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They look stunning, but were they worth the wait? Equipment editor James Savage gets his hands on Callaway’s newest player irons
Our Callaway Apex 19 irons review took place at the brand’s launch event in Carlsbad and back in Yorkshire at Leeds Golf Centre.
But were they worth the wait? What’s the new technology? And which of the two models will be best for you?
Callaway Apex 19 irons review: First impressions
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We suspect the reason it has taken these new models a while to arrive is because the 2016 versions were so good.
These are forged irons and there isn’t much to be done – from a technology point of view – to improve them.
But Callaway are confident they have found the right blend of sleek looks and powerful performance here.
And they look sensational.
There’s a softer brushed chrome finish on the regular Apex 19 irons and a shinier, more blade-like look to the Apex Pro.
When you set them both down in the address position the Pro model, as you would expect, is a bit skinnier and has that sharper look on the toe.
The regular Apex is more of a traditional cavity back design while the Pro is more like a muscle-back/cavity combo.
To me it seems like both models could work for a mid-handicapper with aspirations to improve.
Even the Pro version isn’t overly intimidating.
Callaway Apex 19 irons review: The technology
Callaway say both Apex models are “players distance irons” with premium craftsmanship and an amazing sound and feel.
The soft feel comes from a forged 1025 mild carbon steel body but there’s also the urethane microsphere tech first seen in the Rogue irons.
This is the first time Callaway have used this tech – which incorporates more than one million tiny air pockets that absorb unwanted vibration without slowing the face – in a forged iron.
The Callaway 360 Face Cup design – which we’ve seen in their game-improvement models – promotes high ball speeds across the face.
There’s also a tungsten-infused, multi-material construction which allowed Callaway to precisely locate the position of the CG in each iron while maintaining the flexibility of the face.
But how do these irons perform? Are they working for our 15-handicapper equipment editor? Find out on the next page…
Callaway Apex 19 irons review: The results
These irons were already ticking a lot of boxes for me before I gave them a hit.
They look fantastic in the bag and in the address position and you can tell they are loaded with technology.
So it’s a nice blend of clean, stylish looks while still offering a bit of help and forgiveness.
The regular Apex 19 iron is easy to hit but has a lovely forged, blade-like feel at impact.
When switching to the Apex Pro there’s not quite the same forgiveness levels but the feeling when you strike it out of the middle is sensational.
There are fairly traditional lofts here so don’t expect to be hitting distances of some of the strong-lofted distance irons on the market.
And while these irons do feel quite powerful, they are more about the feel and precision which better players crave.
Or what mid-high handicappers want as they look to improve. It’s certainly what I’m looking for in an iron these days.
So which of the Apex 19 irons should be going in your bag? Read our expert’s verdict on the next page…
Callaway Apex 19 irons review: NCG verdict
I loved the 2016 version of these irons and the latest models don’t disappoint.
They’ve got a wide-range of appeal, suiting players from a teen handicap to tour players.
Personally, I’d be going for the regular Apex as I don’t think there’s any sacrifice at all.
They are a bit similar to the Mizuno JPX919 Forged in that regard as they give you the best of both worlds.
Superb sound, feel and accuracy but also a bit of assistance if you don’t find the middle of the clubface.
If you find the middle more often than not then the Pro model will be right in your wheelhouse.
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They will be right up there with any players iron in 2019 and I’m certain they will get a lot of use on tour.
Some people may think about a combo set between the two but there’s a different finish on each model and that would put me off mixing the set.
And as I say there’s not any sacrifice on looks and feel with the regular Apex iron.
