About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the iron set, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.

My take

The Callaway Apex MB is a true players iron with secret distance packed into its blade. It’s an iron for low handicap to touring professionals looking to strike their ball to the highest levels of consistency and performance.

About the club I own

• Model: 2021 Callaway Apex MB
• Loft setting: 6 iron - Pitching wedge
• Shaft type: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
• Shaft flex: X-Stiff

About me

• Average score: 72.3
• Handicap: +3
• Experience: Over 20 years of playing golf with six years playing professionally
• Right/Left-Handed: Left-Handed
• Typical ball flight: Low to mid draw stock shot
• Golf ball used: Titleist Pro V1
• Club swing speed: Driver 118 mph avg

Test conditions

• When I bought the club: October 2021
• Days tested: Still in play currently
• Where I’ve used it: Course and tournament conditions
• Weather and wind conditions: I have tested this club in all weather conditions, from heat to northern spring to western altitude.

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a blade iron similar to the Titleist MB line. I wanted the same feel as those irons and a few more yards without sacrificing workability and trajectory.

Why I chose this club

I went with the Callaway Apex MB iron because I loved the look of these irons and how much confidence I get from them. I love the feel of being able to dial in swing weight without adding lead tape and the consistent launch flight I get from these irons. There's no guessing. I know exactly how these clubs will perform, and I like that because it's one less thing I have to think about on the course.

I considered a couple of other models, including the Titleist MB and Taylormade p7TW, but with the success that Callaway has on tour with these irons, I knew that these would be a great choice for me.

What I love about it

• Distance: The added distance is consistent and predictable, which is more important than just hitting it farther. The new high performance 20v grooves help me with that consistency of distance.
• Feel: I get a good forged, soft feel from these irons when hit solid.
• Sound: A wonderful soft sound that I love and a great flush sound as well.
• Workability: I love my ability to work the golf ball with these irons. A smaller compact head with precise weighing helps give me the flight I need and the weighting prevents the clubhead from feeling too heavy
• Shaft Feel: In my opinion, the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour issue shaft is the best shaft for a high-level golfer. This shaft has the tightest tolerance for stability and tour-like trajectory
• Shaft Performance: The irons have the most consistent and optimal shaft with tour issue flighting.
• Aesthetic Appeal: These have a beautiful blade look at address.
• Grip Feel: I play the Lamkin Crossline Cord grips, which are a full cord grip that helps with sweat. They are a more absorbent grip that I have used for years.
• Launch Angle: The irons offer a normal low penetrating ball flight, but I love how I can hit these high when needed.
• Spin: With the new High Performance 20V Grooves integrated into these irons, I have seen an increase in spin for better control with my scoring clubs into greens.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Forgiveness: These are not a very forgiving club with mishits, but it is a compact blade iron, so it's understandable. A compact smaller head has a smaller sweet spot so a golfer who struggles to hit the center of the face may find these difficult to hit.
• Adjustability: No adjustability, but forging allows for lie and loft adjustments. The forging technology is formed from a single piece of metal hot melted to give a consistent soft feel in the iron.

Best shot with this club

My best shot so far with these irons has been at a local, professional tournament. My first round par 3 was 178 yards, and I hit a 7-iron to a foot, so that was pretty cool. I hope there are more great shots to come!

Value for the money vs. other options

These irons are a great value at a better price point than the Mizuno Pro 221 and is close in price point to the Taylormade PMB and Titleist MB blade irons. I get that soft forged feeling of a great blade but with some added distance built-in already. These are a value steal, in my opinion.

Final verdict

In summary, the Callaway Apex MB 2021 irons are one of the best players irons on the market now. They are in the bag of multiple PGA Tour winners, which shows how reliable these irons are at the highest level. Workability, consistency, and confidence are all at my fingertips when I take these onto the course for my next round and journey in golf.