Callaway X Forged CB (2021) vs Callaway Apex CB (2024)
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | X Forged CB (2021) loft | Apex CB (2024) loft | X Forged CB (2021) lie | Apex CB (2024) lie | X Forged CB (2021) length | Apex CB (2024) length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 20 | 20.5 | 60 | 60 | 39 | 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 | 45 | 46 | 63.5 | 63.25 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| AW | 49 | 50 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- X Forged CB (2021)
- Apex CB (2024)
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the X Forged CB (2021) is 33° and the Apex CB (2024) 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 CB (2021) should carry roughly 3 to 4 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the Apex CB (2024). Across the 9 clubs both sets share, the Apex CB (2024) averages 0.7° weaker, with the largest gap at the 6-iron (29° vs 30°). 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.
Both are players irons, built for roughly scratch to 10 handicaps. Small-to-mid cavity backs with traditional lofts, modest offset and workable shaping for low-handicap players. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.
The X Forged CB (2021) is listed as forged, multi-material and the Apex CB (2024) as forged with tungsten weighting. Both use tungsten weighting to lower the centre of gravity and steady the head on off-centre strikes.
The Apex CB (2024) came out 3 years after the X Forged CB (2021), 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 CB (2024) is the weaker-lofted set — up to 1° weaker than the X Forged CB (2021). 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 CB (2021) specs and Callaway Apex CB (2024) specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Callaway X Forged CB (2021) stronger lofted than the Apex CB (2024)?
Yes. The Callaway X Forged CB (2021) 7-iron is 33° against 34° for the Apex CB (2024), 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 CB (2021) and Apex CB (2024)?
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 7 of the 9 shared clubs differ.
Are the Callaway X Forged CB (2021) and Apex CB (2024) aimed at the same golfer?
Yes. Both are players irons, built for roughly scratch to 10 handicaps. Choose on feel, looks and gapping, ideally after hitting both.
Do the Callaway X Forged CB (2021) and Apex CB (2024) have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62° lie and 37 inches long.
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