14 replies to this topic

[GolfWRX]

Mr. Hogan's gift was his ability to grasp the mechanics of the game of golf and translate that into precision jewel like equipment to maximize the performance of any player's game. For over the last 50 years, this gift has been the inspiration for the Ben Hogan brand's most recognizable Apex blade models. The Apex 50 continues that legacy. Designed for the game's elite, the Apex 50 blades provide unmatched control, performance, and feel.

[dorfblee]

Just picked up a set of Apex 50's 5-PW with NS Pro 1050's in R flex.

Looks- it's a fine set of irons. Easily one of the best looking I've ever seen.

Feel- on well struck shots, it's just as rewarding as Mizuno MP 33's. You feel the ball compress and that's it. No click. Soft and smooth. On slight mishit's you get excellent feedback- not harsh at all. They feel how they should without being punishing (a thin hit is thin, feels solidly stuck, not too sweet).

Distance- is fine. The lofts are similar to my 300's w/DGS300's and the distance is similar as well.

Trajectory- with the shaft that's in it- I expected my trajectory to be a little higher . . . it's not. It's about the same maybe a little lower even. I expected the shaft to be a little soft for my swing loading profile, early returns are fine.

Overall, the Apex 50's are sharp. I really like them. The feel is softer than the 300's and they give plenty of feedback without being mushy or too soft. The NS Pro 1050 shaft loads nicely too- I've been progessing towards being more of a smooth swinger than a quick hitter.

[shoe295]

These are the love of my life!  I've been playing these for 4 years now and absolutely enjoy everything about them.  The looks are marvelous, bringing to mind something manufactured with tender loving care.  I'm going to finish removing the paint fill this winter and they will look even sharper.  Feel wise it gets no better, when you flush one with these irons you don't even know you've hit a ball!  I have to say that when I miss I immediately know where I've hit the ball on the face and how badly I'm about to be punished.  If it's cold it hurts to thin the ball.  But that being said, if you miss a little the penalty is minor so I consider these a very forgiving blade.  I can do pretty much anything but hit a fade consistantly with these, but then I can't hit a fade to save my life or my virginity.     I had Joe Kwok put Tour Concept shafts in these at the beginning of the year which only made these play better.  I keep thinking I should change irons just because I've played these for 4 whole years,  but in truth I'm not sure that there is anything better out there.

[FHal11]

I've been playing these irons for a few years now, and I still can't seem to find anything better.  As much of the higher end manufacturers are coming out with forged blades, there are a lot of comparable models out there right now.  However, when struck well, there is no better feeling, (I've tried both titleist and mizuno) and on mis-hits, they are surprisingly forgiving, considering they are a muscleback blade.  Feedback is excellent, and I always know exactly where the contact was.  The only flaw I have found was the stock Apex shaft.  The shaft was not a poor shaft per se, but it launched the ball high and played quite soft (for its stated flex).  Upon having them reshafted with TTDG X100 shafts, I gained a lower ball flight, and a trmendous amount of control.  While there are newer irons ot there, these are classics and will stay in my bag for some time.

[golf80808]

Just bought a set.  These irons are beautiful.

[dpark]

Personally, I think the irons are unattractive. The muscleback is too busy-looking. The '98 Apex was the most classy looking of the recent Apex models and were relatively easy to hit (for a blade). I demoed a set of the '05 models and thought the feel was much harsher than the '98s. I still have my '98 Apexes as a backup.

[Buzzkill]

Great set of irons - just bought a brand spanking new set at the time of this post for $205 (3-PW). Only hit them once at the range but can tell they're going to be a wonderful set regardless of the incredible buy. I've had numerous sets of irons (approx 25) and these rank up there with the best. I'll provide more info shortly after a couple rounds.

I got a few rounds under my belt and as I figured this clubs feel good. The shaft feels a little soft (apex 4) and I guess that's because it's a rifle shaft vice true temper which I grew up on. No complaints on the shaft though - no flight issues, same low/mid flight as true temper. Club forgiveness is good - misses aren't penalized too bad, maybe 5 yards. Great club & price.

Edited by bllefkay, 04 February 2009 - 02:49 AM.

[nairb49]

Also just picked up a set at steep discount. Don't have anywhere to hit really, can't wait!

Interested to hear what you have to say as well!  Did yours come with a rifle shaft? Not sure I quite understand your post
I have the apex 4 stock shaft that came with it....

Edited by nairb49, 04 February 2009 - 06:19 PM.

[Buzzkill]

nairb49, on Feb 4 2009, 03:14 PM, said:

Also just picked up a set at steep discount. Don't have anywhere to hit really, can't wait!

Interested to hear what you have to say as well! Did yours come with a rifle shaft? Not sure I quite understand your post
I have the apex 4 stock shaft that came with it....

I have the Apex 4 shaft which is made by Royal Precision (rifle shaft)
http://www.benhogan..../index.html#faq

[Airmick]

Was in thrift shop looking for a table for my sons aquarium. In the corner I saw a box of assorted old clubs. Could not believe my luck. A set, 3 thru 9, Hogan Apex blades. Very good shape. Some rust in groves. Frogger took care of that. Almost new grips. My first set of blades since I was 14 in the late 70s. Took them to Tom Barbers range last night. Sweeet hot butter. Very accurate. The price!!!!. $1.98 each plus tax. I never get deals like this. I am a happy man. My son loves them too. He has a new set of B-5 offsets. Plan to play round this coming weekend. Cheers.

[BHS Golf Kid]

Great feel, pretty small head for my liking though. Easily controlable.

[Five-Four]

Super pretty. I play hogans and have 4 sets of BH right now. I am always changing back and forth. Wish they would make a true new blade set.

[wvularc11]

these were my favorite Hogan blades, only thing i liked more were my mizuno's.  both were superb quality and feel.

[Sean Cavanaugh]

These are some of the best looking hogan's out there. Beautiful clubs.

[westpenncyclist]

In the early 80's I came up on a used set of Hogan Apex blades-I can't remember the exact model. So when it came time to get my first new set, of course they would be Hogan Apexes. That set happened to be the Apex BH Grind. I also owned the Apex 99's. And when I first saw the 50s, I couldn't resist the impulse to buy them and I loved them immediately.

Now I found the BH Grinds easier to launch in the 3-6; and the 99s easier to control in the 7-E. But the 50's launched better than 99s in the 3-6, and were easier to control than the BH Grinds in the 7-E. So I found the blade-on-blade double muscle to provide a better design through the set.To me, the Apex 50 was the prototype for Mizzy's current 4-D muscle. The design was utterly brilliant. I just don't understand why it took 50 years to develop it.

As for feel, they're every bit a good as the  BH Grinds and the 99s, if not better.

Edited by westpenncyclist, 07 December 2012 - 11:52 PM.