Callaway X Forged (2018) vs Callaway Apex MB 21
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | X Forged (2018) loft | Apex MB 21 loft | X Forged (2018) lie | Apex MB 21 lie | X Forged (2018) length | Apex MB 21 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | — | 20.5 | — | 60 | — | 39 |
| 4 | 23 | 23 | 60.5 | 60.5 | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| 5 | 26 | 26 | 61 | 61 | 38 | 38 |
| 6 | 29 | 30 | 61.5 | 61.5 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| 7 | 33 | 34 | 62 | 62 | 37 | 37 |
| 8 | 37 | 38 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 41 | 42 | 63 | 63 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 46 | 46 | 63.25 | 63.3 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| AW | — | 50 | — | 63.5 | — | 35.5 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- X Forged (2018)
- Apex MB 21
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the X Forged (2018) is 33° and the Apex MB 21 is 34°, a 1° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the X Forged (2018) should carry roughly 3 to 4 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the Apex MB 21. Across the 7 clubs both sets share, the Apex MB 21 averages 0.6° weaker, with the largest gap at the 6-iron (29° vs 30°).
The sets are built differently: the X Forged (2018) runs 4-iron to PW (7 clubs), the Apex MB 21 3-iron to AW (9 clubs).
The X Forged (2018) is a players iron and the Apex MB 21 a blade iron, so they sit one step apart on the forgiveness scale. The X Forged (2018) is the more forgiving design, with a wider sole, more offset and more perimeter weighting for roughly scratch to 10 handicaps. The Apex MB 21 trades some of that for a more compact head, thinner topline and more control over flight and shape, which suits low single-digit handicaps who strike the ball consistently.
The X Forged (2018) is listed as triple-net forged and the Apex MB 21 as forged muscle back. The Apex MB 21 adds tungsten weighting, which lowers the centre of gravity and raises stability on mis-hits, helping the long irons launch. The Apex MB 21's muscle-back shape keeps mass directly behind the strike for feedback and control, where a cavity spreads it to the perimeter for forgiveness.
The Apex MB 21 came out 2 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 MB 21 is the weaker-lofted set — up to 1° weaker than the X Forged (2018). 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 X Forged (2018) specs and Callaway Apex MB 21 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Callaway X Forged (2018) stronger lofted than the Apex MB 21?
Yes. The Callaway X Forged (2018) 7-iron is 33° against 34° for the Apex MB 21, 1° stronger, which is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of extra carry with the same swing.
What is the loft difference between the Callaway X Forged (2018) and Apex MB 21?
At the 7-iron the difference is 1° (33° vs 34°). The largest gap on a shared club is 1° at the 6-iron, and 4 of the 7 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the Callaway X Forged (2018) or the Apex MB 21?
The Callaway X Forged (2018). As a players iron it is the more forgiving design, suited to roughly scratch to 10 handicaps. The Apex MB 21 is a blade iron, better suited to low single-digit handicaps who strike the ball consistently.
Do the Callaway X Forged (2018) and Apex MB 21 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62° lie and 37 inches long.
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