Ive always loved Callaway irons. I think it's based on the irons we start playing golf with. I started a long time ago with Callaway and inevitably end up preferring the looks of theirs
I don’t think I’d agree that these are particularly strong-lofted or super long. The 7 iron is 33 degrees and the PW is 45 degrees - just one degree stronger than your JPX 923 Tours. The distance also isn’t crazy. When I tested them, these were much shorter and higher spinning than something like a JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro or even P790 - which is a good thing; I wouldn’t want low-spinning rocket launchers. What I was most impressed by on the new Apex Pros was spin retention on poor strikes and the launch I got out of thin strikes. These definitely compare more to the P770s than P790s. You also mentioned needing extra wedges … but you wouldn’t really? The PW is 45 degrees and the AW is 50 degrees. Add your SW and LW and you’re good to go.
@@greatwhite3676 No, there really isn't. Loft (and resulting spin) are the major factor that determines the iron distance. I know it's an unpopular opinion because we all want to believe the marketing hype and all the "tech" nonsense they talk about, but in blind testing loft for loft, it IS loft that determines distance every time. The other stuff only makes tiny, negligible differences.
@@stevenc9207 one 7 iron is 33 one Is 31 I think. That’s maybe 5 yards difference. If you don’t have enough speed playing a 25 degree 7 iron will produce a shot that carries shorter. It’s not that hard of a concept. If that was the case make drivers 0 degrees
Very nice. But these don't compare at all to the p790 which have a super jacked 30 degree 7 iron and lots of off set. The p770 and Apex pro both have a closer to standard 33 degree 7 irons and would be direct competition.
I love how people act like 2.5 degree difference is super jacked. I played p790 for years. I’m a 4 handicap and very rarely had this mythical “jumper” that went miles over the green. Narrative is powerful
@greatwhite3676 it's a full iron order standard lol. It works for short players but not often a good fit for skilled players with length. Hence no one on any tour uses them except as a missile launching long irons. Where apex pro s of past were used by many tour players through the bag.
I'm presently testing irons and I haven't tried these and wouldn't have if it hadn't been for this video. Thanks for this suggestion, the testing will continue.
All these brands, even those that are online only or component oriented (Maltby for example) are making excellent products. Have been for awhile. You really can't go wrong without some effort.
I’ve always hated Callaway irons and have instead bought P790 in 2020. I had a fitting this week extensively testing the new apex pro against the new P790, P770, T150 and found the Apex pro with a rifle shaft was much much more consistent in distance and dispersion. Not the longest so I ordered 1 degree stronger loft but they feel like butter.
James you have gotten the review completely wrong in saying these are for “mid to high handicappers, strong lofted, comparable to p790”. That is not how Callaway positioned these. Please go watch the TXG (club champion) Apex release with Johnny Wunder. This was a strange release from Callaway in that they have not yet released or even addressed the direct competitor to the p790, which I assume would be the standard Apex 24 model. The Apex Pro is more comparable to the p770 or t100/t150 in loft.
@@JamesRobinsonGolf Just double checked the video I referenced. At 2:40ish, JWunder says the Apex pro is for Champions Tour, LPGA, PGA Tour long irons etc. So I guess the use case per Callaway would be, low handicap to scratch golfers who want the bit of offset and distance these provide as compared to the CB and MB. I just imagine they are going to release something to replace Apex 21
@@JamesRobinsonGolfI disagree. I am upgrading from the Apex21 to these Apex Pros and I’m a 4. A better comparison would’ve been P770. The new Apex 24 would be more of the P790.
@@JamesRobinsonGolf I am off 3 and use the 21 Apex Pro’s and my local pro had them in his bag for just under 12 months and rated them. I think irons can’t get much better and brands are dissecting the irons to get gains camouflaged as sales. I used old Callaways and the 21s took me 6 months to get used to with the lofts and not to mention I moved from Australia (meters) to Asia (yards). All the top end clubs are good and i prefer a thin top edge as I don’t like looking at a hockey stick.
They look really good! I’ve not been a fan of the Apex line as I didn’t quite like the look till now. These look like a very refined version of the Apex line. Enough so that I would give these a look. As I start to get a little older clubs like these are starting to tempt me more and more.
I generally don’t get along with Callaway irons… but tested the Apex Pro at my local shop on an outdoor range and I was really impressed. I found them easy to find the middle of the club with, felt terrific and great trajectory. May be hard to get me out of my P770s, but maybe. More testing is required. I like that the stock Apex Pro shaft is the same as my gamers too.
I am trolling all over YT on these because they keep making this comparison. The comparable iron is the p770 not the p790. The Apex Pro is not for the mid to high handicapper. The new Apex range is for low handicappers as directly quoted by Johnny Wunder from Callaway. At 33 degrees the Pro falls between a t100 and t150! Callaway has either not yet released the comparable iron to p790/t200 or they are going to leave the Paradym in that window. The release is confusing from Callaway but I would think James would know better…
I like the look of these new Apex Pros, I have the previous version and may move into these. The thing that interests me the most is the new sole design with the pre- worn leading edge as I sometimes feel my club being grabbed by the turf. I also understand they sound and feel better than the version I am now playing though I find that my clubs sound and feel good except the 5 iron which sounds a bit clicky to me.
Ken Duke won last week on the PGA seniors with the new tour edge c723 irons. Can you test please and compare with the taylormade and Callaway apex. Could be interesting.
James, I've gotten fitted for both the Apex 24s(Blended Set) Pros(Long)CBs (Short irons) they were absolutely amazing but went to the Darkside and got the P790s 23s ..Current set Apex21s and they've been an awesome set but the gains from the P790s and new consistency from them...Purchased and anxiously waiting! Had the 17 and 19 versions of the P790s and definitely the 23s are a leap!
Interesting. I have changed up 3 sets of Calllaways in 12 years and to be honest my game has not improved. I hover between 3-4. They all sound different but also depends on ball you are using. I think what’s holding the club counts more than the club.
all these hollow body irons are good. Have hit most of them. I think the mizuno 225's are probably the best of the lot. Their next generation is coming out soon.
I personally would like to do a split set in the Apex set. Pro with the CB and MB in the PW and GW. I currently play the steelhead XRs and love them through the whole set including the AW. Keep doing what you do James!! You need a match with Christopher!!
@@JamesRobinsonGolf 790 is 30.5 loft and the 770 and apex pro are both 33° and both hollow players cavity’s. 790 is a pure players distance iron… it’s just a different category is all. Not to say they can’t be compared but it’s not the best comparison when taylormade has an iron that perfectly matches up to the apex pro. (Normal apex and 790 would work great to compare)
Agreed with Ian. The lofts and offset alone falls more in line with P770 and T150. The new Apex 24(next year) is a better comparison to the P790 and T200.
James i currently game apex 21 irons, sounds like the only replacement is the apex pro 24? My set is stronger lofted.. 30.5 7 iron. Did you see a difference in carry distance between the different models..thanks
Nothing about these irons screams mid to high handicap. They are marginally larger then the CB’s, they are smaller then the AI200’s (players distance) and night and day different from the AI300’s, which are game improvement. These compare with the T200’s, i230’s, P770’s, Pro 245’s, etc. ideally they are at the top of your bag and not at the bottom.
James, I would suggest when narrating on your lab results and other non-live commentary that you bump up the volume a little to more match the rest of the video. Nice content. Keep up the good work.
Put them in the bag for the video 😂, you’ll have something else on Monday. What happened to the 923 tour irons? I fancy those myself but you can pick up 921 tours for £650 brand new but what’s the difference
They are expensive compared to the Taylor Made, which aren’t cheap either. No one I have seen has justified the extra price ? All clubs are similar in performance, if they don’t look feel better why pay more other than brand loyalty.
Can these irons compete with the just released Titleist irons. I don't think so and they are more expesive at least in the US. Callaway is falling behind in their iron offerings.
Never understand why all these comparisons NEVER include things like blade length in long and mid irons to what ever club they’re compared to. What serious players truly cares about 100 videos about distance, etc. there’s no top views and side by sides. Disappointing. Good video for what it is.
Those would look SO sweet if they had made that back badge the same finish as the rest of the iron
Ive always loved Callaway irons. I think it's based on the irons we start playing golf with. I started a long time ago with Callaway and inevitably end up preferring the looks of theirs
I think you're right. My grandpa left me some lynx clubs, and I'd still be gaming them if they still made them.
I don’t think I’d agree that these are particularly strong-lofted or super long. The 7 iron is 33 degrees and the PW is 45 degrees - just one degree stronger than your JPX 923 Tours. The distance also isn’t crazy. When I tested them, these were much shorter and higher spinning than something like a JPX 923 Hot Metal Pro or even P790 - which is a good thing; I wouldn’t want low-spinning rocket launchers. What I was most impressed by on the new Apex Pros was spin retention on poor strikes and the launch I got out of thin strikes. These definitely compare more to the P770s than P790s.
You also mentioned needing extra wedges … but you wouldn’t really? The PW is 45 degrees and the AW is 50 degrees. Add your SW and LW and you’re good to go.
This is exactly what i thought.
I have hit both the p770 and 790 on the course. On a good strike the difference is negligible. There’s more to iron distance than loft.
@@greatwhite3676 No, there really isn't. Loft (and resulting spin) are the major factor that determines the iron distance. I know it's an unpopular opinion because we all want to believe the marketing hype and all the "tech" nonsense they talk about, but in blind testing loft for loft, it IS loft that determines distance every time. The other stuff only makes tiny, negligible differences.
@@stevenc9207 one 7 iron is 33 one
Is 31 I think. That’s maybe 5 yards difference. If you don’t have enough speed playing a 25 degree 7 iron will produce a shot that carries shorter. It’s not that hard of a concept. If that was the case make drivers 0 degrees
I thought the 770s would be the competitor to the Apex pro
Very nice. But these don't compare at all to the p790 which have a super jacked 30 degree 7 iron and lots of off set. The p770 and Apex pro both have a closer to standard 33 degree 7 irons and would be direct competition.
Right I think the regular apex is a p790 competitor
I love how people act like 2.5 degree difference is super jacked. I played p790 for years. I’m a 4 handicap and very rarely had this mythical “jumper” that went miles over the green. Narrative is powerful
@greatwhite3676 it's a full iron order standard lol. It works for short players but not often a good fit for skilled players with length. Hence no one on any tour uses them except as a missile launching long irons. Where apex pro s of past were used by many tour players through the bag.
I play the 21 apex Pro and I think they are amazing and actually look better than this years model
Can’t argue there. I am the same. The new one sounds better but that’s not enough for me to upgrade
Hoping you'll also review the CB and MB versions. Love to hear your thoughts on the full range mate.
Another fantastic iron review James and those irons look awesome
callaways 2023 releases are killing it. look incredible and the results are incredible.
I'm presently testing irons and I haven't tried these and wouldn't have if it hadn't been for this video. Thanks for this suggestion, the testing will continue.
All these brands, even those that are online only or component oriented (Maltby for example) are making excellent products. Have been for awhile. You really can't go wrong without some effort.
I’ve always hated Callaway irons and have instead bought P790 in 2020. I had a fitting this week extensively testing the new apex pro against the new P790, P770, T150 and found the Apex pro with a rifle shaft was much much more consistent in distance and dispersion. Not the longest so I ordered 1 degree stronger loft but they feel like butter.
James you have gotten the review completely wrong in saying these are for “mid to high handicappers, strong lofted, comparable to p790”. That is not how Callaway positioned these. Please go watch the TXG (club champion) Apex release with Johnny Wunder. This was a strange release from Callaway in that they have not yet released or even addressed the direct competitor to the p790, which I assume would be the standard Apex 24 model. The Apex Pro is more comparable to the p770 or t100/t150 in loft.
There’s no way on this earth that this iron is aimed to anyone lower than a mid handicap IMO. Too much offset
@@JamesRobinsonGolf Just double checked the video I referenced. At 2:40ish, JWunder says the Apex pro is for Champions Tour, LPGA, PGA Tour long irons etc. So I guess the use case per Callaway would be, low handicap to scratch golfers who want the bit of offset and distance these provide as compared to the CB and MB. I just imagine they are going to release something to replace Apex 21
@@JamesRobinsonGolf almost identical offset to the P770. Within one tenth of a millimetre on the 7 iron, with the same loft.
@@JamesRobinsonGolfI disagree. I am upgrading from the Apex21 to these Apex Pros and I’m a 4. A better comparison would’ve been P770. The new Apex 24 would be more of the P790.
@@JamesRobinsonGolf
I am off 3 and use the 21 Apex Pro’s and my local pro had them in his bag for just under 12 months and rated them.
I think irons can’t get much better and brands are dissecting the irons to get gains camouflaged as sales. I used old Callaways and the 21s took me 6 months to get used to with the lofts and not to mention I moved from Australia (meters) to Asia (yards).
All the top end clubs are good and i prefer a thin top edge as I don’t like looking at a hockey stick.
James, how about adding the Titleist T200 in there with Apex 23 pro and P 790.
They look really good!
I’ve not been a fan of the Apex line as I didn’t quite like the look till now. These look like a very refined version of the Apex line. Enough so that I would give these a look.
As I start to get a little older clubs like these are starting to tempt me more and more.
I generally don’t get along with Callaway irons… but tested the Apex Pro at my local shop on an outdoor range and I was really impressed. I found them easy to find the middle of the club with, felt terrific and great trajectory. May be hard to get me out of my P770s, but maybe. More testing is required. I like that the stock Apex Pro shaft is the same as my gamers too.
The 7 iron is 33 degrees. I wouldn’t say that was “strong lofted”? The P790 7 iron is 30.5 degrees and the head is bigger. It’s a strange comparison.
more like the P770 that was a 33* lofted 7 iron. the only similarity in my book is they got released the same month/year
@@cwugrad396 Exactly. TH-cam fodder I guess
I am trolling all over YT on these because they keep making this comparison. The comparable iron is the p770 not the p790. The Apex Pro is not for the mid to high handicapper. The new Apex range is for low handicappers as directly quoted by Johnny Wunder from Callaway. At 33 degrees the Pro falls between a t100 and t150! Callaway has either not yet released the comparable iron to p790/t200 or they are going to leave the Paradym in that window. The release is confusing from Callaway but I would think James would know better…
@@wkndwarrior4733 agree
Yes. The apex pro 21, which is an excellent iron was recommended by Callaway as 5 to plus 5 handicap. Same type of club here
It's Callaway’s version of the P-790 with weaker lofts. JR talks about the offset which is a big no for me as well. Good 👍🏽 vlog
I've gone p790, and I absolutely LOVE them!
Callaway Apex all day. ⛳️
I play w/the Callaway DCB's. Really like the forgiveness and performance. For a GI iron, they still look nice at address.👍
I like the look of these new Apex Pros, I have the previous version and may move into these. The thing that interests me the most is the new sole design with the pre- worn leading edge as I sometimes feel my club being grabbed by the turf. I also understand they sound and feel better than the version I am now playing though I find that my clubs sound and feel good except the 5 iron which sounds a bit clicky to me.
I have the previous pro’s and had a hit with the new version and didn’t find much difference. Not enough to change.
They sound a bit better though.
Is it worth the upgrade from the 21's to 24's James ??????
Ken Duke won last week on the PGA seniors with the new tour edge c723 irons. Can you test please and compare with the taylormade and Callaway apex. Could be interesting.
I ordered the Taylormade P790 irons after testing 😊
Excellent video ROBO! Say hi to Laura and little ROBO from the Gator! 🐊🏌⛳️🦅🇺🇸❤️
Changes his clubs like I change my pants
I review golf clubs for a living… are you ok?
James, I've gotten fitted for both the Apex 24s(Blended Set) Pros(Long)CBs (Short irons) they were absolutely amazing but went to the Darkside and got the P790s 23s ..Current set Apex21s and they've been an awesome set but the gains from the P790s and new consistency from them...Purchased and anxiously waiting! Had the 17 and 19 versions of the P790s and definitely the 23s are a leap!
Interesting. I have changed up 3 sets of Calllaways in 12 years and to be honest my game has not improved. I hover between 3-4.
They all sound different but also depends on ball you are using. I think what’s holding the club counts more than the club.
Wow. How many sets of clubs do you own? Do you have any one set in your bag that you use from just one manufacturer?
Loads and loads. Some people have a garage for four or five cars James needs a large garage for cars and clubs
Which one replaces the Apex 21
Those clubs seem more in line with the p770
all these hollow body irons are good. Have hit most of them. I think the mizuno 225's are probably the best of the lot. Their next generation is coming out soon.
I personally would like to do a split set in the Apex set. Pro with the CB and MB in the PW and GW.
I currently play the steelhead XRs and love them through the whole set including the AW.
Keep doing what you do James!!
You need a match with Christopher!!
I would go for the Callaway
Well done James 👏 😊
Out of the two,I would go for the Apex, but for the cost it would be the Takomo every time.
I would go with the Apex Pro...
James, do they look a bit similar to the old Titleist AP2's?
Seriously this is not a P790 competitor, maybe a P770. But definitely not P790
A no offset version in the works?
The question should be 770 vs apex pro. 790 is a different category which I know you know but just saying
Why would it?
@@JamesRobinsonGolf 790 is 30.5 loft and the 770 and apex pro are both 33° and both hollow players cavity’s. 790 is a pure players distance iron… it’s just a different category is all. Not to say they can’t be compared but it’s not the best comparison when taylormade has an iron that perfectly matches up to the apex pro. (Normal apex and 790 would work great to compare)
Agreed with Ian. The lofts and offset alone falls more in line with P770 and T150. The new Apex 24(next year) is a better comparison to the P790 and T200.
James i currently game apex 21 irons, sounds like the only replacement is the apex pro 24? My set is stronger lofted.. 30.5 7 iron. Did you see a difference in carry distance between the different models..thanks
Supposedly, Callaway will be releasing their Apex 23 and Apex DCB 23 irons later this year.
Nothing about these irons screams mid to high handicap. They are marginally larger then the CB’s, they are smaller then the AI200’s (players distance) and night and day different from the AI300’s, which are game improvement. These compare with the T200’s, i230’s, P770’s, Pro 245’s, etc. ideally they are at the top of your bag and not at the bottom.
New Callaway Apex Pro look great to me.
Callaway they look different from the past irons the P790 look almost identical new or old
My irons are callaway big bertha irons around 30 years old.lol..i need a new set badly..but i'm poor..Need a set for xmas..
I play the apex 21s I really like the look of these put them on the wish list
They look like the 2021 Titleist T100
Apex pros are nothing like the 790s, the comparison should be between the 770s
James, I would suggest when narrating on your lab results and other non-live commentary that you bump up the volume a little to more match the rest of the video. Nice content. Keep up the good work.
Noted mate thanks 👍🏼⛳️🎥
The best Apex Pro's are still the 19's.
Put them in the bag for the video 😂, you’ll have something else on Monday. What happened to the 923 tour irons? I fancy those myself but you can pick up 921 tours for £650 brand new but what’s the difference
I thinking of buying the Apex DCB irons from 2022
They are great
I looked at these and the P790's last year and liked them both but decided on Mizuno Pro 225 and love them so far.
New Set for me Apex if I could choose. 5:36
I would have thought the Pro version was for the best players.
They look great
2019 apex pros are in my golf bag and they will never come out I love them to death
Is there going to be a standard Apex to coming does anybody know for sure thank you
Yes next year Callaway will be releasing it
Callaway
They are expensive compared to the Taylor Made, which aren’t cheap either. No one I have seen has justified the extra price ? All clubs are similar in performance, if they don’t look feel better why pay more other than brand loyalty.
They work like a fantastic club, like so many other.
If the back weight wasn't a gaudy walking 'callaway' ad, the clubs might appeal to me more.
you shouldn't be taking that big of a divot on a 5I, sweep that club. It's you that makes you inconsistent.
What about t150 🤷🏽
For looks only - Taylormade. Sounds like they're less of a P790 competitor, more of a P770 rival. Still rather have the P770 over this.
Can these irons compete with the just released Titleist irons. I don't think so and they are more expesive at least in the US. Callaway is falling behind in their iron offerings.
Callaway over taylormade every day..
They aren't the best of 2023, they're the best of 2024! 😂
I am going for Callaway Paradym X
Honestly if I was in the market for a new hollow bodied iron I would go for the new Titleist T200 without a second thought.
I would much prefer the TM set. Whilst there may be little difference in performance the TM set wins by a mile on looks.
Nah, to me the Apex Pros are miles better than TMs
Too bad the rear plate is black.
are you being paid to promote this clubs ??
Let's gooooooo
Prefer my Cobra forged Tech 🏌🏻♂️
If I were getting new Irons I would go for the Takomo
Never understand why all these comparisons NEVER include things like blade length in long and mid irons to what ever club they’re compared to. What serious players truly cares about 100 videos about distance, etc. there’s no top views and side by sides. Disappointing. Good video for what it is.
Aren't all your reviews honest?
Odd title
Have a great weekend Steve
Takomo as on a budget
790 fells like poop. 2 handycap.
P790s look so much cleaner
Srixon ZX5.