I have wanted to do this for a while but needed to wait until I could wrap my head around every last deal. I’ve done deep dives on this topic in the past, but in this case, I will keep it concise and easy to follow.
We did hit you guys with a ton of options in the Apex line this time around (R&D was on a heater), and I want to clarify how they all stack up, who they suit, and there is an iron in here for literally anyone.
I even did a 1 v 1 v 1 v 1 v 1 v 1 v 1 analysis at the end.
Let’s get into it…
Simple WHO and WHAT
They are listed in order of responsiveness to maximum forgiveness. Click on the article links for detailed information on all the irons.
Apex Pro Series
Apex MB
Who?
Tour players, Elite amateurs, scratch to 5 handicap, stubborn gear heads that insist on playing blades.
What?
It is a classic muscle back with modern lines and new technology. Make no mistake: This is a surgeon’s tool. It is responsive, precise, and not designed to maximize mishits.
Apex CB
WHO?
It’s the same demo as MB regarding skill level, but overall, it’s for good ball strikers who want the authentic forged iron experience in a slightly more forgiving package.
WHAT?
It’s similar to MB but with a bit more help on mishits.
Apex TCB
WHO?
Tour players, Elite amateurs, scratch to 5 handicap
WHAT?
TCB has been our best tour iron platform in the company’s history. It has similar DNA to the Pro CB but slightly more offset in the longer irons and a hair more bounce. So why is there a CB and a TCB?
I think CB appeals to the player who traditionally plays blades (Chris Kirk) and wants a similar CG placement and start line; TCB is for the player who has always leaned toward a player’s cavity back and prefers a straighter start line and a bit more bounce.
Apex Pro
WHO?
Everyone, we discussed above, but we can add up to your ten handicaps in this conversation.
WHAT?
I can’t really call it a player’s distance iron or even a player’s performance iron (ALA Rogue ST Pro). Apex Pro operates more like a TCB + if I had to put a different name on it. It’s slightly hotter, launches higher, and has more forgiveness across the face. A popular choice in the 3/4/5 sections of the bag on TOUR.
Apex 2024 Series
Apex Ti Fusion
WHO?
Champions TOUR to 10 handicaps…maybe even a bit higher.
WHAT?
The Ti Fusion is the ultimate player’s performance iron in a TCB body. Its combination of feel, sound, speed, spin, and curb appeal is unmatched. The Ti Fusion is the crown jewel of the Apex line for any good player looking for an all-in-one package.
Apex Ai200
WHO?
Tour to 20 handicaps. This is your iron for any player looking for serious curb appeal and the ultimate combo of speed and forgiveness.
WHAT?
The hero iron of the lineup will completely satisfy the most extensive demo of players. Rose Zhang has played Apex with serious success, as have numerous TOUR players and club golfers worldwide.
Not only is the impact experience second to none, but the ball speed, forgiveness, and spin consistency are unlike any other in the player’s distance category.
Apex Ai300
WHO?
10 to 30 handicaps looking for the Ai200 experience with even more forgiveness, ball speed, and high launch. If the Ai200 is a Tesla Truck, the Ai300 is a Tesla Sprinter van.
WHAT?
Hollow body design with the forged feel experience BUT in an entertaining and user-friendly package. The Ai300 could be considered the fun uncle of the bunch. There is no pressure, no stress, just good times. It is the closest thing to point-and-shoot that we offer at Callaway.
The Battle Royale
7 Iron (All shafts Nippon Pro Modus3 120X) test using Foresight GC Quad, five balls with each club, and all Irons at their stock spec (Loft/Lie).
Ball: Chrome Tour X 2024
MB (34) CB (34) TCB (33) PRO (33) Ti (32) 200 (31) 300 (30)
Speed (MPH) 119 121 122 122 125 127 132
Launch 17.9 18.1 18.1 18.8 18.3 19.5 19.9
Spin (RPM) 7132 7241 6832 6913 6736 5987 5711
Carry (YDS) 168 170 171 170 174 177 184
What can we learn from the test?
The entire Apex line does exactly what we designed it to do. The surgeon’s tool Apex MB displayed the numbers you could expect from an iron like that: lower launch, more spin (IE Ultimate Control). On the other side of the bench is the Ai300, which launches REALLY HIGH with LOWER spin. That’s the recipe for serious carry distance.
Make Sense?
If not, DM @johnny_wunder on IG
Happy Hunting
LFG
JDub
Jon
September 13, 2024 at 1:38 pm
So are we finally saying the TCB will be available at retail?