Callaway Apex Ai200 Irons vs Ai300 Irons

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons vs Ai300 irons.

I’m an avid golfer, 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

In this comparison of the Callaway Apex Ai200 irons and Apex Ai300 irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and I give my recommendations on who should play which set.

Callaway Apex Ai200 Irons

The Callaway Apex Ai200 irons are player distance irons.

The heads are larger and the topline and sole are bigger than pure player irons.
The Ai200s have “Smart Face” technology₍₁₎ which is supposed to deliver consistent performance over a larger portion of the face – helpful on mishits. (This was my experience)

The lofts are about a club stronger than standard through most of the set, which is strong even for player performance irons

They launch the ball quickly and on a high trajectory by default and have impressive performance out of the rough.

They maintained a quick launch, high trajectory, and they still hold the green with spin. Nothing not to love.

Sound and feel are VASTLY improved over every model we tested last year.

Callaway hit their mark with the Apex Ai200s. These live up to the Apex name.

Apex Ai200 Irons Specs

Club	Loft	Lie Angle	Length
4	21*	60.5*	38.5″
5	23*	61*	38″
6	26*	6.51*	37.5″
7	30*	62*	37″
8	34*	62.5*	36.5″
9	38*	63*	36″
PW	43*	63.25*	35.5″

Launch Monitor Data

I have a hard time hitting 5-irons high enough off of my mat. So, the distance numbers are rarely what they should be.

Club	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance (yds)	Peak Height (ft)	Spin Rate
PW	76.5	100.9	139.8	82.4	5871
9	79.4	107.4	151.8	83.3	5640
8	80.8	114.4	175.5	69	3825
7	83.5	119	183.8	68.6	3727
6	83.5	123.4	192.9	60.4	3177
5	82.6	122	171.7	41	2531

Callaway Apex Ai300 Irons

The Callaway Apex Ai300 irons are cavity back game improvement irons.

The heads are game improvement size, but not awkwardly so.

Like the Ai200s, they have Smart Face technology₍₁₎ to maintain distance and spin away from the sweet spot for more even performance.

They performed beautifully for me from the fairway and from the rough. They launch quickly, carry a long way on a high trajectory, and hold the green well.

I hit the long irons well too, which is rare for me.

Sound and feel are exceptional, especially compared to every Callaway iron we tested last year. (I can’t commend them enough for this)

I think the Ai300s are a “must try” if you’re in the market for a game improvement iron.

Apex Ai300 Irons Specs

Club	Loft	Lie Angle	Length
4	20*	60.375*	39.125″
5	22*	61*	38.5″
6	25*	61.625*	37.875″
7	29*	61.25*	37.25″
8	33*	62.875*	36.625″
9	37*	63.5*	36″
PW	42*	63.75*	35.75″

Launch Monitor Data

I could not get the 6-iron and 5-iron in the air even though I was nailing them. This is often the case when testing off of my mat. So, distance suffered quite a bit, especially with the 5-iron. Definitely something I have to work on.

Those spin rates seem low to me too. I have to look into this. I’ve got RCT balls on order.

Club	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance (yds)	Peak Height (ft)	Spin Rate
PW	75	100	140	77	5411
9	76	105	153	74	4934
8	79	113	173	60	3556
7	81	117	181	62	3367
6	81	120	182	54	2920
5	85	125	156	26	2033

Testing & Playing Apex Ai200 & Ai300s

I hit the course with both sets before I hit the range or my launch monitor.

This didn’t prove to be a problem with either set.

They are some of the most hittable irons I’ve played in a while. Especially considering the state of my game.

They glide through the turf and shine out of the rough, delivering good trajectory, distance control, and green holding from multiple shots from the rough.

Default flight with both sets is high and straight. But I was able to play my normal high baby draw.

I also got to hit a couple of the better long irons I’ve hit off the deck in recent years – I consider 5-iron to be a long iron.

Conclusion: Callaway hit their mark with both sets. I recommend you try the i200s if you’re in the market for player distance irons or the i300s if you’re in the market for game improvement irons.

Are there big differences between Apex Ai200s & Ai300s Irons?

Nope.

Looks – Draw

Virtually identical. Similar to last year’s Apex CB, Apex MB, and Apex Pro irons. I like the brushed metal finish and the slightly “industrial” design.

Both heads are on the thicker side, but nothing cartoonish or off-putting.

Sound/Feel – Draw

Superb for both. Soft and solid. A MAJOR upgrade over every iron from last year and the Ai Smoke irons from this year.

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy – Draw

They both launch the ball easily and default to high and straight ball flight. I played my normal tiny draw. The long irons from both sets are the easiest to hit I can remember.

Forgiveness – Draw

Dito. They should both have “forgiveness” stamped on their clubheads.

Distance – Ai300s…maybe a yard or two.

Strictly because they have 1* stronger lofts through most of the set. Either set will likely add distance from whatever you are playing because of their superior launch.

Value – Draw

Apex i200s – ~$200/club
Apex i300s – ~$200/club

• This may be the new normal. Every iron I’ve tested recently has had a $200/club price point.

FAQs

Final Verdict

As you can see from the picture above and from this article, these clubs are similar in all the important ways.

They look virtually identical with only slight cosmetic differences in the back of the clubhead.
They both launch the ball easily and have easy distance.
They both cover well for minor mishits.

I think the choice may come down to this:

Choose the Ai200s if you don’t mind larger clubheads (but not too large), loads of distance, good forgiveness, and help with launch.

Choose the Ai300s if you like even larger clubheads, more help with forgiveness, more help with launch, and a little more distance.

My #1 suggestion is to test both sets 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 my comparison of the Callaway Apex i200 irons vs Apex i300 irons.