Equipment
New Callaway 2021 Apex, Apex Pro, and Apex DCB irons: Could this be the best Apex launch ever?
Today, Callaway introduces the new 2021 Apex, Apex Pro, and Apex DCB irons.
“With the Apex line we get to express the best of our technology.”
-Dr. Alan Hocknell, Callaway R&D on the new 2021 Callaway Apex irons
It was in 2019 that Callaway Golf brought the action-packed Apex Forged to the market, and it became a hit almost overnight. What wasn’t to like? It looked amazing, launched high, went forever, and got through the turf effortlessly.
Like any other launch in this category, I always ask, at what point will they add spin back into this package? At the end of the day, spin is control at any trajectory, and although this class of iron has always leaned toward lowering spin and making up for it with descent angles, time has taught us that there is an optimal spin window with irons that can’t be ignored.
So what was Callaway’s recipe to make a successful iron even better? Engineers found new ways to look at spin, and in my opinion, it’s a huge step forward.
2021 Callaway Apex Forged irons

The new 2021 Callaway Apex irons
The Tech Story: Spin Robustness
The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged irons were created with one goal in mind: optimization, not only across the set, but into each specific iron. For the first time, Callaway used A.I to design its patented Flash Face Cup, which in previous applications created a face that was not only fast but extremely forgiving.
In this update, the focus was on control and “spin robustness,” which is an awesome way to say spin optimization. Callaway was able to not only increase ball speeds and forgiveness across the face, but with a new weighting configuration, also able to control and optimize spin.
Each iron face is tuned to complement the loft (i.e. long irons = high launch/low spin, mid irons = mid launch/mid spin, short irons = lower launch/higher spin).

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged Face On
But why focus on the spin? The answer is simple, control. Yes, it’s fun to hit monstrous 8-irons, but the reality is, if you can’t stop the ball, it’s useless. Not everyone can get the ball high enough to utilize a steep descent angle, so adding some useable spin opportunities across the face makes a ton of sense. Callaway did this without making any tweaks to the previous loft package. That’s pretty remarkable.
How exactly? The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged incorporates five times the tungsten as its previous version (up to 64 grams in the 9-iron), which not only tunes in launch and spin, but in harmony with Callaway’s urethane microsphere injection, creates an iron that gives you that crisp forged iron feel all while giving you the help you need across the face. The tungsten weights are also placed in a unique CG position for each iron. This amount of tunability is typically seen in drivers and metal woods.

What does that mean for us? Specifically, it gives each iron a very precise CG location to dial in trajectory but an added benefit is these irons lose very little on thin shots. That’s huge for the recreational player.
The Look
What’s new? Why re-invent the wheel? The only real tweaks are a pre-worn leading edge across the set and in the short irons a higher toe with some rounding to the shape.

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged down the line

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged iron
Overall
As with Apex Forged ’19, this iron packs all the punch a player would want in a high-end teched-out forged package. This is Callaway’s Mercedes Benz AMG, and in a competitive 2021 iron market, the 2021 Callaway Apex will definitely punch its weight with players of all skill sets, and it looks amazing. Well done, Doc, Scott, D. Nevs, and the entire Callaway crew.
Pricing/Specs/Stock Offerings (Per Callaway)
Available at Retail: 2/11
Pricing: $185/stick – steel, $200/stick – graphite
Loft offerings: 3-AW


The new 2021 Callaway Apex Pro irons

“This new Apex Pro is a serious breakthrough for better players in terms of Forged performance”
-Dr. Alan Hockenell, Callaway R&D
The new 2021 Callaway Apex Pro may be the biggest shocker in this new line. Based on previous models, one could assume that what we would see this time is a clean, tour-inspired players cavity back. However, 2021 is a new year, and with it, a brand new take on a players forged iron.
The Tech Story: Going internal
As with the Apex Forged (standard), the new 2021 Callaway Apex Pro was designed with A.I technology utilizing the Flash Face Cup to increase ball speeds and forgiveness in a hollow-bodied forged 1025 mild carbon steel chassis. This time around, it’s what’s inside that tells the story. The internal tungsten weighting system, which goes all the way up to 90 grams in the 7-iron, creates a forged players iron that optically looks like it should, but also gives it just enough help to please an even wider range of golfers.

The new 2021 Apex Pro also incorporates Callaway’s urethane microsphere injection to fine-tune feel and sound.
It’s not often that you see an iron designed specifically for the tour that packs in this much tech, all while serving the two main masters at the pro level: looks and control.
Although the new 2021 Callaway Apex Pro packs a bit more punch and forgiveness than its older sibling, don’t for a second think this is a distance iron. Using A.I to design the face, Callaway ensured that launch and spin windows were dialed to satisfy the Marc Leishman’s and Min Woo Lees of the world. Basically, this iron won’t provide and surprises to its tour staff, which is a huge plus.

The Look
The new Callaway Apex Pro has all the tech bells and whistles one would want but with zero sacrifices to optics. The compact players profile has just a hint of offset, a thin topline, and a players sole for optimized turf interaction. It’s a simple, yet elegant, exterior design with a ton of horsepower under the hood.
Overall
I love the direction Callaway went with the Apex Pro. It’s a true separation from the X Forged line and offers a middle ground between Apex MP and X Forged CB. I’m a huge fan of the ability to build combo sets, and with this unique Apex Pro setup, players now have a true players club that also delivers the ball speeds and spin combos that allows the set to transition harmoniously.

I had a chance to speak with PGA Tour Manager Jacob Davidson on the new 2021 Callaway Apex Pro and its unique design, and this is what he had to say.
JW: The new Apex Pro is definitely something fresh in this category. What was the initial reaction from the staff?
JD: We’ve been doing the majority of our early player testing with staffers who have been at our Ely Callaway Performance Center in Carlsbad, Ca. They’re loving it and the initial reaction from the players who have tried it has been great. Now that the Tour season is back underway, we’ll have a lot of guys testing these irons on-site at events and doing a lot of work with building up these irons. It’ll keep us busy for sure!”
JW: In regards to performance, what are players that have tested experiencing with the new iron? More distance? Higher launch?
JD: The performance really stands out, which is what you would expect from a player’s iron. These guys aren’t worried about getting more distance, it’s about getting the consistent distance that they know they can expect on every shot. The spin robustness on Apex Pro helps create that level of consistency, which really helps with the level of control they’re looking for.
The forged feel stands out too, with the 1025 hollow body construction – that’s what guys expect from Apex. And with all the Tungsten that we have in there, it’s a big help in getting the exact launch and ball flight that they want to see.
JW: With this new hollow body construction, it feels like we will see a ton of Apex Pro/Apex Pro MB combo sets. Do you think that’s accurate? Why?
JD: Yes we are going to have a really extensive offering of combo sets available – in fact, we have four really great options, we’re calling it a fitting menu. There’s the “Sweet Spot” which combines Apex and Apex DCB. The “Triple Play” is something new that blends Apex, Apex Pro, and Apex DCB – so three different irons in one set. There’s the “Mixed” set that features Apex and Apex Pro. And the “Player” option is for the elite players with a mix of Apex Pro and Apex MB.
JW: What separates an X Forged CB player from an Apex Pro Player. Is there a profile of player that leans one way or the other?
JD: Both of these irons are great options and in the bags of PGA Tour players each week. The X-Forged CB irons have a touch more offset and bounce than the Apex Pro irons. The new Apex Pro irons offer slightly longer blade lengths and grooves in the 2021 lineup and are packed with some new exciting technology. The initial feedback on the Apex Pro’s has been nothing short of exceptional on tour with guys adding them to their bags rather quickly. Both sets of irons offer extremely tight spin robustness and workability for a player’s iron.
JW: Any tweaks to the soles/looks based on tour feedback?
JD: We added longer blade lengths and grooves in the Apex Pro irons.

Pricing/Specs/Stock Offerings (Per Callaway)
Available at Retail: 2/11/21
Pricing: $185/stick – steel, $200/stick – graphite
Loft Offerings: 3-AW

New 2021 Callaway Apex DCB (Deep Cavity Back) irons

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged DCB
“But wait there’s more!-Dave Neville Callaway SR. Director of Brand Management
Same tech package as Apex Forged (standard) in a beefed-up chassis for the higher handicapper.

The New 2021 Callaway Apex Forged and Apex Forged DCB
This iron, which is Callaway’s most forgiving forging ever, is a direct response to the players who wanted the full Apex Forged experience but with a bit more forgiveness.

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged DCB Down the Line

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged DCB

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged DCB
The Look
Players will see a bit more offset, thicker top line, wider sole, and a longer blade length. This combination equals more launch and ball speed across the face all while staying true to the Apex Forged loft package which makes combo sets a no-brainer.

The new 2021 Callaway Apex Forged DCB Face On
Overall
The new 2021 Callaway Apex DCB is a clever play for Callaway. There is a big chunk of the market that needs help but also wants high-tech forged irons. These are every bit of that, and my hunch tells me they will be a sleeper hit in the fitting bay.
Pricing/Specs/Stock Offerings (Per Callaway)
Available at Retail: 2/11/2021
Pricing: $185/stick – steel, $200/stick – graphite
Loft Offerings: 4-AW

Equipment
Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver
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.
Equipment
Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss
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”
Equipment
From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo
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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Jimmy Ray
Jan 14, 2021 at 9:58 am
Thank God I wasn’t the only one that recoiled in horror at the 43* PW! Jesus, how many wedges is it going to take to bridge the all-important gap in scoring clubs? Five? PW, AW, GW, SW, LW. Unless your set starts at 6I, you can forget that nice hybrid you saw or even a single fairway wood.
John WIlkins
Jan 13, 2021 at 9:46 am
Strong, strong lofts. Callaway is going for sales based upon distance versus control and quality. Doesn’t make sense. Don’t like the direction they are going.
Going to look elsewhere now since Callaway is only hunting sales numbers now.
Trey
Jan 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm
They look alot like the Tommy Armour 845 forged irons.
Paul Runyan
Jan 12, 2021 at 11:17 am
I especially like all the technology “buzzwords”!
A 23.0 degree 5 iron with spin robustness…
Interesting new shafts!
Good article!!
Phil
Jan 12, 2021 at 10:27 am
Back in 2019? I think the first Apex were 2016 wasnt it?
Snap
Jan 12, 2021 at 12:46 pm
I thought it was 2013!
joshua jackson
Jan 12, 2021 at 9:50 am
Holy strong lofts!
Jay
Jan 12, 2021 at 10:01 am
Look the same as the 2019 models
Kevin
Jan 12, 2021 at 10:42 am
I noticed the same thing – worse in the short irons. I have the ’16 Apex forged, the PW is 45 degrees in that one – this years PW is 43. Makes for a huge gap to the gap wedge.
I think the split sets will be popular for that reason
V
Jan 12, 2021 at 9:39 am
Very thorough article. I’m not up on every iron design feature but seems like a new buzzword is “spin robustness.” Wonder if it will show up in other manufacturers’ descriptions? Can’t really see that being a conversation starter on the course at the bar – Hey, how’s your spin robustness? 🙂
Stephen
Jan 12, 2021 at 8:45 am
Awesome, Callaway really does it right