Callaway Apex Hybrid
Callaway never ceases to surprise golfers with their sudden and breakthrough releases, and this year has been particularly fruitful for the company. The beginning of the year marked the company’s first artificial intelligence computer-designed driver within the Epic Flesh range and that has been quite impressive, but also, we saw another unusual upgrade of another seemingly forgotten range, the Apex lineup of irons and hybrids. And it was particularly the hybrid range that brought the amazement since the last Apex hybrid was launched on the market about four years ago.
In case you’ve missed all about Apex hybrids, this is a short lead-in, particularly due to the fact that the new Apex Hybrid continues where the old model stopped in a much better internal and external design. The Apex hybrids are intended mainly for better players or those who boast a single-digit handicap. This might come as a surprise for many not-so-into-golf readers, but, yes, better players do need some forgiveness and help from their clubs too. Since these are designed to meet the needs of low handicappers, it implies that their release frequency is slower compared to other average market offers. If you wonder why then the explanation goes that the elite players know exactly what they want, and they don’t tend to switch from one club to another as often as one might get the impression.
However, the company thought that this year was the right moment to turn the attention of the better players to its brand new, superior looking, and tech-pack Apex hybrid. And when we say tech-pack, this means some of the best, proven technologies that blend the playability and forgiveness of woods, and the design of irons. We have a lot to talk about the Apex model, so read bellow why it attracts the attention not only of tour players but average golfers as well, and what all that fuss is about.
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Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Apex hybrid designed for better players
Jailbreak technology delivers more speed and stability
Face Cup technology makes the face thinner and faster for more speed
Centered CG for mid-launch angle and a straighter trajectory
Sleek and compact clubhead with a classic black PVD finish
Temper Catalyst graphite shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip
Cons
It is not recommended for high and mid handicappers
Pricey
Technology Overview
The technology utilized in the clubs is what makes them playable and forgiving, and the battle among golf companies is seen in their attempt to develop better and more sophisticated technologies that will help golfers outreach their potential and get maximum from the club. Indeed, as we entered the new century, thus the designs and the performance of the golf clubs have started to change with uncontrollable speed and more user-friendly performance. What has been unimaginable and no golfer would ever dare to think about a club, today is part of golfers’ reality and all that is due to the technological development. It feels as if there had been a quantum leap in the design of the new clubs, and we are eagerly waiting to see what is next to come.
If you know at least something about Callaway’s technologies, you’ll know that they are plenty of them, and some golfers even say it is hard to keep track. This might not be completely true, but, there’s one unbeatable truth- Callaway has never stopped inventing and reinventing better and more improved concepts. Interestingly, this hybrid features the company’s groundbreaking Jailbreak technology which has been introduced in Callaway's woods but never used in hybrids before.
If you know at least something about Callaway’s technologies, you’ll know that they are plenty of them, and some golfers even say it is hard to keep track. This might not be completely true, but, there’s one unbeatable truth- Callaway has never stopped inventing and reinventing better and more improved concepts. Interestingly, this hybrid features the company’s groundbreaking Jailbreak technology which has been introduced in Callaway's woods but never used in hybrids before.
Jailbreak Technology
Not everyone is a tech pro and interested in clubs’ technologies, so we will try to better explain the importance of this technology. It features two so-called Jailbreak bars, positioned just behind the club head face and their purpose is to increase the ball speed. However, even though this technology has been part of Callaway woods, it is the first time that we see it utilized in a hybrid. This technology has proven to work quite well, so no wonder that Callaway has been sticking to it within the last three years. The purpose of these bars is to stiffen the clubhead so that they will connect the sole of the club with the crown of the club. Created this way, they allow the face of the club to flex more and to create the trampoline effect.
Face Cup Technology
And, the face design, i.e., the technology utilized to make the face flex was a big thing when it was introduced first in their woods and later on in their cavity back irons, such as Big Bertha which many of you know as one of the most forgiving irons and the most popular ones. This has encouraged them to try to use it in a players’ hybrid, so this combination does raise eyebrows as the small profile and face flex together make an interesting appeal.
Face Cup technology uses a thinner, more flexible material, and in this case, it is 455 Carpenter Steel which is much stronger than the regular steel and has undergone a special heating process. It is called Face Cup because it surrounds the perimeter of the face with the same thin material which translates into more speed in every location. This is the purpose of hybrids though, as they are supposed to deliver more forgiveness, particularly when golfers have issues with the long irons, especially with the most difficult number 2, 3 and 4 irons. The forged face functions as the “forgiver” in this case since it enlarges the sweet spot and delivers maximum ball speed when golfers hit the ball off-center.
Face Cup technology uses a thinner, more flexible material, and in this case, it is 455 Carpenter Steel which is much stronger than the regular steel and has undergone a special heating process. It is called Face Cup because it surrounds the perimeter of the face with the same thin material which translates into more speed in every location. This is the purpose of hybrids though, as they are supposed to deliver more forgiveness, particularly when golfers have issues with the long irons, especially with the most difficult number 2, 3 and 4 irons. The forged face functions as the “forgiver” in this case since it enlarges the sweet spot and delivers maximum ball speed when golfers hit the ball off-center.
Clubhead Design
Better players know what they want, and they have the reputation of being picky, even though when talking to some of them they deny this categorization, claiming that what might look picky for some, for them is just very neatly defined preferences. They say it is very important for a better player to know what to expect from their clubs, to look good at address, and to deliver maximum control and playability.
Why does look matter? Mainly because it is a blend of assurance that your club will give you the performance you need and because a nicely shaped clubhead will empower you to give your best. So, looking at the clubhead of the Apex, it does look impressive. The head is compact and sleek, and slightly deeper if you compare it with the previous generation of Apex hybrid that was released in 2015. In a way, it resembles an iron with the toe being taller and heavier than the heel and at the address you see the face opening up towards the top of the toe to give the slight impression of being open even when it isn’t.
The dark PVD beautiful finish makes it look classy and rich and it frames the ball well. The back of the clubhead features a visible Apex branding, but it so subtle that you hardly notice it is there.
Why does look matter? Mainly because it is a blend of assurance that your club will give you the performance you need and because a nicely shaped clubhead will empower you to give your best. So, looking at the clubhead of the Apex, it does look impressive. The head is compact and sleek, and slightly deeper if you compare it with the previous generation of Apex hybrid that was released in 2015. In a way, it resembles an iron with the toe being taller and heavier than the heel and at the address you see the face opening up towards the top of the toe to give the slight impression of being open even when it isn’t.
The dark PVD beautiful finish makes it look classy and rich and it frames the ball well. The back of the clubhead features a visible Apex branding, but it so subtle that you hardly notice it is there.
Shaft and Grip
Many golfers consider the shaft to be the engine of the clubhead and it can greatly modify the performance, especially if you know what you are doing with it. Since this is a hybrid that is intended to appeal to better players, Callaway was extra careful when choosing the shaft model and the grip. The stock offer that comes with Apex hybrid is the True Temper Catalyst graphite shaft which is a very stable and firm shaft model with a silver finish to give the impression of a steel shaft. There are four flex types that golfers can choose from, starting from the regular, then stiff, light and X-stiff, which make it adjustable to fit various golfers’ preferences.
The Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip is one of the finest grip models too that enhances the playability and the feedback of the shaft. As a plus, with the purchase of the Apex hybrid, the headcover is included which is very stylish and complements the overall design of the club.
The Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip is one of the finest grip models too that enhances the playability and the feedback of the shaft. As a plus, with the purchase of the Apex hybrid, the headcover is included which is very stylish and complements the overall design of the club.
Performance
This club is made to attract the attention of low handicappers and the company has utterly given its best to provide them with the design and performance features that meet the needs of these golfers. To do that, they made it act more like an iron with a neutral center of gravity (CG), which is unlike the standard, more forgiving hybrids which usually feature lower and deeper CG to help golfers launch the ball higher.
Driven by the idea to aid low handicappers to the point of making the hybrid more forgiving, but at the same time not to deter them by overstressing the launching angle, the Callaway engineers made it produce especially straight ball flights with exceptional ease. The hybrid-like function is seen in the exceptional forgiveness delivered by the Cup Face technology that enables golfers to deliver maximum speed not only to the center shots but to mishits too.
What impresses many golfers when playing with this hybrid is the exceptional feel and controllability which is particularly enhanced with the shaft combination. The club is particularly stable and reliable, especially when you need it in high-pressure situations.
Driven by the idea to aid low handicappers to the point of making the hybrid more forgiving, but at the same time not to deter them by overstressing the launching angle, the Callaway engineers made it produce especially straight ball flights with exceptional ease. The hybrid-like function is seen in the exceptional forgiveness delivered by the Cup Face technology that enables golfers to deliver maximum speed not only to the center shots but to mishits too.
What impresses many golfers when playing with this hybrid is the exceptional feel and controllability which is particularly enhanced with the shaft combination. The club is particularly stable and reliable, especially when you need it in high-pressure situations.
Key Features
After discussing in detail the design, playability and the performance of the Apex hybrid, let's summarize it in one whole and emphasize the main features. So, this is a player hybrid that is mainly constructed to meet the needs of single-digit golfers who need the playability of irons but with more forgiveness than the iron counterpart. It features some of the latest Callaway technologies such as Jailbreak technology that utilizes two bars behind the face that make the overall construction stiffer, allowing to make the face thinner and more flexible. The Face Cup technology allows encompassing the face and the perimeter of the clubhead with thinner steel which enlarges the sweet spot and makes the club much more forgiving, enabling faster ball speed even when the golfer hits the ball off-center. Aesthetically, it is one of the most appealing hybrids and for many, it looks stunning with the iron-style sleek head and black finish. Accompanied with premium graphite shaft and superior grip, you will enjoy the stability, feel and balance that it delivers.
Key Features
Key Features
- A hybrid designed to meet the needs of better players
- Jailbreak technology for the first time used in hybrids
- Face Cup technology creates a thinner and faster face that delivers more speed
- Centered CG that delivers mid-launch angle and a straighter trajectory
- Sleek and compact clubhead with a classic black PVD finish that delivers a feeling of confidence
- Temper Catalyst graphite shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip
Specifications
Callaway Apex replaces 2 through 5 irons. The 2-hybrid comes with 18 degrees loft, the 3-hybrid comes with 20 degrees loft, the 4-hybrid comes with 23 degrees loft and the 5-hybrid comes with 26 degrees loft. The shortest is the 5-hybrid with 39” length while 2-hybrid is the longest with 40.5“. The Apex hybrid comes with fixed hosel design which prevents golfers from adjusting the club to fit their swing type, however, many golfers agree that it is a smart move because an adjustable hosel would deteriorate the overall playability of the club.
Bottom Line
From what we have said before, Apex hybrid is a very playable club that won’t fail you if you are looking for a straight performing club which launches mid to high. Featuring some of the most functional and playable Callaway technologies, you will find it forgiving to most off-center shots without affecting the speed of the ball. The experts and the golf pros agree that if they needed to turn to hybrid, then it would be the Apex model and according to many, it can easily become one of the most playable clubs in your bag. And even though it is one of the most expensive hybrids currently on the market, those who understand and appreciate the possibilities that the Apex hybrid opens up, claim that it is an excellent value for the money. Plus, we have to mention that when going through the reviews, we came across claims that this is now a low handicap club only. Namely, although Callaway promotes this hybrid for better players, many mid handicappers who have played with it say that they found it easy to use and very playable as well.
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