This is Golfer Geeks’ 2024 Callaway Apex CB irons review.
I’m an avid golfer, 8-ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.
I tested the 2024 Apex CBs on the range, on the course for 3 rounds, and did a little work at home on hitting off my golf mat into my golf net.
Summary: The Callaway Apex CBs are for pure ball striking low single-digit handicaps and tour pros. They look good, sound good, and feel good, but you’re losing distance the instant you venture away from the sweet spot.
In this review of the 2024 Callaway Apex CB irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives.
- Launch well, accurate, & consistent
- No harshness on mishits
- Great looking
- Pricey
- Lack distance
Overview & Why You Should Consider Them
Callaway made the 2024 Apex CBs for tour pros and elite ball-strikers, so they’re designed for precision, workability, and pure feel.
Forged construction
- 5-step forging process using 1025 carbon steel
- Body and face forged from one piece
- MIM weights in the toe and heel for enhanced workability and control
Progressive CG for more control
- Long irons have lower CG for higher launch and trajectory for enhanced green-holding.
- Short irons have higher CG to lower launch and trajectory and more spin for more control on scoring shots.
Dynamic sole design for better turf interaction
- The leading and trailing edges are more rounded or “pre-worn” to cut through and exit the turf more efficiently. This helps maintain club speed and promotes consistent contact from shot to shot
If you’re used to wearing out the sweet spot on your irons, the Apex CBs need to be on your list to try.
Set Tested: 4-10 Iron Set Men Right Hand
Shaft: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus Tour 120 Stiff Flex
2024 Callaway Apex CB Irons Specs
Club | Loft | Lie Angle | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
4 | 23* | 60.5* | 38.5″ |
5 | 26* | 61* | 38″ |
6 | 30* | 61.5* | 37.5″ |
7 | 34* | 62* | 37″ |
8 | 38* | 62.5* | 36.5″ |
9 | 42* | 63* | 36″ |
PW | 46* | 63.25* | 35.75″ |
My Experience with the Apex CB irons
Rounds of golf – 3
Range work – 1 session
Golf mat & Golf net in the backyard – with launch monitor – 1 session
Quick assessment
- The long irons were surprisingly easy for me to hit from the fairway – not a strong suit of mine. They launched well with good trajectory.
- Bring your distance. I left quite a few shots short of my target even though I thought I hit the ball fine. (I live off slight mishits toward the toe)
- They feel solid and a little soft (soft is good). Good sound too. Muted with solid contact.
First, these are great looking irons. I love compact clubheads (not too compact) and the CBs nailed it. They look great in the bag and perfect behind the ball.
There’s not a lot going on with the design, but what’s there works. Minimal graphics and lettering. The section with the weight screws is simple and sleek. The topline and sole are thin, but not intimidating…at all. I’m a fan of the brushed metal finish of the Apex line, too.
I took them straight to the course the day I got them. I hit a few shots before the round to get warmed up and see what the swing was doing that day.
I’m an 8ish handicap and I could hit them high, I could flight them down, and I got my normal shot shape (a tight draw). But, I could not get my normal distance out of the Apex CBs.
It could be the cooler weather. It could be that I’m working on my swing to try to get back to the form I had most of last year. Could be a combination of the above. I just know I was consistently a club short of my target on multiple occasions during all my rounds. (I’m only counting solid contact)
To be fair to the Apex CBs, they aren’t meant for me. I’m a good iron player generally (not these days), but the CBs require better than my normal ball striking. There’s zero harshness on minor mishits and the ball went where I was aiming. Just not the distance I’m used to.
Review by Category
Looks: (A) Perfect size and shape for a player cavity back. Sleek and attractive design with the brushed metal finish used on the entire 2024 Apex line. A nice upgrade over the Apex TCBs
Sound/ Feel: (A) Soft, solid, and muted with good impact. No harshness on mishits or slight mishits. (Make sure the weight screws are tight. Any hollow or clicky sounds mean they’re likely loose)
Distance: (B) They aren’t short, but you have to bring the distance. I found no help here.
Forgiveness: (A) Decent contact will go in the direction you’re aiming, but you’ll end up well short of your target.
Flight / Playability: (A) High and straight with solid impact. I was able to play my baby draw. I could flight them down and I could take a little off when in between clubs.
Value: (B) ~$215/club – Nice clubs, but $215 is definitely on the high end.
Customer Reviews
No reviews yet at Callaway Golf.
Who are they for?
Callaway says the CBs are for tour pros and elite ball strikers and I have to agree.
Low handicap: (Yes) If you’re there due to elite ball striking.
Mid handicap: (No) They look and feel awesome, but you’re giving up too much performance. Check out these options.
High handicap: (No) Noooooo. Nope. Check out these options.
Potential Alternatives
|
Highly Recommended
|
Best for Scratch - 4 Handicaps
|
Best Value
|
|
4.9
|
4.8
|
5.0
|
|
~$187/club
|
~$185/club
|
~$171/club
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Exceptional Feel
- Accurate & Consistent
- Great Launch & Trajectory
- Player Looks & Profile
- Nada
- Solid Feel
- Accurate & Consistent
- Great Launch & Trajectory
- Player Looks & Profile
- Nada
- Long & Forgiving
- Improved Sound & Feel
- Stable, Accurate & Consistent
- Best Player Iron Value
- Nada
Our Verdict
The 2024 Callaway CBs are a great iron set in the right hands. Just not mine.
I enjoyed hitting them, and I could learn to get around the course. But, I can’t give up a club or half a club of distance.
I maintain that elite ball strikers would do just fine with them.
My #1 suggestion is to test before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our 2024 Callaway Apex CB irons review and let us know how they work for you.
- Launch well, accurate, & consistent
- No harshness on mishits
- Great looking
- Pricey
- Lack distance
