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The Callaway Apex CB irons are a true players set. They boasts looks, feel, and workability in spades. Easily worked into a combo set.
Introduction
Callaway dropped a new line of Apex irons at the tail end of the 2023 golf season. Ideal timing for those players who have grown tired of their current set or are starting to realize it might be time for a change. The Callaway Apex CB irons are designed for better players and occupies the middle position of the three models released this year between the more forgiving Pro and less forgiving MB.
Looks
In line with the Apex Pro (review HERE) the Callaway Apex CB irons look fresh and clean with their satin finish and tasteful branding. In addition to steel shafts, they are also available with black Mitsubishi MMT graphite shafts, which look pretty cool.
At address, you’re looking at a thin topline with virtually no offset. The sole is noticeably narrower than the Pro, and the clubhead is compact, with a bit less height and length.
Sound & Feel
Flushing the Callaway Apex CB irons is the main reason golf can be so addictive. The feel is just sublime. That’s what high quality forged steel will do for you. According to Callaway, these are forged in a 5-step process from 1025 carbon steel. The body and face are forged as one piece while MIM weights placed strategically in the toe help enhance workability and control. Unlike the Pro, there are no fancy materials injected.
Missing a shot provides plenty of feedback on where exactly things went wrong in terms of strike location. Sound-wise, you’ll hear something that matches nicely with the feel: a quick, explosive mid-range thud. Overall, they are a pleasure to hit, if you’re striking it well.
Performance
You would be forgiven for assuming that, since this is the middle of the three irons, it is the best fit for the greatest number of golfers. After getting all three irons in my hands and hitting them, I can dispel that notion with confidence.
If you care about getting equipment that is fit for your skill level, then you can consider the Callaway Apex CB irons “for better players only.” That means single digit handicaps, reliable and confident ball-strikers who create significant speed through the ball. If you don’t fit that description but you are going for a specific look and don’t care whether or not it punishes your mishits, these may still be in the running for you.
For more forgiveness, check out the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons HERE
So, how do they actually perform? In short, very well. These are going to give you everything you want from a compact, cavity back iron. They will respond to commands to work the ball laterally or flight it down. They are consistent in terms of distance control, thanks in part to progressive CG. You aren’t going to catch a random flyer that brains someone standing on the next tee. They won’t come to your rescue if you chunk it, though.
As I mentioned in the intro, the CB is very easily slotted into a combo set with the other two models from the Apex 24 line. For the truly elite player, the CBs may be the longer irons next to MB short irons [review HERE]. More likely, the CB will be the scoring irons paired with Apex Pro long irons. If you’re interested in a combo set, make sure to visit a fitter like Club Champion to get everything dialed in.
Conclusion
The Callaway Apex CB irons provide everything better players look for. In terms of looks, sound & feel, and performance, they are fantastic and should be in consideration for any better players in the market for new irons this year.
Visit Callaway Golf HERE
Callaway Apex CB Irons Price & Specs
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13 Comments
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Hi Dylan,
Nice review, simple question…How do you feel thatches irons compare to the TCB? I know Matt did a review (an excellent read)
Many thanks,
Hi David,
I haven’t hit the TCB so I can’t compare.
sorry about the typo…”that these”
Does anyone know the blade length ?
Really? You couldn’t find a club without a chip in it? Shows the subtle bias against Callaway. That is just wrong.
Dylan tested the clubs before he took the photos which is not ideal, but the idea that we have any anti-Callaway bias is beyond stupid.
-Matt
“Flushing the Callaway Apex CB irons is the main reason golf can be so addictive. The feel is just sublime. That’s what high quality forged steel will do for you.”
Definitely the words of someone who has a negative bias lol
Looking at the damage on the back of the club aiready , .your £1000 clubs will look knocked about after 6 months in your average golfer bag.
wondering if Apex CB would be good for 10-12 handicappers. I have the apex 21 pros right now and I hit them well but I simply need something with just a little more forgiveness. Would this be the right move for that?
Sean I’m a 12 handicap which doesn’t stack up to “elite” ball striker. However, I can hit these irons and the numbers were there for me. If you can embrace that days, you are just off, it can be really off. My saving grace is that I can’t get off the tee into the fairway more than 60% of the time. So my whole game doesn’t just rely on my iron strikes. I made a mistake and let the descriptions of what it takes to hit these irons get to my head and once I got through all that they were just fine for me. As I still shoot mid to high 80s and a random 93 on the off day.
I played Apex 16, then Apex 19. Ready for new set. Actually called Callaway to find out which clubs resemble my clubs and was told none of the new Apex irons. Best irons they ever made and now I’m without a replacement set. Do not like Paradym clubs. I’m a 7-8 handicap and wonder if CB Apex will work. Any thoughts??
Bob,
The Apex CB is a pretty decent step away from the Apex 16 and 19 in terms of forgiveness/speed/face tech. My advice is always to bring your current set to a good fitter and see what they can put you in that would be better.
Best,
Matt