Callaway 2014 Apex MB Irons

The Callaway 2014 Apex MB irons are a small and compact muscle back with a ton of response.  Callaway knew their players put a premium on feel and control so they made an iron that did just that.  If you’re a player that prefers a thin knife of an iron, you’re in luck.  A major focal point for the ’14 Apex MB is the emphasis on refined turf interaction which makes a big difference in the overall performance.

The Looks

When I first saw the Callaway 2014 Apex MB, it reminded me of their previous muscle back, the Razr X MB.  The profile and “cavity” of the club are very similar and they certainly share an aesthetic commonality.  Everything about the ’14 Apex MB is thin.  Very thin soles, a thinner face, and thin toplines.  Everything a blade guy could ask for.

The finish on the ’14 Apex MB is a matte plating that is notoriously soft and wears quickly.  One of the only major criticisms from this generation of Callaway irons was how fast the faces started to brown and wear down.  While most players are good with this, it’s worthwhile noting.  If you’re a good stick, you’re going to get those dime sized wear spots quick and people will think you’re a pro.  Good enough for me.

How Does it Feel?

Callaway used a 1020 carbon steel to make the 2014 Apex MB their softest muscle back up to that point.  (The newer 2017 model feels a bit softer.)  The feel is definitely soft, but not totally on the buttery spectrum that people love to use.  Shot response is by far the best in the ’14 Callaway iron lineup which is typically the most important part of a blade iron.  If you’re going to play these irons you should go in with the expectation that there’s a very small sweet spot and you will be well informed on a bad strike.  All of this said, the 2014 Apex MB has an excellent feel that gave me incredible shot control.

How Does it Sound?

As mentioned previously, the Callaway 2014 Apex MB is a thin muscle back blade.  As such the sound is a little firmer and clickier but still precise and satisfying.  A good swing gives a great “whoosh” through impact with a great “rip” in the turf.  The specially cambered sole is designed to optimize everything about the turf interaction and that includes the sound.

On-Course Performance

Control is the big performance factor Callaway focused on with the 2014 Apex MB.  These irons are made for better players that are going to consistently put a good swing on the ball and find the center of the face.  What that player wants is a club that’s going to help them hit a variety of shots from as many lies as possible.  To accomplish this, Callaway put a special camber on the sole.  This camber is supposed to optimize turf interaction from anywhere on the course.  Honestly, it’s tough to notice much difference from the rough but the turf interaction from the fairway is incredible.

Another control component worth noting was the ability to control trajectory.  Don’t get me wrong, shot shaping either direction is easy enough, but kind of as expected.  Where I found the 2014 Apex MB to be lethal was in the ability to play different heights on shots.  It seemed as if I unlocked a whole new suite of shots because of how easily and reliably I could make those adjustments.

Final Thoughts – Callaway 2014 Apex MB Irons

The Callaway 2014 Apex MB irons are excellent muscle back irons.  I think Callaway has since surpassed them, but that’s not to say these still aren’t worthwhile clubs.  If you’re a really good ball striker that puts a premium on shot shaping and responsiveness, these fit the bill.

Stock Callaway 2014 Apex MB Irons Review Specs

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