Callaway X Forged (2018) vs Callaway Apex 21
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | X Forged (2018) loft | Apex 21 loft | X Forged (2018) lie | Apex 21 lie | X Forged (2018) length | Apex 21 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | — | 19 | — | 60 | — | 39 |
| 4 | 23 | 21 | 60.5 | 60.5 | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| 5 | 26 | 23.5 | 61 | 61 | 38 | 38 |
| 6 | 29 | 26.5 | 61.5 | 61.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| 7 | 33 | 30.5 | 62 | 62 | 37 | 37 |
| 8 | 37 | 34.5 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 41 | 38.5 | 63 | 63 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 46 | 43 | 63.25 | 63.5 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| AW | — | 48 | — | 63.5 | — | 35.5 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- X Forged (2018)
- Apex 21
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the X Forged (2018) is 33° and the Apex 21 is 30.5°, a 2.5° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the Apex 21 should carry roughly 8 to 10 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the X Forged (2018). Across the 7 clubs both sets share, the Apex 21 averages 2.5° stronger, with the largest gap at the PW (46° vs 43°). The pitching wedges are 46° and 43°; the stronger one leaves a 7° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping.
The sets are built differently: the X Forged (2018) runs 4-iron to PW (7 clubs), the Apex 21 3-iron to AW (9 clubs).
The X Forged (2018) is a players iron and the Apex 21 a players distance iron, so they sit one step apart on the forgiveness scale. The Apex 21 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 X Forged (2018) 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.
The X Forged (2018) is listed as triple-net forged and the Apex 21 as forged, multi-material. The Apex 21 adds tungsten weighting, which lowers the centre of gravity and raises stability on mis-hits, helping the long irons launch.
The Apex 21 came out 3 years after the X Forged (2018), but it is a different line rather than a direct replacement, so the two were designed for different golfers as well as different seasons.
Which should you choose?
The Apex 21 is the stronger-lofted set — up to 3° stronger than the X Forged (2018) on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Callaway X Forged (2018) specs and Callaway Apex 21 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Callaway X Forged (2018) stronger lofted than the Apex 21?
No. The Apex 21 is the stronger-lofted set: its 7-iron is 30.5° against 33° for the Callaway X Forged (2018), 2.5° stronger and worth roughly 8 to 10 yards of extra carry.
What is the loft difference between the Callaway X Forged (2018) and Apex 21?
At the 7-iron the difference is 2.5° (33° vs 30.5°). The largest gap on a shared club is 3° at the PW, and all 7 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the Callaway X Forged (2018) or the Apex 21?
The Apex 21. 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 Callaway X Forged (2018) is a players iron, better suited to roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Do the Callaway X Forged (2018) and Apex 21 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62° lie and 37 inches long.
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