Expert Comparison: Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons vs Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons

Published on 01/18/2024 · 6 min readCompare Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons and Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons. Get expert insight below!

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In this comparison, we are looking at two irons from Callaway's Apex 21 series: the Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons and the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons. Both irons are designed for low to mid-handicap players, offering a balance of forgiveness and performance. The Apex 21 Single Irons are praised for their versatility, forgiveness, and aesthetic appeal, while the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are known for their extreme forgiveness and distance. Both irons are forged, providing a soft feel and consistent performance. However, the Apex 21 Single Irons are more suitable for players who prefer a sleeker look and more workability, while the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are ideal for those who need more forgiveness and distance. The final verdict will depend on the individual player's needs and preferences.

The Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons are designed for low to mid-handicap players who are comfortable with playing forged head irons that prioritize forgiveness. These irons have a sleek top line and a comfortable look at address, which can boost a player's confidence before they start their swing.

The Apex 21 Single Irons are known for their distance, forgiveness, feel, aesthetic appeal, launch angle, and spin. Players can comfortably hit this club shorter or longer than a normal swing depending on wind conditions. The forgiveness of these irons is more than expected for a forged iron, with misses towards the toe of the club and high on the club face still close to normal yardages.

The best-struck shots with the Apex 21 Single Irons feel great, just like other forged irons. The consistency of a forged iron is appreciated, and well-struck shots feel like barely making contact with the golf ball. The aesthetic appeal of these irons is also a highlight, with a great look at address and a comfortable feel when starting a swing. The launch angle is consistent and ideal for most players' games, and shots from the fairway have no problem spinning enough to stop where desired on the green.

However, these irons do have some issues. The sound is not as satisfying as other irons unless off the tee on a par 3. The workability is also limited, with the iron quick to grab when hitting out of long grass or long rough, leading to a pull. The grip feel could also be improved, especially for clubs that are not brand new.

The 2021 Callaway Apex iron carries great versatility for an iron. With a forged head, it brings great consistency while also having forgiveness out of fairways, rough, and sand. For those who are looking for a forged iron without an incredibly scary top view, this club has that comfort.

Christopher Thompson
Golf Expert

The Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are high-end game-improvement irons that offer a premium feel with maximum forgiveness and distance. These irons are intended for players who want the feel of a premium club but still want the forgiveness and distance of a game improvement iron.

The Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are very forgiving and are also forged, which means they have the workability and feel of more advanced irons but are still suitable for players who struggle with consistently hitting their irons well. This balance makes these irons great for players with a 10-20 handicap.

These irons are long and forgiving, with carbon steel inserts creating a soft, dampening sensation that allows for a great sound and less vibration. They launch quickly off the face and have a high arcing ball flight, making them a great option for mid-tier golfers looking to be more consistent in their mid-range game.

However, these irons are not as workable as other Callaway irons, which could be a downside for players who like to shape their shots.

The Callaway Apex 21 DCB is a high-end game-improvement iron. This iron is going to offer a premium feel with maximum forgiveness and distance. It is intended for the player that wants the feel of a premium club but still wants the forgiveness and distance of a game improvement iron.

Brady Maag
Golf Expert

Similarities

Both the Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons and the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are part of Callaway's Apex 21 series and are designed for low to mid-handicap players. They both offer a balance of forgiveness and performance, making them suitable for a wide range of golfers.

Both irons are forged, which means they provide a soft feel and consistent performance. They both have a sleek top line and a comfortable look at address, which can boost a player's confidence before they start their swing. Both irons also offer good distance and forgiveness, making them suitable for players who need a bit of help with their iron play.

In terms of aesthetics, both irons have a sleek and modern look that many golfers will appreciate. They both have a high launch angle and good spin, making them suitable for players who need help getting the ball in the air and stopping it on the green.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both the Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons and the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are designed for low to mid-handicap players, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

The Apex 21 Single Irons are more suitable for players who prefer a sleeker look and more workability. They offer a great feel and consistency, making them ideal for players who value precision and control in their iron play. These irons are also a bit more versatile, with good performance out of fairways, rough, and sand. They are ideal for players who are comfortable with playing forged head irons and are looking for a club that prioritizes forgiveness.

On the other hand, the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are designed for players who need more forgiveness and distance. They are very forgiving and offer a premium feel, making them suitable for players who want the feel of a premium club but still need the forgiveness and distance of a game improvement iron. These irons are ideal for players with a 10-20 handicap who struggle with consistently hitting their irons well.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When comparing the Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons and the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons, the winner will depend on the individual player's needs and preferences. However, we can analyze the winner in four dimensions: forgiveness, distance, workability, and feel.

In terms of forgiveness, the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are the clear winner. They are designed to be extremely forgiving, making them ideal for players who need a bit of help with their iron play.

In terms of distance, both irons perform well, but the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons may have a slight edge due to their game-improvement design.

In terms of workability, the Apex 21 Single Irons are the winner. They offer more workability than the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons, making them suitable for players who like to shape their shots.

In terms of feel, both irons are forged and offer a soft feel. However, the Apex 21 Single Irons may have a slight edge due to their sleeker design and more consistent performance.

Comparison Table

Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons
Out of stock
Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons
Price
from:$142.86
23% off
from:$142.86
23% off
The Curated Take

Best for mid-to-low handicap players seeking forgiveness, solid distance, and a great feel.

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User rating
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5(2)
Iron Set Type
Single Iron
Single Iron
Player type
Players distance
Game improvement
Used (Y/N)
No
No

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Callaway Apex 21 Single Irons and the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are high-quality irons that offer a balance of forgiveness and performance. The Apex 21 Single Irons are more suitable for players who prefer a sleeker look and more workability, while the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons are ideal for those who need more forgiveness and distance.

The final verdict will depend on the individual player's needs and preferences. Players should consider their skill level, playing style, and personal preferences when choosing between these two irons. Both irons are forged and offer a soft feel and consistent performance, making them a great choice for low to mid-handicap players. However, players who need more forgiveness and distance may prefer the Apex DCB 21 Single Irons, while those who value precision and control may prefer the Apex 21 Single Irons.

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