Callaway Apex Ai300 2024 Custom Irons Review

The Callaway Apex Ai300 2024 Custom Irons are forged game-improvement irons designed for mid-to-high handicap golfers (approximately 8–20 handicap) seeking a blend of forgiveness, distance, and a premium forged feel. Featuring advanced AI-driven technology, a forged cavity-back construction, and extensive customization options, these irons offer explosive ball speeds, high launch, and exceptional consistency, making them ideal for players transitioning from super game-improvement irons or those needing more forgiveness than the Apex Ai200. Below is a detailed review based on available information, tailored to your query about the 2024 model with custom specifications, incorporating insights from web sources.

Key Features

• Ai Smart Face Technology: Utilizes real golfer swing data and artificial intelligence to optimize ball speed, spin consistency, and tight dispersion across the face, ensuring predictable distances even on mishits.
• Forged 455 Face Cup: A forged 455 Carpenter steel face delivers high ball speeds (smash factors ~1.4+) and increased distance, with a slightly larger profile than the Ai200 for added forgiveness.
• Forged Cavity-Back Design: Combines a 1020 carbon steel body with urethane microspheres for a tour-level sound and soft feel, while the cavity-back construction enhances MOI and forgiveness.
• Customizable MIM Weighting: Strategically placed Metal Injection Molding (MIM) weights optimize the center of gravity (CG) for higher launch and forgiveness; customizable in blue, silver, black, or copper for performance and aesthetic personalization.
• Dynamic Sole Design: Features a pre-worn leading edge for smoother turf interaction, reducing fat shots and improving consistency from various lies.
• Game-Improvement Aesthetics: Slightly larger head, thicker topline, and more offset than the Ai200, inspiring confidence at address while maintaining a premium, sleek look.

Club Specifications

Notes on Specs:

• Shaft Options:
  • Steel (Stock): True Temper Elevate 95 MPH (95g, high launch, mid-spin); custom options include Project X LZ Steel (110–125g, mid-launch, mid-spin, 5.0–6.5 flex, per your earlier mention), KBS Tour Lite, or Nippon Modus 105.
  • Graphite (Stock): UST Mamiya Recoil Dart HDC (75–85g, high launch); custom options like Mitsubishi MMT or Fujikura Ventus available.
  • Project X LZ Steel: A compatible custom choice for the Ai300, offering a smooth feel, mid-launch, and enhanced distance; 5.0 (110g) for ~85–95 mph 7-iron swing speed, 5.5 (115g) for ~90–100 mph, or 6.0 (120g) for ~95–105 mph.
• Grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip (standard, 50g); custom options (e.g., Golf Pride MCC, Lamkin Crossline, or Arccos-enabled grips) available.
• Custom Options: Adjustable lie (±2°), length (±1"), and MIM weight colors; red ferrules (per your earlier mention) can be added via custom builds through retailers like Fairway Jockey, though standard ferrules are silver/black.
• Availability: Right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) for 4-GW; launched August 13, 2024.
• Retail Price: ~$200–$215/iron (steel), ~$215–$225/iron (graphite); 7-piece set ~$1,099 (steel), ~$1,299 (graphite). Check retailers like CallawayGolf.com, Golf Galaxy, or Global Golf’s Utry program for pricing.

Performance Notes

• Player Profile: Ideal for mid-to-high handicappers (8–20) with moderate swing speeds (~80–100 mph driver) seeking forgiveness, high launch, and distance. Suited for players transitioning from super game-improvement irons like Callaway Elyte Max Fast or those needing more help than the Apex Ai200.
• Distance: Delivers impressive distance (e.g., 150–165 yards with 7-iron at 85–90 mph swing speed) due to strong lofts (~1° stronger than Ai200) and the forged 455 face, often 5–10 yards longer than traditional game-improvement irons.
• Forgiveness: Rated as Callaway’s most forgiving Apex iron, with a larger head and higher MOI maintaining ball speed and consistency on off-center hits; performs exceptionally well from rough and fairways.
• Feel and Sound: Soft, forged feel with a solid “click” at impact, enhanced by urethane microspheres; less harsh than cast game-improvement irons like Paradym Ai Smoke.
• Launch and Spin: High launch (~25–30° with 7-iron) with moderate to low spin (~4,500–5,500 rpm), offering easy elevation and good stopping power, though lower spin may lead to run-out on firm greens.
• Turf Interaction: Dynamic Sole Design ensures smooth turf interaction, with testers noting reduced chunking and consistent contact from various lies, including bunkers and rough.