Callaway Apex Ai200 and Ai300 Irons - 2024 Forum Review

[Jazzdrummer420]

Congrats testers! Will be following closely as I am very interested in these new Apex release (s). 

[Rob Person]

Wtg!!!  Congratulations all!

[Wib081]

22 hours ago, Medfloat said:

Wib081, I just made a 1240 tee time at Turkeyfoot (Portage Lakes) for two playing 18.  If you are free and want to join us let me know so I can add you in.  

This week is packed for me but I do appreciate the invite

[JohnSmalls]

Thanks everyone!  Looking forward in getting started and putting these awesome new tools to the test.  Let me or any of the other guys know what questions you have or what specifically you would like to see tested. 

I.e. do we get fliers out of the rough, usage around the greens, etc.

I plan to have my intro up this weekend!  Eagerly and slightly impatiently awaiting the cardboard rectangle with Callaway stamped on the side.

Edited August 28 by JohnSmalls

[Shapotomous]

1 minute ago, JohnSmalls said:

..... Let me or any of the other guys know what questions you have or what specifically you would like to see tested. 

......

I am most interested in hearing / seeing comparisons to your current gamers regarding ball flight, spin, distance, forgiveness on toey hits (my favored miss) and feel.  I don't know if anybody hits intentional fades or draws but the ability to do that would be nice to know.

[JohnSmalls]

2 minutes ago, Shapotomous said:

I am most interested in hearing / seeing comparisons to your current gamers regarding ball flight, spin, distance, forgiveness on toey hits (my favored miss) and feel.  I don't know if anybody hits intentional fades or draws but the ability to do that would be nice to know.

You're in the right spot I can flat wear a toe out on an iron, so I promise to put the low toe of these irons through a rigorous testing regimen.   In fact, low toe performance is one reason why my current gamers beat out my last set of GI clubs.

I'll make sure to do a good comparison against my Wilson Staff CBs.  FYI the Ai200s are a club stronger in loft than my gamers, so distance and loft should be longer and less spinny than what I currently game.  I tend to hit draws with my irons, and the Callaway's can definitely produce a draw as found in my fitting.

[JohnSmalls]

On 8/27/2024 at 9:05 AM, frazzman80 said:

Looking forward to reading about the experiences and the performance. It always feels like Callaway is “marketing first” and I’m curious to see if these irons are AI hype or if they are legitimate.

Little sneak peak to my methodology, this is one of the things I want to find out for y'all.  Is this predominately a marketing ploy?  Or  is there something to these "Ai" designed irons?  Can they beat a single piece forged iron?

 

On 8/27/2024 at 9:07 AM, Shrek74 said:

Congrats testers!! I'm really interested to see how these compare to others in the same categories (T350/T200/P770/P790/etc). I smell serious combo-ability with these!

I'll see if I can get my hands on something similar!

On 8/27/2024 at 10:52 AM, SANDBGGR said:

Congrats fellow Spies!  What a test!!!  Can’t wait to hear how these compare with your gamers and personal feedbacks abouts these TM sticks!   With great “tests” comes great responsibility!

We got you, Uncle Ben!

23 hours ago, Tincuptim said:

Congrats! Can't wait to hear the feedback!

We'll give you something to read and listen to!

On 8/27/2024 at 7:54 AM, Pep said:

Congratulations 

 

These iron sets sound dynamic, and exciting. 

 

Looking forward to learning more about them

 

Chris

If my fitting was any hint, they are all of the above.

On 8/27/2024 at 7:59 AM, MichMoore said:

Congrats everyone that got selected!!  Hit them pure!!

We'll hit a few pure and some not so pure...for testing purposes, of course

Edited August 28 by JohnSmalls

[Willie T]

On 8/27/2024 at 12:18 AM, GolfSpy_APH said:

We’re are bringing another newly launch product by way of the latest additions to Callaway's renowned Apex line of irons—the Apex Ai200 and Ai300 to member testing.

The Apex line has a rich history, originally stemming from the legendary Ben Hogan brand, and has been a go-to for serious golfers since Callaway adopted it. Known for combining the feel of a forged iron with cutting-edge performance, the Apex irons have continually evolved to meet the needs of today’s players.

These new models claim to represent a significant leap forward in golf club technology, blending Callaway's advanced artificial intelligence design with premium forged construction. The Ai200 is designed for players seeking a balance of distance and precision, featuring a sleek, fully forged hollow-body construction. On the other hand, the Ai300 caters to those needing a more forgiving, game-improvement iron without sacrificing the feel and control that better players demand. Both models are designed to deliver superior consistency, performance, and a modernized look and feel, which is where you come in.

Please welcome and congratulate our testers! 

@JohnSmalls 

@bbreezy716 

@Wib081 

@GolfSpy_BNG *special*

Congrats testers - should be a fun test to see how Callaway's latest Apex irons test out in your capable hands.  Good testing - may you hit 'em not only straight and far, but accurate as well!  

[Wib081]

4 minutes ago, JohnSmalls said:

You're in the right spot I can flat wear a toe out on an iron, so I promise to put the low toe of these irons through a rigorous testing regimen.   In fact, low toe performance is one reason why my current gamers beat out my last set of GI clubs.

I'll make sure to do a good comparison against my Wilson Staff CBs.  FYI the Ai200s are a club stronger in loft than my gamers, so distance and loft should be longer and less spinny than what I currently game.  I tend to hit draws with my irons, and the Callaway's can definitely produce a draw as found in my fitting.

 

23 minutes ago, Shapotomous said:

I am most interested in hearing / seeing comparisons to your current gamers regarding ball flight, spin, distance, forgiveness on toey hits (my favored miss) and feel.  I don't know if anybody hits intentional fades or draws but the ability to do that would be nice to know.

When I get to swaying I catch a lot off the toe myself. I’m going to try and avoid that but that’s like trying to avoid the rain when you’re walking from the back of a parking lot in a monsoon! When I am swinging good though I tend to hit a slight fade with my irons but I will intentionally try to move it left and right because I’m curious about that with the 300’s. @JohnSmalls cardboard box anticipation is killing me already

[JohnSmalls]

7 minutes ago, Wib081 said:

 

When I get to swaying I catch a lot off the toe myself. I’m going to try and avoid that but that’s like trying to avoid the rain when you’re walking from the back of a parking lot in a monsoon! When I am swinging good though I tend to hit a slight fade with my irons but I will intentionally try to move it left and right because I’m curious about that with the 300’s. @JohnSmalls cardboard box anticipation is killing me already

Swaying has been killing me this year!  I hope Callaway baked anti-sway into these irons .  Great intro, BTW!

 

Live look at the testers

Edited August 28 by JohnSmalls

[Wib081]

9 minutes ago, JohnSmalls said:

Swaying has been killing me this year!  I hope Callaway baked anti-sway into these irons .  Great intro, BTW!

 

Live look at the testers

Yeah I’m hoping anti sway stabilization was on the list of ingredients. Thanks I appreciate it can’t wait to read yours and the rest of the guys when you all post them!

[UglyBird]

Congrats to those who were selected and we await your in depth findings.

MAZEL TOV!

[SANDBGGR]

1 hour ago, JohnSmalls said:

Thanks everyone!  Looking forward in getting started and putting these awesome new tools to the test.  Let me or any of the other guys know what questions you have or what specifically you would like to see tested. 

I.e. do we get fliers out of the rough, usage around the greens, etc.

I plan to have my intro up this weekend!  Eagerly and slightly impatiently awaiting the cardboard rectangle with Callaway stamped on the side.

First question!  Is it a plain cardboard rectangle or is Callaway stamped on the side?   I’m leaning toward plain based on prior reviewers.

[JohnSmalls]

2 minutes ago, SANDBGGR said:

First question!  Is it a plain cardboard rectangle or is Callaway stamped on the side?   I’m leaning toward plain based on prior reviewers.

We'll all find out soon enough 

Edited August 28 by JohnSmalls

[Shrek74]

40 minutes ago, SANDBGGR said:

First question!  Is it a plain cardboard rectangle or is Callaway stamped on the side?   I’m leaning toward plain based on prior reviewers.

The Ti 340 box and the TD Max box both had the Callaway logs on them, so I doubt they will be plain unmarked boxes.

[Wib081]

9 minutes ago, Shrek74 said:

The Ti 340 box and the TD Max box both had the Callaway logs on them, so I doubt they will be plain unmarked boxes.

Oh man the Ti 340 and TD Max! Yeah that’s a combination I can get behind. I’m using the BRNR mini with the TD currently 

[SANDBGGR]

58 minutes ago, Shrek74 said:

The Ti 340 box and the TD Max box both had the Callaway logs on them, so I doubt they will be plain unmarked boxes.

Sounds like your long game is dialed in!  What irons to you game?

[Shrek74]

6 minutes ago, SANDBGGR said:

Sounds like your long game is dialed in!  What irons to you game?

Mizuno JPX923 HMP.

[Wib081]

10 minutes ago, SANDBGGR said:

Sounds like your long game is dialed in!  What irons to you game?

I have been playing Mizuno 921 forged but we’re not really friends as of late. Testing the 300’s I’m looking to see if they’re forgiving and provide good distance. I know there’s no magic club but if these can help me shave some strokes than that’s a win for Callaway in my book. Also I was quite shocked at how forgiving the TD actually is as long as I don’t block it I have a nice little draw even on off center hits. 
 

I for some crazy reason read that as a reply to me . It’s been a long day in the crazy world of permits forgive me all

Edited August 28 by Wib081
I was dumb 🤣

[Wib081]

5 minutes ago, Shrek74 said:

Mizuno JPX923 HMP.

I bet those are way more forgiving than my 921’s 

[fixyurdivot]

Congratulations testers!  Lot's of anticipation on how these arrows perform... no pressure .

[Hendo2014]

Congrats to the testers!

[Medfloat]

On 8/28/2024 at 12:05 PM, Wib081 said:

This week is packed for me but I do appreciate the invite

Had a good time at Turkeyfoot.  Since the sale of the course, the club house was nicely refurbished to an open concept but the course stayed the same.  Still a good course with fast greens.  How is the review going?

[Wib081]

37 minutes ago, Medfloat said:

Had a good time at Turkeyfoot.  Since the sale of the course, the club house was nicely refurbished to an open concept but the course stayed the same.  Still a good course with fast greens.  How is the review going?

That’s right my mom was telling me they sold the course! I’m sitting here waiting of the shipping notice so I can get it started. Anticipation is worse than a kid waiting for Santa on Xmas eve!

[sirchunksalot]

I'm going to be curious with the testers of the AI 200's and what y'all think of the look at address. I love the look of both sets and got to see them in person today at DSG. I thought the short irons in the 200's looked just a little too rounded for my tastes in the toe, they reminded me of specialty wedges. I wouldn't let that keep me from gaming them but it was something noticeable to me. 

[Erin B]

On 8/26/2024 at 10:23 PM, Wib081 said:

Allow me to Ai-ntroduce myself

 

My name is Ian, and I live in Northeast Ohio. I am a husband, a father to four boys 3 of which golf with me weekly, a Star Wars nerd, and a guy that tries to hit it straight. I have had ups and downs with my game, and currently I’m fighting to keep around a 15 HCP. The clubs currently in the bag are great when I’m on, but lately that has been less and less. The Callaway Ai300’s are a bit of a homecoming for me in a sense. The first nice set of clubs I had that weren’t handed down were X-20 tours and why I ever traded those in I couldn’t tell you. The appeal of shiny and new I guess if I had to put a finger on it

 

Playing in Ohio provides for some great golf, especially in the Northeast quadrant! We have the fantastic Metro parks course around Cleveland, Firestone in Akron, and loads of amazing public courses. I have witnessed three seasons in one round those being summer, fall, and winter! I wouldn’t have it any other way I love the game in the fall here, okay maybe not when the ball finds a pile of leaves but most of the time. These days I play mostly on the weekend as my local course has kids play free after 3 PM, and I have three boys that love going out and hacking it up with dad. I’m not ashamed to say I have used a shot from my 15-year-old more than once when we play best ball!

I’m really looking forward to testing the irons in every way possible! Bad lies in the rough from more than 150 yards out. I want to see how they spin and stop! I’m not the best worker of the ball, but every once and a while I can get a draw or fade when I want one, and that is another test can these game improvement irons move the ball a bit for me. Staying in the bag is an easy test if it goes straight and far without the odd rocket shot, I experienced with a set of P790’s then they will live out a happy life in my bag for a long, long time! What has me pumped up about these irons is the Ai designed smart face! After a driver fitting in June that put me in the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, I am a believer in the increased forgiveness and better ball speed on off center strikes! Knowing the irons are a forged cup face on a forged hollow body head is one of the coolest things about the irons. My P790’s had a forged face but not head. I had a chance to hit these a during the launch week at Golf Galaxy, as they usually offer free fittings when a new product launches, and they felt as good to me as my 921 forged irons do when I flush one! Overall, I’m expecting to see increased distance and forgiveness over my current gamers, and the potential to maybe get my HCP below 15. I’m 42 and I don’t care so much what the club looks like if it helps me score better!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats! Enjoy the test and can’t wait to hear about these!

[Dropping2]

Congrats testers!

[JohnSmalls]

5 hours ago, sirchunksalot said:

I'm going to be curious with the testers of the AI 200's and what y'all think of the look at address. I love the look of both sets and got to see them in person today at DSG. I thought the short irons in the 200's looked just a little too rounded for my tastes in the toe, they reminded me of specialty wedges. I wouldn't let that keep me from gaming them but it was something noticeable to me. 

Golf Galaxy only had the fitting cart 7 iron when I went in for my fitting, so my first impression really will be a first impression for the rest of the set when the clubs arrive.

I hope the Ai200s begin to blend going from short irons into PW/AW.  I don't like when there is a sizeable demarcation in size from set wedges to specialty wedges.  But I will definitely give you my thoughts and do a comparison between the short irons and my Vokeys when the irons arrive.

As for the 7 iron during the fitting, I was impressed by the look.  Callaway did a great job slimming down this iron to make it look like it belongs in the "players" category.  It isn't quite as svelte as my Wilson CBs, but they aren't far removed.

Edited August 31 by JohnSmalls

[JohnSmalls]

Intros are posted!  Much, much more to come. 

[bbreezy716]

Sorry I wasn't keeping up with this over the weekend guys, had a mini vacation with the girlfriend Wednesday-Friday, then a pedal pub downtown Detroit yesterday for her birthday. Definitely think this group of testers is great and I see they answered a lot of questions already. If anyone has questions or things they want me to look at on the ai300s feel free to let me know! I'm hoping these are true to their word and game improvement, so for people who would be looking for that, what would you want to see? Thanks again guys!