50 Words or Less
The Callaway Apex Pro 19 irons are a slimmer version of the Apex 19. Crisp feel. Less forgiveness and distance than the standard version, but the difference isn’t huge.
Introduction
Recently I reviewed the Callaway Apex 19 irons (read it HERE) and found that Callaway had improved on their near-perfect blend of players iron, distance iron, and game improvement iron. If you’re a player who wants to take advantage of technology but prefers a smaller iron, the Apex Pro 19 could be perfect for you.
Looks
The Callaway Apex Pro 19 irons are, unsurprisingly, slimmer and sexier than the standard Apex 19. With the Apex Pro 19, the top line and sole are thinner, and there’s noticeably less offset.
The most obvious difference between the Pro and standard Apex irons is the finish. The Apex Pro 19 has a chrome finish in contrast to the satin finish on the standard model. This chrome finish makes the Apex Pro 19 look smaller at address because of the contrast between the face and the heel and toe.
Sound & Feel
Often, players iron are thought of as being soft and buttery with game improvement irons being firmer and more click-y. The Callaway Apex irons flip that on its head.
The Callaway Apex 19 has a soft, heavy, solid feel at impact, which is surprising given the technology in the head. The Apex Pro 19 is the firmer one with more of a crisp feel. Neither iron is hard or unpleasant, but the Pro has more of a snap to impact.
What’s unsurprising is the boost in feedback in the Apex Pro 19. Where the standard Apex makes most shots feel similarly solid, the Apex Pro 19 is unafraid to let you know when you get too far from the center of the face.
Performance
When the word “Pro” is in the name and the iron looks substantially smaller you’d expect the forgiveness to drop off substantially. With the Apex Pro 19, however, that’s not the case. Callaway has incorporated a couple of key technologies – Face Cup and tungsten weighting – to make the Apex Pro 19 much more forgiving than it looks. Missing the center a little – thin, toe, or heel – is no obstacle to putting the ball on the green and close to the flag.
Face Cup design also makes the Apex Pro 19 long. Ball speed is excellent – among the highest I’ve seen from this type of iron. You will notice that the Apex Pro 19 specs out roughly 2 degrees weaker than the standard Apex 19. This can result in less distance, though for me – a low ball hitter – my mid and long iron shots were nearly identical with the two irons.
Conclusion
Just like their larger brother, the Callaway Apex Pro 19 irons use innovative design to pack a surprising amount of forgiveness and distance into a club that has great visual appeal. If that combination sounds attractive to you, check them out with your favorite club fitter to pair them with the best shaft for your swing.
Callaway Apex Pro 19 Irons Price & Specs
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Hi Mat, How do they compare to Apex 16 Pros you love when they first came out?
NB. Please review the Ben Hogan PTX Pros soon.
Jason,
They’re similar. I didn’t test them head to head, so I’m hesitant to take a guess at specific performance differences.
Best,
Matt
How is the spin? I always get scared the irons won’t spin enough when they start talking ball speed and distance
Brad,
It’s not particularly high or low spin, pretty average for modern irons.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Do they spin enough? I’m always a little scared when I hear ball speed/distance claims that an iron won’t spin enough.
Brad
Brad,
They have average spin for a modern iron, not particularly low or high.
Best,
Matt
Hello,
for Hcp 10 , down, Srixon 785, Apex pro or New Level 902?
Thanks
Joan,
I would suggest a club fitting. Those are all fine choices, but one may perform significantly better for a given individual.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
ok, you can give me a little description of all three. So that hcp you think are appropriate?
Feel?
Thanks
Joan
Joan,
There are full reviews of each of those irons on the site. Any of them would be fine for a 10 handicap.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Love your reviews! I just upgraded to these w/TT Tour Elevate shafts from my older RAZR X forged w/Project X (which I absolutely loved). Is there anything performance wise (other than distance) I should look out for to begin with?
Thanks,
Chris
Chris,
I’m not sure what you mean by “what to look out for”. Were you fit for the Apex Pro w/Elevate?
-Matt
Hello Chris, I LITERALLY just did exact same “grade” I play a combo set though with razrx mb 7- ps. Do you have any feedback how a couple seasons later?
Matt,
You should run for public office.
Matt, i take New level 902/1032, and now 10>6.8 hcp.
thanks
Joan
Did you find the P760, Z 785 or the Apex Pro 19 more forgiving? Thanks
Blake,
I don’t have hard data, so this is subjective, but I’d say it’s the Apex Pro.
Best,
Matt
Hi, how would compare these to the TaylorMade 760?
Ryan,
I prefer the Apex, but the P760 is a fine iron. There’s a full review here: https://pluggedingolf.com/taylormade-p760-irons-review/
-Matt
I am looking to upgrade from the Diablo edge forged, which I hit extremely well. Is this a good transition upgrade set or would you recommend something else?
Hi Matt,
How are these compared to Mizuno MP20 MMC?
Chris,
I have a full review of the MMC here: https://pluggedingolf.com/mizuno-mp-20-mmc-irons-review/
-Matt
Matt,
I love your reviews! Really helpful for golfers everywhere!
Best,
Nigel