First Look – 2018 Callaway Apex MB

Callaway has a new blade, and let’s give the company some credit for not overselling a technology/mythology story, even if that means I don’t have all that much to say about it.

Best known, at least for now, as the iron Rory McIlroy played before signing with TaylorMade, the Apex MB is coming to retail, and it’s a long way from Epic, though some may find it epic by blade standards.

This newest member of the Apex family is a true muscleback. With that comes all of the requisite design implications. Heavy tour player influence gets you a thin topline, narrow sole, compact blade length, and minimal offset. It has all the makings of an iron that most of us will drool over, but few of us have the game to play.

Noteworthy in the aesthetics are smoother, dare I say Mizuno-like lines. The hard, almost futuristic, X-lines from the previous MB have been replaced by a more-appealing (my 2 cents anyway) flowing shape. Continuing the Mizuno (MP-18) comparison, the Apex MB is more compact with an appreciably thinner topline. It's a true an MB as you'll find in any mainstream OEM's lineup.

Forgiveness remains near non-existent, there are no speed-enhancing technologies, no distance claims. Forget about jacked lofts too. With a 47° PW the Apex MB is damn near a throwback and some of you will love that. It’s an aspect of the design that illustrates the contrast between the average golfer lusting after more distance, and the better players this iron is designed for who is looking for optimal launch conditions and more control.

Perhaps there’s a lesson in that.

The feature list itself is short. Callaway optimized CG locations to allow golfers to aggressively flight and control shots. The company’s 20V groves provide greater consistency while helping to reduce the instances of fliers. Finally, as you would expect from a proper blade, the Apex MB is forged from 1025 Carbon steel to provide the soft feel that the category demands.

Specs, Pricing, and Availability

While Callaway isn’t actively promoting Apex MB as part of a combo set, it’s worth mentioning that Phil Mickelson is currently using a mix of X Forged (3, 5-7) and Apex Muscleback (8-PW).

Retail price for a Callaway Apex MB 8-piece set is $1299.99.

Availability begins 11/3.

For more information, visit CallawayGolf.com.