Product: Callaway Apex 19 irons

Pitch: From Callaway: “We’ve created a new standard for incredibly soft feel from a forged 1025 mild carbon steel body, and for the first time ever we’ve engineered our proprietary urethane microspheres into a forged iron. The carbon steel body promotes amazing Apex sound and feel, and the urethane microspheres consist of over one million tiny air pockets that absorb unwanted vibration without slowing the face.”

“Our renowned 360 Face Cup employs a shallow, flexible rim around the perimeter of the face that flexes and releases at impact to promote fast ball speed for consistent distance on center hits and off-center hits. In the short irons, the spin control VFT Face is designed for aggressive shot-making in your scoring clubs…The tungsten-infused, multi-material construction allows us to locate the position of the CG in each iron with extraordinary precision while maintaining the flexibility of the Face Cup.”

Our take on Callaway Apex 19 irons

Callaway introduced its Apex iron line just over 5 years ago, consisting of its “Forged Tour Performance” Apex Pro and standard Apex, which it calls its “Players Distance Iron.” Unlike the more traditional “Apex Pro 19” irons, the standard “Apex 19” irons are slightly larger and utilize more multi-material technology to provide both more distance and forgiveness to the player.

These irons will fit a wide variety of players, from low to mid-handicappers alike. They can even be blended quite nicely into a combo set with the Pros. Aside from some technological enhancements, which we’ll dive into, there is new Smoke PVD Finish is available — including a darker Elevate Shaft — for those that prefer a darker look.

In the increasingly crowded “Players Distance Iron” category, Callaway Apex 19 irons are standouts. The sound, feel, and playability is once again near the top of the pack. Callaway’s 360 Face Cup Technology is no joke, providing consistent, dependable distance when needed. The original Apex 14 irons took first place in GolfWRX’s 2015 Gear Trials in the Players Irons category, and the line has only improved in the years since.

Some better players may consider the scoring irons to be a bit too large. They may be better suited the Apex Pro, or a blended set of the two. The smoke finish will increase the price (Starts at $1,560 vs $1,400) and it’s unsure at this time how the black will wear, as a darker finish is tougher to maintain over time.

However, if you’re looking for a Players Distance iron for 2019, these should absolutely be on your “must try” list. There’s a good chance they’ll also become a “must buy.”

• More photos of Callaway Apex 19 irons in the forums.
• Our feature on Callaway Apex 19 irons