Callaway Apex 19 Irons

We test the new Callaway Apex 19 and Apex 19 Pro Irons

Callaway Apex 19 Irons Review
Golf Monthly Verdict

Ultimately, either the new Apex and Apex Pro when fitted will be a joy to put in play. The feel and consistency is exceptional and they are two of the best-looking irons in 2019. They do come with a premium price tag so be sure to get custom fitted to get the most out of your investment.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Exceptional looks, feel and precision. Centred strikes are rewarded with consistent carry distances and good stopping power.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    The Apex 19 iron has quite a narrow hitting area. Both have a premium price tag.

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Callaway Apex 19 Irons Review - Neil Tappin reviews the new Callaway Apex 19 and Apex 19 Pro irons at West Hill Golf Club

Callaway Apex 19 Irons Review

We’ve been excited for the arrival of the new Callaway Apex 19 irons, such was the high level of performance we experienced from the previous generation launch way back in 2015.

Apex irons are synonymous with great feel while providing distinct differences in looks and performance between the two models and this continues to be the case with the 2019 models, thanks to the addition of Callaway's Urethane Microsphere technology. You can read more about that here.

The Apex 19 iron is a little thicker than the Apex Pro, has stronger lofts (7-iron is 30.5°) and a hotter feel. Conversely the Apex 19 Pro is more traditionally lofted (7-iron 33°), is more compact and offers a softer feel preferred by the low handicapper.

apex-19-irons-web

We tested them both indoors on the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor at outdoors on the range at West Hill Golf Club to get a flavor of the flight as well as the true sound and feel both irons provide.

Apex does look thicker than Apex Pro, especially in the topline, but the hitting area remains similarly compact from heel to toe, which may create anxiety among aspirational mid-handicappers prone to the occasional hosel rocket.

It also has a more brushed finish, which we actually prefer over the slightly more shiny look of the slimline Apex Pro.

Naturally the Apex iron flies further, for us it was around 15 yards further on average – a big difference you’ll agree, and it also spun over 1000 rpm less.

There wasn’t a great difference in height but the lower spin may be a concern for slower swing speeds. That said, at 5000rpm on average the spin rate is actually high compared to many other irons on the market with this loft.

Both reward centred strikes with consistent distances. The Apex Pro seemed to be more adept at maneuvering the ball through the air and certainly has a quieter, softer more muted sound at impact you come to expect from a forged club.

The Apex is an excellent all rounder, providing a little bit of everything, notably some extra forgiveness on slight mishits, which will encourage the amateur player.

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 


Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X