Equipment
Callaway Apex MB and Apex UT irons
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
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
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
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
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
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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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/
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?
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?
MattK
Aug 17, 2014 at 12:04 am
Apparently the patents for the Mizuno T-Zoid True has expired.
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…
Wait
Aug 16, 2014 at 1:22 am
Wait 3 months they’ll be discounted at $899 so why pay full price?
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.)
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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!
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.
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.
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.
golfpunk46
Aug 15, 2014 at 1:50 pm
Looks very similar to the Taylormade MB’s from 2006.
http://www.golftipsmag.com/images/stories/2006/newandnotable/i-tm-rac-mb-tp_1-silo.jpg
ABgolfer2
Aug 15, 2014 at 3:28 pm
From a certain angle yes. The TMs look like MTs though so who invented what now?
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/hyper_kurakura/GALLERY/show_image_v2.html?id=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.c.yimg.jp%2Fres%2Fblog-07-6c%2Fhyper_kurakura%2Ffolder%2F569435%2F01%2F14575801%2Fimg_2%3F1367825198&i=1
KK
Aug 15, 2014 at 7:11 pm
Dude… they look totally different.
Bernard
Aug 15, 2014 at 10:11 pm
They do. I play MB’s so these really do appeal to me.
Big Dick
Aug 15, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Great stuff
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.
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!