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Equipment Review
:
Callaway Apex
CF 16 Irons
By: Matt Saternus
“Apex” is a bold name. It’s bolder still in the
golf world where it carries the legacy of Ben
Hogan and some of the best irons ever made.
The CallawayApex CF 16 Irons do not shy away
from that challenge. With distance-enhancing
technology, superb aesthetics, and the shot
control that better players demand, these irons
live up to their billing.
The Callaway Apex CF 16 Irons walk the line
between a player’s club and game improvement
irons. There is a slight offset, but not too much.
The top lines and soles are small but not razor thin.
They are fairly compact from heel to toe, but the
straight leading edge does make them appear a bit
longer. Overall, most players from 15 to scratch
will be thrilled to have them in the bag.
The sound quality for a strike is quiet, crisp, and
hot. The forged face of the Apex CF 16 Irons
provides excellent feedback without stinging
your hands on those occasional mishits.
Although there are differences in construction
between the long and short irons, the feel and
sound remain consistent throughout the set.
First impressions are always important with
golf equipment, and the Callaway Apex CF
16 Irons made a strong first impression with
me. My very first swing with the Apex 6-iron,
right out of the car without a warm up, went
right down the center line, a full club longer
than my gamers. As I warmed up and worked
through the set, I found that extra club length
extending to a club and a half. There are a few
reasons for this distance boost. First, the lofts
are strong and second, the long irons use ‘Cup
360’ face technology that Callaway originally
put into their fairway woods. This makes the
face feel hot even when you slightly miss the
center. Finally, the stock True Temper XP 95
shafts are lighter and have more pop than your
average shaft. For those that would prefer a
different shaft, Callaway is offering a variety of
options at no upcharge, just as they have been
doing with their drivers.
Beyond the distance
and
forgiveness,
it’s
important
to
recognize that the
Apex CF 16’s are an
NWO Golf Links