's launching about the same and distance was comparable, but maybe a bit shorter than KBS in the Apex/Apex Pro.

 

Conclusion---Could I go Tour V 120X and get used to it...probably...but when the Ctaper 130X SS 1x, to me, swing as easy as a 120, but stiffer, and is this smooth, plus I get great results with them...I will be staying with the Ctapers for this set. Thanks to Nick Arther at Callaway for setting off the light blub on this decision...if you have something that works and gets results, then why are you intrigued by another shaft for the clubs. DUH!

 

Decision--- COMBO set is back on...still have to decide on final make up...the Apex and Apex Pro at the dividing line will be bent 1 weaker/ 1 stronger respectively to get the correct gaps set for the transistion. Current mind set is 4-6 Apex and 7-Gap wedge Apex Pro. The Apex Pro with the heavier shaft was just really solid, yeah, quite a bit more solid than my X Forged as far as forgiveness and distance on mis-hits. The Apex are a mid-long irons dream club...point--shoot--go far with normal effort...can't say much more...confidence in the Apex for those shots will be sky high. :smilie_cally:

 

Hope that Helps!!