Callaway Apex DCB Irons Review

About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the best golf irons, which I tested for 7 day in August of 2023.

The Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons offer a perfect blend of distance, forgiveness, and feel, making them ideal for mid-handicap golfers. Thanks to Callaway’s AI technology and tungsten weighting, these irons deliver 3–5 extra yards per shot while maintaining consistent accuracy on mishits. The soft feel and satisfying sound enhance the playing experience, and the variety of shaft options ensures a custom fit for different skill levels. Though the irons may lack workability and have a slightly larger profile, they are an excellent choice for players seeking confidence and consistency on the course.

My Opinion of Callaway Apex DCB Irons

The Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons are, in my experience, one of the most forgiving irons I’ve ever used, making them ideal for mid-handicap players. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing me to shape various shot trajectories with ease. However, for golfers with a low handicap who prefer to shape their shots, I’d recommend opting for the Apex or Apex Pro irons instead. But if you’re a mid-handicap golfer who seeks consistency and wants to minimize misses, this club is a fantastic choice.

About the Club I Tested

• Model: Callaway Apex DCB 2021 Irons
• Loft Setting: 30-degree 7 iron
• Shaft: Project X rifle shaft 6.0 (Stiff flex)

About Me

• Average Score: 72
• Handicap: +3
• Experience: Over 20 years
• Hand: Left-handed
• Typical Ball Flight: Draw
• Golf Ball Used: Titleist Pro V1
• Club Swing Speed: Driver—120 mph

Test Conditions

• Location: Shingle Creek Golf Academy, Orlando, FL
• Date: August 2022
• Environment: Indoor-outdoor hitting bay with FlightScope technology
• Weather: Midday, sunny

Performance on the Course

The Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons deliver exceptional performance, particularly for mid-handicap golfers.

• Distance: These irons provide impressive distance gains of 3–5 yards per shot, thanks to Callaway’s AI technology and slightly stronger lofts.
• Forgiveness: The tungsten-perimeter weighting enhances forgiveness, allowing for only about a four-yard loss on off-center hits, which boosts confidence during play.
• Feel: The feel remains solid, even on mishits, with gentle feedback that keeps focus on the swing rather than penalizing errors.
• Sound: The soft, pure sound at impact enhances the overall experience, making each shot satisfying.
• Consistency: Overall, the irons promote consistent performance, allowing golfers to achieve reliable results and improved scores on the course.

What I Was Looking For

I was searching for a mid-handicap iron that offers a sleek, pro-like appearance but still delivers the confidence golfers need to hit solid shots.

Why I Tested This Club

I wanted to find an iron that would cater to both low-handicap golfers struggling with ball striking and mid-handicappers aiming to improve their scores. The Apex DCB stood out due to its game-improvement qualities while retaining a look you’d expect to see on the pro tour.

What I Love About It

• Distance: The Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons deliver impressive distance without sacrificing feel. Thanks to Callaway’s advanced AI technology and slightly stronger lofts, I gained an extra 3–5 yards on each shot, which was a pleasant surprise.
• Forgiveness: These irons are incredibly forgiving, with tungsten perimeter weighting providing stability even on off-center hits. The larger clubface design gave me confidence, and mishits only lost around four yards, keeping performance consistent.
• Feel: Whether I hit the ball flush or slightly off-center, the feel remained solid. The irons don’t offer harsh feedback, which some golfers may miss, but I appreciated the consistent, softer sensation throughout the face.
• Sound: The forged feel contributes to a soft yet satisfying sound when making clean contact. It adds to the premium experience of the club, making every hit feel and sound refined.
• Adjustability: With over 20 shaft combinations, the club offers ample adjustability to suit various playing styles. I found the stock True Temper Elevate shaft, which offers mid-launch trajectory, to be a great fit for many skill levels.
• Grip: Callaway’s collaboration with Golf Pride delivers high-quality stock grips, ensuring comfort and control. The grips feel familiar and consistent, similar to the popular Golf Pride Tour Velvet design.

Issues I Encountered

• Workability: While the iron excels in forgiveness, it sacrifices some ability to shape shots. Golfers prioritizing shot shaping should consider the Apex Pro or Apex MB irons.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The clubhead is a bit large for my taste, but this can be a confidence booster for those struggling with ball striking.
• Launch Angle: I found the launch a bit higher than I prefer, but for mid-handicap golfers needing extra height to hold greens, this can be a huge benefit.
• Spin: These irons are designed for lower spin, so pairing them with a high-spin golf ball might be beneficial. During my testing, I saw nearly 1,000 rpm less spin compared to my typical rates.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Distance: Extra 3–5 yards per shot with great control.
• Forgiveness: Very forgiving on mishits, thanks to tungsten weighting.
• Feel: Soft and solid feel, even on off-center strikes.
• Sound: Satisfying, soft sound on clean hits.
• Adjustability: 20+ shaft options for various skill levels.
• Grip: High-quality, comfortable Golf Pride grips.

Cons:

• Workability: Less ability to shape shots compared to more advanced models.
• Aesthetic: Larger clubhead and thick top line might not suit all players.
• Launch Angle: Slightly high for players preferring lower trajectories.
• Spin: Lower spin may affect stopping power on greens.

Best Shot with This Club

During my testing of the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons, no single shot stood out as my absolute best—what impressed me most was the club’s consistent performance across every swing. Even on shots where I missed the sweet spot, the ball still flew straight and maintained a solid distance. One particular shot that comes to mind was a slightly off-center hit that still carried close to my target, only losing a few yards. The iron’s forgiveness was a pleasant surprise, offering me a reliable, consistent ball flight even when I wasn’t at my best. It felt like every shot had the potential to be great.

Value for the Money vs. Other Options

Considering the forgiveness and performance, the Apex DCB irons offer great value for money. They’re competitively priced against options like the TaylorMade P770s but with noticeably more forgiveness. While the Titleist T200 irons are a potential alternative, they lack the same level of forgiveness and come at a higher price.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons stand out as an exceptional choice for mid-handicap golfers seeking to elevate their game. The combination of impressive distance, remarkable forgiveness, and a soft, responsive feel offers the perfect blend of performance and playability. While advanced players might find the workability a bit limited, the iron’s forgiveness and consistency make it a game-changer for those focused on minimizing mishits and improving accuracy.

For golfers looking for a club that boosts confidence, helps hold greens with a higher launch, and adds a few extra yards without sacrificing control, the Apex DCB 21 is a fantastic option. It not only looks great in the bag but performs even better on the course. Whether you’re dialing in approach shots or trying to shave a few strokes off your score, these irons offer a balanced mix of technology and playability to suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who should use the Callaway Apex DCB 21 Irons?

These irons are designed for mid-handicap golfers seeking forgiveness and improved ball striking.

2. How do they compare to the Apex Pro or Apex MB models?

The Apex DCB 21 Irons offer more forgiveness, while the Apex Pro and MB models are better for advanced players focused on shot shaping.

3. What shaft options are available?

Callaway offers over 20 shaft combinations, with the stock True Temper Elevate shaft being a popular mid-launch choice.

4. What is the typical launch angle?

The DCB 21 Irons generally produce a slightly higher launch angle, beneficial for holding greens, but may be high for some players.

5. Are these irons suitable for beginners?

Yes, their forgiving nature makes them a good option for beginners looking to build confidence and improve their game.