50 Words or Less
The Callaway Apex Ai200 irons offer a strong combination of distance, forgiveness, and playability. Consistent spin and ball speed across the face. Excellent combo set possibilities with other Apex models.
Introduction
The category of Player’s Distance Irons has boomed in the last few years, going from a new, fringe designation to a staple of virtually every OEM’s line. Also booming is Callaway’s Apex line, which now encompasses no less than six models. Right in the heart of that line up is the new Callaway Apex Ai200 irons, which the company calls their “most complete player’s distance iron.” I tested a set to see if they live up to that claim.
Looks
In the bag, the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons share a strong familial similarity with previous Apex options like the Apex Pro and Apex CB [review HERE]. The standout feature is the angular black weight near the sole that carries the “Apex” branding. The Ai200 actually has the cleanest look, in my opinion, with a nearly plain back save for the ridge near the top line.
At address, the Apex Ai200 have the soft, rounded look that I’ve always associated with Callaway irons. I find that this shaping exaggerates the look of offset, but, objectively, the offset is no more than average. The top lines are medium-thin, and the heel-to-toe length is just below average. Overall, the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons have an address look that’s just small enough for the better player and just large enough for the aspiring one.
Sound & Feel
One of the technologies that has carried forward to the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons is Urethane Microspheres. This supporting material pairs with the forged face to provide a soft impact feel on well struck shots. The soft feel harmonizes with a full, robust “click.”
The Ai200 irons fulfill the “players” part of their name with decent feedback on impact location. Mishits are not punishing, but you’ll be able to feel where the ball met the face if you’re paying reasonable attention.
Performance
In testing the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons, the first thing that stood out was the ball speed. On center, these irons produce smash factors more in line with hybrids, well over 1.4. Ball speed is the primary driver of distance, so that puts the Ai200 well on its way to fulfilling the “distance” part of its name.
With lofts that are neither ultra-strong nor traditional, the Apex Ai200 irons launch the ball on a controlled, mid-low trajectory with spin that’s about average. This is a combination that takes full advantage of the excellent ball speed to produce very long shots. To Callaway’s credit, the distance gapping between clubs is sensible, though you will need above average speed and ball striking to create a meaningful gap between and 4 and 5 irons.
What separates the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons from others in this category is the Ai Smart Face. This technology helps to produce more consistent ball speed and spin across the face. In my launch monitor testing, I was impressed with the way that mishits, especially thin strikes, reached playable trajectories with good speed and predictable spin. When both your best strikes and your decent mishits all find – and hold – the green, it’s much easier to shoot good scores.
Finally, in the Apex family the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons sits between the Ai300 and the Apex Pro [review HERE]. This can be seen most concretely in the loft structure – the Ai200 is a bit weaker than the Ai300 and a bit stronger than the Apex Pro. The Apex Ai200 irons also feature Face Cup throughout the entire set – Apex Pro has it only in the 3-5 – and Ai Smart Face – a feature the Apex Pro lacks. Having so many options allows players to choose exactly the level of distance and forgiveness they want, and it opens the possibility of creating personalized combo sets.
Conclusion
The Callaway Apex Ai200 irons live up to their hype with a combination of high end performance and forgiveness. Ai Smart Face delivers more consistency than you should normally expect from an iron of this size. If you want a compact iron with plenty of power, the new Apex offerings should definitely be part of your next fitting.
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Callaway Apex Ai200 Irons Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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13 Comments
Excellent review Matt. Any chance you will be doing a similar review for the recently announced Apex Ti Fusion irons? I was recently fit by Callaway into the Apex Pro but also the Apex Ti Fusion (which performed similarly for me but with slightly more distance). Before I spend the extra dollars for the Fusion, I’d appreciate getting your thoughts on them. Thanks in advance…
Bob,
Thank you for letting us know that you’re interested in that review. We don’t have any plans to review the Apex Ti Fusion at the moment, but that can change. The one step we always ask readers to take, if they’re looking for specific reviews, is to let the OEMs know via social media that you want to see those products reviewed on Plugged In Golf.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Great review as always. I’ve been gaming the apex ’19 since that winter and was curious do you feel these have a significant enough jump in performance to warrant a change? These are the first iteration of the apex, other than the CB (which I shouldn’t game), to pique my interest. Thanks
Seth,
I think the spin consistency has improved markedly. If you feel like you’re getting weird results here and there from good strikes, you might do an extended head-to-head between yours and the Ai200.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Thanks for the response. I see what you’re saying about spin. I wouldn’t say I get many balls that do things I don’t expect based on quality of strike. Sounds like based on this I shouldn’t run out to replace my current games but should give these a look when I do test new irons. Thanks again.
Hi Matt do u plan to do a review of the AI300 and how they compare to AI200 and Pro model.
Primarily the difference with launch, spin and smash factor etc… I have the AI Smoke and they are good but these new Irons that are forged look great. Thanks
Mark,
We will likely review the Ai300 later this fall.
Best,
Matt
I would like to see that review also. Looking to hear how it compares to QI or G730.
I find this review pretty spot on. I bought these the first day they came out as I was looking for more help without sacrificing feel. These feel good for an iron in this category. The ball comes off the iron fast but didn’t run out on the green much at all. Matt is also correct about the offset. I am used to playing with very little offset and this will take some getting used to. My initial hits were a little hooky but I think I was closing the face with the offset. It has since been corrected. Solid iron with some help but not a shovel.
I’m very curious as to how these will compare to the new 2024 P770. Seems to be head to head in terms of “players distance”. Although maybe the Apex Pro is more kin to the P770. Any plans to review the 770. I’ll try to hit both when available but always appreciate the PIG feedback.
Patrick,
Yes, we plan to review the P770.
-Matt
Matt,
how do these compare with Titleist T200 in respect to height and spin?
thanks
Guy,
I have a full review of the T200 irons here: https://pluggedingolf.com/2023-titleist-t200-irons-review/
-Matt