Callaway 2018 Apex MB Irons

The Callaway 2018 Apex MB irons are some of the best muscle back irons Callaway’s ever made.  These irons are a pure ballstriker’s dream in every way.  Working with the best players in the world, Callaway designed the latest Apex MB to have premium control and feel from anywhere on the course.

First Impressions

My honest immediate reaction to the Callaway 2018 Apex MB was, “man, those look tiny!”  A quick browse of the Callaway product page confirmed the ’18 Apex MB is Callaway’s smallest blade head shape in recent history.  The general shape and design of the new Apex MB are much more classic than previous Callaway Muscle backs.  Thin soles with a crisp leading edge that sets up great behind the ball with a perfect head size.

Overall, there isn’t a ton to say about the looks of the ’18 Apex MB.  They are a classic, sleek, traditional muscle back that looks perfect.

How Does it Feel?

Last season I spent a good amount of time with the Callaway ‘14 Apex MB in my bag.  They feel great, but pale in comparison the 2018 Apex MB irons.  The ’18 Apex MB is exceptionally soft which was achieved through a high-end forging of 1025 carbon steel.  When I say soft, I mean these things feel SOFT.  Like, zero click.  This soft forging with the 20V grooves make for a consistently soft and responsive feel.  I won’t sit here and tell you that there’s a ton of forgiveness but even the mishits have less sting than many of its counterparts.  That said, don’t get crazy and expect to not pay for a bad shot.  The sweet spot is still very precise.

In regards to feel from turf interaction, I believe that’s better described by sound.  See you in the next section.

How Does it Sound?

The sound of the Callaway 2018 Apex MB is very reflective of the feel described above.  There’s a really nice “whish” at impact with a tight and compact “thump” through the turf.  Should you take a shallower swing and clip the ball a bit more, you get a “flick” sound.  Unsurprisingly, if you miss the sweet spot, the sounds are more unsatisfactory and you’ll know it.  Rather than describe those tones for you, I’m just going to suggest trying to avoid them altogether.

On-Course Performance

So, generally speaking, there shouldn’t be a ton to say about Callaway‘s 2018 Apex MB’s performance.  It’s a fairly basic small, forged blade that’s designed to have good feel that gives a player more control.  One area where I feel like the ’18 Apex MB sets itself apart is its ease of launch.  I don’t necessarily mean it jumps into the air, but it feels easier to set the ball on its flight.  Callaway paid close attention to where they positioned the CG on this club to help improve the overall control.  I don’t think this change made these blades forgiving by any means, but it does seem easier to flight the ball.

Another area I noticed a significant point of interest was the ball flight.  I found the standard flight to be a very piercing bullet.  That’s not to say they were low launching, but the flight was a nice rising launch with a purpose.

Final Thoughts

It’s very obvious just from looking at them that the Callaway 2018 Apex MB is designed for only the best iron players in golf. They require precision striking with a premium placed on shot shaping and control.  Callaway designed the latest Apex MB with the best players in the world in mind and it shows.  If you have what it takes to hit these irons well, you won’t be disappointed.  In my opinion, the ’18 Apex MB is the best blade, and dare I say “sexiest,” iron Callaway’s ever made.

Stock Callaway 2018 Apex MB Specs

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