Callaway Apex Hybrid

The Callaway Apex hybrid is designed to be a smooth transition from irons to hybrids for the better player.  Callaway used a Forged Face Cup for more speed and their Internal Standing Wave to position the CG in a place for “versatility and precision” that shot makers demand.  After testing this hybrid, I found it to be one of the most playable and hottest hybrids I’ve ever hit.

First Impressions

As someone who has traditionally preferred “mini woods” for hybrids, the Callaway Apex immediately stood out as the exact opposite.  Looking down at the Apex it has a thinner crown with a longer face comparable to that of an iron.  Contrary to an iron, the face depth is shallower.  In terms of hybrids, it’s safe to classify the Apex as a “small-ish peanut.”

From a branding and graphics perspective, the Callaway Apex is also minimal.  The crown is a matte black and the sole has little on it except a weight and a few logos.   My personal favorite touch is the black-on-black “Apex” branding on the toe.  Flat out, it just looks sweet.

How Does it Feel?

Callaway‘s goal with the Apex hybrid was to create a long and controllable hybrid in a small package.  To accomplish this, Callaway used a Forged Face Cup made out of Carpenter 455 steel.  Callaway’s claim is that this face makes shots off the sweet spot faster.  So what does this mean for feel?  For such a small head there’s a lot of punch.  The face feels very solid and a well-struck shot feels like the ball anxiously shoots off the face.  Off-center hits will be more forgiving in terms of distance, but some degradation in feel is noticeable.

How Does it Sound?

In my experience, hybrids of this size tend to have a more solid and “pegged” sound.  At impact the Callaway Apex hybrid has a surprisingly metallic surge to it that’s somewhat reminiscent of a metal wood.  No one is going to be anywhere near mistaking it for a driver or fairway wood, but the sound has more presence than you would anticipate by looking at it.

On-Course Performance

Given there are so many different applications for a hybrid in the bag, it’s important to consider the purpose it serves when testing its performance.  My personal needs for a hybrid are to fill the gap between a 3 or 4 iron and a five wood.  I’m not looking for it to be an “iron replacement” or a “7 wood.”  I just want my hybrid to comfortably play 225-235 yards with a straight shot and the ability to control it.  The Callaway Apex  hybrid does this perfectly for me.

What I like about the Apex hybrid’s is its simplicity paired with ball speed.  In other words, it’s neutral and long.  There isn’t a gear effect bias, the CG doesn’t sky the ball, and the face is HOT.  With the Apex hybrid I can hit a piercing straight shot with about 225 yards of carry and an effortless swing.  If I need to float the ball in the air for a softer landing, it’s easy to hit that shot too.  All you have to do is put a good swing on the ball and the club does the rest.

Final Thoughts

The hybrid tends to be a club that I settle on and don’t replace often.  I don’t know if it’s because I’m not a good enough player or just a preference, but it’s a common trend.  When I first tested the Callaway Apex hybrid, it took about three shots before I put it into my bag.  I loved the ball flight and the easy distance I was getting all while maintaining control of the ball.  The way things currently stand, I imagine the Callaway Apex’s spot is secure in my bag for quite some time.

Stock Callaway Apex Hybrid Specs

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