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Callaway Apex MB and Apex UT irons

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Callaway’s new Apex Muscleback (MB) and Apex Utility (UT) irons were designed with the better player in mind, as you’d expect from blade-style and driving irons. The company worked with tour players and elite golfers to establish the look, feel and playability of the new models.

The Apex Muscleback irons will suit the eye of a player looking for the traditional blade look and forged feel. Callaway also added game-enhancing grooves to the sleek bodies, and a sole camber that will improve turf interaction and playability.

The Apex Utility irons will appease golfers looking to either:

  • replace fairway woods and hybrids with a more versatile option off the tee,
  • replace long irons (2,3 or 4 irons) from a less-forgiving set to add speed and forgiveness,
  • and/or fill in distance gaps throughout the bag.

The UT irons have a strong steel forged face for higher ball speed and a lower center of gravity for added forgiveness – even elite golfers struggle hitting low-lofted irons consistently.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

Apex MB

ApexFeat

The Apex Muscleback irons were developed using feedback from Callaway’s tour players, so its no surprise these irons have the look and shape of a traditional blade. The MB’s are forged from 1020 Carbon steel, using a quad forged design, providing the softest feel that Callaway has to offer, along with a satin-chrome finish that’s consistent with the Apex line.

Callaway designed the grooves on these irons to be wider than on previous players’ iron models for more control and consistent spin rates. There is also added camber in the sole to make it slightly more rounded, which adds versatility for shot-making and playability.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

ApexMB4

The Apex MB irons will be available on Sept. 15, 2014 for $1099, offered in 2-PW with a KBS Tour-V (custom only) shaft.

Apex UT

Screen Shot 2014-08-15 at 10.19.02 AM

Callaway’s Apex Utility irons, which were introduced at this year’s Open Championship, have a forged face and cavity back design. The irons use a “forged face cup design” that is said to create higher ball speeds, producing the distance players want from a utility iron. Also, weight was added to the sole with a tungsten screw, which lowered the center of gravity (CG) raising the launch and further adding forgiveness to the hollow-bodied irons.

They have a similar iron shape to the MB’s but are made with a taller face, which spreads out the sweet spot, because players tend to use them more off the tee. The blade length was made shorter than Callaway’s previous utility irons to enhance versatility and workability.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

 

ApexUT4

Built from 455 Carpenter steel, the Apex UT irons have the same satin-chrome finish as the Apex MB. The irons (18, 21 and 24 degrees) will be available on Sept. 15, 2014 for $229-249 each, and come stock with either a KBS Tour-V or a UST Recoil 680 F4 shaft and a Lamkin Crossline grip.

See more in hand photos and discussion in the forums

<<< LINK- Callaway Apex MB in hand pics- with new comparison pics to Nike mmproto, Mizzy mp-4, s55 and more >>>

<<< LINK- Callaway UT Iron in hand pics >>>

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He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

28 Comments

28 Comments

  1. Erich H

    Sep 27, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    is this the replacement of the callaway apex?

    http://www.golfwrx.com/138909/tech-talk-callaway-apex-irons/

  2. Scott

    Sep 16, 2014 at 4:10 pm

    These clubs look nice. Whats the problem here? Has anyone tried them yet? How do they compare to Titleist MB or the AP2s?

  3. Scooter McGavin

    Aug 21, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    I think Callaway needs to do this type of stamping or milling (whatever it is) into the cavity of all of their premium forged irons. I think it’s ridiculous that you will pay $1100 for a set of Apex’s, just to have the cavity decorated with a cheap badge that’s glued in. Maybe it’s a silly thing to get picky over, but it makes me respect Callaway less, and not want to play their premium clubs. Because why would I, if I can get a different brand’s premium club and have it look “not cheap” in the cavity?

    • Nick

      Aug 26, 2014 at 8:55 am

      Isn’t it just paint fill? Where’s the glued badge?

  4. MattK

    Aug 17, 2014 at 12:04 am

    Apparently the patents for the Mizuno T-Zoid True has expired.

  5. Kyle

    Aug 16, 2014 at 11:17 am

    So they took their blade, changed the name, and release it as a new product? Lol callaway

    • Scooter McGavin

      Aug 16, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      That’s basically the story with every blade…

  6. Wait

    Aug 16, 2014 at 1:22 am

    Wait 3 months they’ll be discounted at $899 so why pay full price?

  7. Ryan

    Aug 15, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    Why is Callaway not publishing the bounce of their clubs? It is almost like they are hiding it…..

    • benseattle

      Aug 16, 2014 at 3:16 pm

      Yes — hiding those bounce numbers is VERY suspicious. Almost sneaky, as though they Know Something Secret and don’t want to share it. Callaway could have only ONE reason for not revealing that critical data and it’s because …. well, uh…. hmmm…. oh I don’t know — just what COULD they be hiding? (Perhaps because it’s of only the most minor concern to just about everybody? Nahhhh.)

  8. Pingback: Callaway Apex MB and Apex UT irons | Spacetimeandi.com

  9. Zip it

    Aug 15, 2014 at 4:16 pm

    I’m not a callaway cheerleader but people are just old fuddies duddies when it comes to the “Apex” name. It’s only a Ben Hogan thing, he would never approve, blah, blah, blah. Get over it! You want old clubs go play lousy MacGregors from Golfsmiths. I think the new Apex lines are fine.

    • Inthejonzone

      Aug 15, 2014 at 6:12 pm

      LOL…brand affiliation….people get attached to identity!

  10. Mike

    Aug 15, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    Badging looks much better compared to RAZR MB, however that isn’t saying much.

    Why can’t Cally just release a blade with nothing but the Chev in the center? Blades aren’t meant to be busy by design; these aren’t going to be a large scale release anyway…

    *secretly can’t wait to rationalize picking up a set*

    • Tommy 2sticks

      Aug 15, 2014 at 5:19 pm

      Callaway X PROTOTYPES are what you are looking for. They are beautiful blades much like Tigers old nike blades before victory red.

      • JB

        Sep 5, 2014 at 10:05 am

        Still in my bag..but the Apex MB have my attention.

  11. Joe Staley

    Aug 15, 2014 at 2:23 pm

    I am not a fan of Callaway using the APEX name when they know Ben Hogan is launching clubs again.

    • Sammy Moon

      Aug 15, 2014 at 2:45 pm

      While I agree with you, this iron line was well in the works before there was any decision to make Ben Hogan clubs again. It was expected when Callaway sold Hogan to Perry Ellis in 2012 that Ben Hogan Clubs would never be made again. And other than the loyal following of Hogan irons (which I am one of), I am not sure this is a great move for Hogan equipment. In a golf market that is down big time, to try and restart a company that had very little market presence in since the early 90’s, is probably going to be a very challenging task.

    • benseattle

      Aug 16, 2014 at 3:18 pm

      Nobody under the age of 40 has any clue about Ben Hogan and the “Apex” name. So insignificant it’s not even worth talking about.

  12. LLoyd

    Aug 15, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    Callaway has issued almost the same set of blades over the past few years. The Prototype MB, Razr MB, and now the Apex MB look nearly identical.

    Just my two cents.

    • Philip

      Aug 15, 2014 at 9:07 pm

      That was my first impression – same clubs, different name.

  13. golfpunk46

    Aug 15, 2014 at 1:50 pm

  14. Big Dick

    Aug 15, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    Great stuff

  15. Joe W

    Aug 15, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    why picture the 16 and not offer the 16… They look real nice but doesn’t seem worth 229-249 and over a grand for blades that will be old news soon anyway.

  16. Inthejonzone

    Aug 15, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    Too good for my blood. But they’ll fly with all the WRX pros scouring the next greatest blade on here!

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Whats in the Bag

Kevin Tway WITB 2024 (May)

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Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80 TX

5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 90 TX

Irons: Wilson Staff Utility (2), Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Mitsubishi MMT 100 TX (2), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-9)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F @51, 56-14F), SM7 (60-10S)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48-56), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (60)

Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5 Proto
Grip: Scotty Cameron Black Baby T

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4

More photos of Kevin Tway’s WITB in the forums.

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Did Rory McIlroy inspire Shane Lowry’s putter switch?

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Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a piece our Andrew Tursky originally wrote for PGATour.com’s Equipment Report. Head over there for the full article.

The timing of Lowry’s putter changeup was curious: Was he just using a Spider putter because he was paired with McIlroy, who’s been using a Spider Tour X head throughout 2024? Was Lowry just being festive because it’s the Zurich Classic, and he wanted to match his teammate? Did McIlroy let Lowry try his putter, and he liked it so much he actually switched into it?

Well, as it turns out, McIlroy’s only influence was inspiring Lowry to make more putts.

When asked if McIlroy had an influence on the putter switch, Lowry had this to say: “No, it’s actually a different putter than what he uses. Maybe there was more pressure there because I needed to hole some more putts if we wanted to win,” he said with a laugh.

To Lowry’s point, McIlroy plays the Tour X model, whereas Lowry switched into the Tour Z model, which has a sleeker shape in comparison, and the two sole weights of the club are more towards the face.

Lowry’s Spider Tour Z has a white True Path Alignment channel on the crown of his putter, which is reminiscent of Lowry’s former 2-ball designs, thus helping to provide a comfort factor despite the departure from his norm. Instead of a double-bend hosel, which Lowry used in his 2-ball putters, his new Spider Tour Z is designed with a short slant neck.

“I’ve been struggling on the greens, and I just needed something with a fresh look,” Lowry told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship. “It has a different neck on it, as well, so it moves a bit differently, but it’s similar. It has a white line on the back of it [like my 2-ball], and it’s a mallet style. So it’s not too drastic of a change.

“I just picked it up on the putting green and I liked the look of it, so I was like, ‘Let’s give it a go.’”

Read the rest of the piece over at PGATour.com.

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Webb Simpson equipment Q&A: Titleist’s new 2-wood, 680 blade irons, and switching to a broomstick Jailbird

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With seven career wins on the PGA Tour, including a U.S. Open victory, Webb Simpson is a certified veteran on the course. But he’s also a certified veteran in the equipment world, too. He’s a gearhead who truly knows his stuff, and he’s even worked closely with Titleist on making his own custom 682.WS irons.

On Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, I caught up with Simpson to hear about his experience with Titleist’s new prototype 2-wood, how Titleist’s 680 Forged irons from 2003 ended up back in his bag, and why he’s switching into an Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Cruiser broomstick putter this week for the first time.

Click here to read our full story about Simpson’s putter switch on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, or continue reading below for my full Q&A with Simpson at Quail Hollow Club on Wednesday.

See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here

GolfWRX: It seems like you’ve been a little all over the place with your irons in the past six months or so, and now going back to the 680’s. Is that just a comfort thing? What’s been going on with the irons?

Webb Simpson: Titleist has been so great at working with me, and R&D, on trying to get an iron that kind of modernizes the 680. And so the 682.WS took the T100 grooves, but kinda took the look and the bulk and the build of the 680’s into one club. They’re beautiful, and awesome looking. I just never hit them that well for a consistent period of time. It was probably me, but then I went to T100’s and loved them. I loved the spin, the trajectory, the yardage, but again, I never went on good runs. Going through the ground, I couldn’t feel the club as well as with the blade. So last week, I’m like, ‘Alright. I’m gonna go back more for…comfort, and see if I can get on a nice little run of ball striking.’

So that’s why I went back.

 

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A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

OK, that makes sense. I know you had done some 2-wood testing recently. Is that in the bag right now?

It’s like day-by-day. I used it at Hilton Head every day. Valero, I used it one round. And this week, me and my caddie will do the book every morning, and if it’s a day where we think we need it, we’ll just put it in and take the 3-wood out. I love it because it’s a super simple swap. Like, it doesn’t really change much.

Yeah, can you tell me about that club? I mean, we don’t really know anything about it yet. You know? I haven’t hit it or anything, obviously.

It has grooves like a 3-wood. Spin is perfect. And it’s honestly, like, everything is in the middle of a 3-wood and driver number. Trajectory, spin, carry, all of it. So, a Hilton Head golf course is almost too easy to talk about because, you know, there, so many holes are driver 3-wood.

Valero, our thinking was we had two par-5’s into the wind, and we knew that it would take two great shots to get there in two. So instead of hitting driver-driver, we just put it in. And I used it on those holes.

Hilton was a little easier because it was off-the-tee kind of questions. But Colonial will be a golf course where, you know, there’s a lot of driver or 3-woods. It’s kind of like a backup putter or driver for me now. I’ll bring it to every tournament.

So it’s, like, in your locker right now, probably?

Well, it would be. It’s in my house [because Webb lives near by Quail Hollow Club, and is a member at the course.] It’s in the garage.

Oh, yeah, that’s right. Do you know what holes you might use it out here if it goes in play? 

Potentially 15, depending on the wind. Second shot on 10. Could be 14 off the tee. The chances here are pretty low (that he’ll use the 2-wood). But, like, Greensboro would be an awesome club all day. I’m trying to think of any other golf courses.

There’s plenty that it’ll be a nice weapon to have.

It’s interesting, the wave of 2-woods and mini drivers. Like, it’s just really taken off on Tour, and all the companies have seemed to embrace it.

Yeah. The thing I had to learn, it took me, like, at least a week to learn about it is you gotta tee it up lower than you think. I kept teeing it up too high. You need it low, like barely higher than a 3-wood. And that was where I got optimal spin and carry. If you tee it up too high, you just don’t get as much spin and lose distance, I don’t know if that’s just a mini driver thing.

And you obviously have a Jailbird putter this week. What spurred that on?

Inconsistent putting. I’m stubborn in a lot of ways when it comes to my equipment, but I have to be open minded – I just hadn’t putted consistently well in a while. And I’m like, ‘Man, I feel my ball-striking coming along. Like I feel better; for real, better.’

If I can just get something in my hands that I’m consistent with. Being on Tour, you see it every year, guys get on little runs. I can put together four to five tournaments where I’m all the sudden back in the majors, or in the FedExCup Playoffs. You can turn things around quick out here. I’m like, ‘Man, whatever’s going to get me there, great.’

My caddie, David Cook, caddied for Akshay at the Houston Open and he putted beautifully. Then, I watched Akshay on TV at Valero, and he putted beautifully. And, I’m like, ‘I’m just going to try it.’

I’ve never tried it for more than a putt or two, and I just ordered what Akshay uses. It was pretty awkward at first, but the more I used it, the more I’m like, ‘Man, it’s pretty easy.’ And a buddy of mine who’s a rep out here, John Tyler Griffin, he helped me with some setup stuff. And he said at Hilton Head, he wasn’t putting well, then tried it, and now he makes everything. He was very confident. So I’m like, ‘Alright, I’ll try it.’”

And you’re going with it this week?

Hundred percent.

Alright, I love it. Thank you, I always love talking gear with you. Play well this week. 

Thanks, man.

See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here

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