Equipment
Callaway (finally) launches new Apex MB and X Forged irons
It’s been a long time coming for the release of Callaway’s new Apex Muscleback (MB) irons to the public. It was all the way back in January of this year when we first spotted Apex MB irons. Patrick Reed was testing the irons, and Rory McIlroy — before he joined TaylorMade’s staff — was testing a raw, prototype version of the clubs. Since then, the new Apex MB irons have popped up in the bags of other tour players, most notably Danny Lee (full set) and Phil Mickelson (8-PW).
Finally, Callaway has officially launched the Apex MB irons.
Along with the Apex MB irons, Callaway has also announced that it’s releasing another highly anticipated set of irons that are made for better players: the new X Forged, which we’ve only recently spotted in the bags of Phil Mickelson (3, 5-7) and Sang-Moon Bae (full set).
Callaway 2013 X Forged (left) vs. 2018 X Forged
Callaway’s X Forged irons — first released in 2007, then in 2009, and not again until 2013 — are on a lengthy release rotation, far from the company’s Apex line that gets a new model at least every two years. The X Forged name, possibly due to that few-and-far-between release schedule, has garnered a cult-like appreciation from better players over the years, so this new release of X Forged irons will certainly be significant for those long-time fans.
Find out below what’s new and improved about the Apex MB and the X Forged irons compared to their predecessors, and see what GolfWRX members are saying here.
Callaway Apex MB ($1,299.99)
Callaway’s Apex MB irons are the product of direct feedback from the company’s Tour staffers, according to Luke Williams, Director of Product and Brand Management at Callaway. Forged from 1025 Carbon Steel, the irons are unapologetically made for the best players in the world, and they’re designed with the needs and wishes of Tour players in mind.
These blade irons have the shortest blade lengths, the thinnest soles and the smallest overall heads in the vast line of Callaway irons. They’re designed for maximum workability, for tour-desired turf interaction, and to cut through the thick rough that tour players face week-in and week-out.
With what Williams calls “classic lofts,” the irons are designed for players who know their distances and place more importance on consistent distances than hitting the ball farther. That means the clubs have weaker lofts than any of the other irons in Callaway’s lineup, and the single-piece forgings are not juiced with distance-enhancing technologies.
These irons, which are made with “20V” grooves and “optimized CG (center of gravity),” are for players who strike the center of the club consistently, and who want complete control over spin and trajectory.
Callaway’s Apex MB irons (2-PW, AW), with a Chrome finish, will sell for $1,299.99 starting on November 3 in both right- and left-handed options.
See what GolfWRX members are saying about the irons in our forums.
Callaway X Forged ($1,299.99)
While the new X Forged irons are also designed for Tour players and better amateurs, these irons aren’t “as intimidating” as the Apex Muscleback irons, according to Williams. That’s because, although they’re also single-piece forgings, the blade lengths are slightly longer, the overall head shapes are slightly larger, and they are cavity-back irons made for a bit more forgiveness.
Like the Apex MB irons, the soles of the X Forged irons are built for the turf interaction that’s desired by Tour players, and the head profiles are tour-inspired. The lofts are slightly stronger throughout the set than the Apex MB, but are still weaker than the game-improvement style irons in Callaway’s stable. That means better players will see the ball launch in the “desired window,” according to Williams.
Callaway 2017 X Forged (left) vs. 2017 Apex MB
The X Forged irons are “triple net forged,” according to Callaway, and they have progressive CGs with 20V grooves on the face.
Sets of X Forged irons (3-PW) will hit stores on November 3 in both right- and left-handed options, and they will also sell for $1,299.99.
See what GolfWRX members are saying about the irons in our 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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Stephen Finley
Nov 7, 2017 at 11:12 pm
MB: just friggin’ _woof_.
Mat
Nov 7, 2017 at 3:05 pm
Looks like OEMs are starting to settle into 33/37/41/45 for the long haul on 7/8/9/P.
Scott
Oct 23, 2017 at 10:05 pm
Wonder how the X Forged will compare against mizzen jpx 900 forged? I really like the feel I have with my mizzies but I’ve always loved Callaway
Tom Duckworth
Oct 20, 2017 at 6:03 am
The new X Forged clubs look way better than the older ones much more put together on the back side. First set of Callaways I have like the looks of in some time. The blades are OK a blade is a blade I guess. I think I like the MP-18s better but I would think they would play just the same as any other blade iron.
OB
Oct 20, 2017 at 9:54 am
If they “look way better” then they must be better because the look of your WITB is half the game.
AB
Oct 19, 2017 at 10:59 pm
TM came out with their fake ‘forged’ P790s…. and now Cally with their mystery forgings. What’s happening?
jgpl001
Oct 18, 2017 at 5:02 pm
Both look really good
MB’s so like the mp69’s, unreal..
2putttom
Oct 23, 2017 at 1:57 pm
ya ya ya Mizuno has a lock on look a likes.
Kool Aid
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:05 am
No cup face?
finish it
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:04 am
Andrew Tursky is the Assistant Editor at GolfWRX. He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men’s Golf team while earning a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
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….. and he forgot to ask where the forging is done ….lol
Thomas A
Oct 18, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Lol. Like any company is going to admit where their club heads are made.
OB
Oct 20, 2017 at 9:55 am
Then we must assume the forging was done in Bangladesh for ¢¢¢¢¢¢ ….
AB
Oct 19, 2017 at 10:57 pm
If the clubs are expensive forgings by Endo as has been suggested ,without proof, then Cally should proudly declare it.
If not, and the clubs are forged in Bangladesh for a couple of dollare each then I can understand why they would want to keep it secret.
All the forum gearheads are so proud of their Japanese-made clubs and know all about the forging factory in which they are made.
If Cally keeps it a secret then we must suspect the worst… and they are overcharging for inferior forging with their name on the clubs to exploit the gullible golfers.
2putttom
Oct 23, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Virage Tech in western China
OB
Oct 23, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Proof?
Miz
Oct 17, 2017 at 11:26 pm
Who stole my MP-69 designs
MB
Oct 17, 2017 at 9:27 pm
“Classic” lofts they say, yet the 9 iron is at 42, then the PW at 47, and then an AW at 51????? NOT classic at all. lol
Milo
Oct 17, 2017 at 3:17 pm
Meh, no reason to upgrade my 13s, actually been thinking about getting some Maltbys to try out.
etc.
Oct 17, 2017 at 5:50 pm
But the Maltby forged clubs will not feeeel the same as the Cally MBs or X-Forged…. and then there is the staaaatus. Do you really want to bag Maltbys when they have never won a tournament? After all, you are what you own.
Milo
Oct 17, 2017 at 6:50 pm
I probably would of bought the maltby DBM forged if i knew about them when i purchased by 13s. I like the look of the DBM forged. If i needed status i would get PXG irons, haha.
2putttom
Oct 17, 2017 at 10:25 pm
say’s a guy gettin round town on a skate board
Milo
Oct 17, 2017 at 10:56 pm
I don’t get it lol
finish it
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:02 am
says tricycle tom
2putttom
Oct 20, 2017 at 10:25 pm
I do have a Can am
Luke
Oct 17, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Was confirmed that these are forged at the Endo Forging House. The creme de la creme of forging.
LenG
Oct 17, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Anti-MAGA Callaway clubs. No wonder they are so expensive and useless.
Jim T
Oct 17, 2017 at 9:06 pm
I want Tursky to tell us where the clubs were forged and finished. You say “confirmed” but by who? It’s Tursky’s job to be open and transparent in his reporting on a most important question.
2putttom
Oct 17, 2017 at 10:27 pm
ya stepped in what?
finish it
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:00 am
creme de la creme …. slurp
Jerry
Oct 17, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Bounce on both sets?
Jim T
Oct 17, 2017 at 11:32 am
“Forged from 1025 Carbon Steel” ….. “triple net forged” …. “Forged 18” …..
Okay, Tursky, now tell us where were they manufactured, where were they forged?
No mention here or on the WRX main forum. Seems like nobody knows.
Jerry
Oct 17, 2017 at 12:32 pm
Well, odds are it’s got to be China in terms of manufacturing/forging.
LenG
Oct 17, 2017 at 2:49 pm
No MAGA here!
2putttom
Oct 17, 2017 at 10:35 pm
@ Virage Tech a step ahead, a step above.
etc.
Oct 18, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Zinc die cast clubheads?!!
Dat
Oct 17, 2017 at 11:19 am
Take $300 off those prices and MAYBE they will sell.
etc.
Oct 17, 2017 at 5:52 pm
But that $300 is what Cally will pay Tiger for playing their clubs.
Scott
Oct 17, 2017 at 9:19 am
I’ve always liked Callaway. I’d try the x forged to compare against my miz jpx forged which I’m happy with.
2putttom
Oct 17, 2017 at 10:38 pm
+1
Lance
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:05 pm
2putttom + 1 = 3putttom
2putttom
Oct 18, 2017 at 9:40 pm
thnx
Lance
Oct 20, 2017 at 4:29 pm
yo bin ‘lanced’… wher da sun don shine …. (_*_)
2putttom
Oct 20, 2017 at 10:22 pm
it was a memorable moment
Tim
Oct 17, 2017 at 9:06 am
More Callaway product?!?!??
Ian
Oct 17, 2017 at 8:33 am
Blades have changed little in what the last 30 or 40 years?
So basically zero RnD and they still try sell them for $1300
2putttom
Oct 17, 2017 at 10:37 pm
oh ye of little faith. Google and research and get back to us.
Ian
Oct 18, 2017 at 3:45 am
Lol if you think these will do anything different
LD
Oct 18, 2017 at 9:38 am
Are you seriously stating that there is new “tech” in blades? SMH
Thomas A
Oct 18, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Forging processes have improved to allow for stricter tolerances. So yes, there is “tech” in new blades.
LD
Oct 18, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Forging processes have not improved dramatically in 40+ years. You bought that marketing trash hook, line, and sinker.
2putttom
Oct 18, 2017 at 9:44 pm
” Not only did this 5th forging step improve the density consistency of the raw forgings, which in turn tightened the +/- weight tolerance of the raw forgings, but this additional forging step further reduced the number of internal voids and improved the consistency of the grain structure of the carbon steel. “
etc.
Oct 18, 2017 at 10:14 pm
Tell them about that “soft buttery feel” after the 5th forging step…. which requires more ‘soaking’ in the furnace to keep the forging temperature up….. or do they only do the ‘custom’ forging for the pro’s who endorse the clubs?!!
2putttom
Oct 23, 2017 at 2:06 pm
etc checked in with Mr. Wishon.
Tom Wishon October 20, 2017
The 5th forging step is to hit the head after the flashing is removed one more time with a die that packs the steel more densely and reduces the final flashing to a very small and narrow line of material that is removed very easily from the outer edges of the head. So not only are there fewer and much smaller voids in the grain structure of the steel which makes the raw forgings MUCH more consistent for weight but it also reduces the amount of grinding to clean up the heads to prepare them for machining and plating. That results in more shape consistency of the heads.
LD
Oct 19, 2017 at 6:06 am
They added another die (5th) to the process. Nothing new under the sun. The rest of that statement is marketing gibberish.
2putttom
Oct 19, 2017 at 9:00 pm
etc good question and one to research I’ll ask Mr. Wishon. LD oh wow… do you have some info to share that will support your mood?
Dave
Oct 20, 2017 at 10:01 pm
You know what they could do? Make the chrome and nickel plating thicker so they never get wear spots. That’s about the only thing that could improve the mizunos/endos/etc.
Dj
Oct 17, 2017 at 8:32 am
$1300 for a set of blades? Hard pass
Lance
Oct 20, 2017 at 4:32 pm
But they shave ever so smooth …..lol
ibogeyalot
Oct 17, 2017 at 8:22 am
these companies want people in golf , yet are still charging over 1,000 for clubs! it is insane!
Thomas A
Oct 17, 2017 at 11:01 am
These clubs aren’t exactly aimed at people just being introduced to golf.
Grandpa Gord
Oct 20, 2017 at 4:37 pm
The only people playing golf nowadays is the “baby boomers” born between 1945 and 1966…. because they are retired or near retired and they have all the money and time to play. These expensive clubs are aimed for that market because the next generation, the X-generation, is too poor to play golf. They are squeezing the last $$$$ out of the dwindling golf club market before the Big Collapse takes full effect…. and you better believe it’s happening now.
Carmen Sandiego
Oct 17, 2017 at 8:03 am
I could have sworn they said they were going to release the MB’s in raw finish….Another chrome blade. Hrmph.
Matt Schulze
Oct 17, 2017 at 11:19 pm
There is a raw finish as well.
Sam
Oct 18, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Will they release a raw version? Will that be limited quantities? Where did you hear this? I’m interested in the raw finish set.
etc.
Oct 18, 2017 at 10:16 pm
Trusty rusty irons?