Callaway Apex CF16 vs Callaway Apex Pro 16
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | Apex CF16 loft | Apex Pro 16 loft | Apex CF16 lie | Apex Pro 16 lie | Apex CF16 length | Apex Pro 16 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 19 | 21 | 60 | 60 | 39 | 39 |
| 4 | 21.5 | 24 | 60.5 | 60.5 | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| 5 | 24 | 27 | 61 | 61 | 38 | 38 |
| 6 | 27 | 30 | 61.5 | 61.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| 7 | 31 | 34 | 62 | 62 | 37 | 37 |
| 8 | 35 | 38 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 40 | 42 | 63 | 63 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 45 | 46 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| AW | 50 | 51 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | — | 63.5 | — | 35.25 | — |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- Apex CF16
- Apex Pro 16
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the Apex CF16 is 31° and the Apex Pro 16 is 34°, a 3° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the Apex CF16 should carry roughly 9 to 12 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the Apex Pro 16. Across the 9 clubs both sets share, the Apex Pro 16 averages 2.3° weaker, with the largest gap at the 5-iron (24° vs 27°). The pitching wedges are 45° and 46°; the stronger one leaves a 5° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping.
The sets are built differently: the Apex CF16 runs 3-iron to SW (10 clubs), the Apex Pro 16 3-iron to AW (9 clubs).
The Apex CF16 is a players distance iron and the Apex Pro 16 a players iron, so they sit one step apart on the forgiveness scale. The Apex CF16 is the more forgiving design, with a wider sole, more offset and more perimeter weighting for roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head. The Apex Pro 16 trades some of that for a more compact head, thinner topline and more control over flight and shape, which suits roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Both heads are listed as forged. The Apex Pro 16 adds tungsten weighting, which lowers the centre of gravity and raises stability on mis-hits, helping the long irons launch.
Both sets were introduced in 2016, so this is a choice between two models from the same lineup rather than an upgrade: Callaway designed them to sit side by side for different players.
Which should you choose?
The Apex Pro 16 is the weaker-lofted set — up to 3° weaker than the Apex CF16. That trades raw distance for a steeper landing angle and more predictable stopping power into greens.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Callaway Apex CF16 specs and Callaway Apex Pro 16 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Callaway Apex CF16 stronger lofted than the Apex Pro 16?
Yes. The Callaway Apex CF16 7-iron is 31° against 34° for the Apex Pro 16, 3° stronger, which is worth roughly 9 to 12 yards of extra carry with the same swing.
What is the loft difference between the Callaway Apex CF16 and Apex Pro 16?
At the 7-iron the difference is 3° (31° vs 34°). The largest gap on a shared club is 3° at the 5-iron, and all 9 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the Callaway Apex CF16 or the Apex Pro 16?
The Callaway Apex CF16. As a players distance iron it is the more forgiving design, suited to roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head. The Apex Pro 16 is a players iron, better suited to roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Do the Callaway Apex CF16 and Apex Pro 16 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62° lie and 37 inches long.
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