I switched to the Callaway Apex CF16 irons at the start of summer and at the time couldnt decide between using the CF16 3 iron or Apex UT 2 iron as a driving iron. I therefore decided to do what any sensible person would and got both so I could compare the performance.
Hypothesis
The Apex UT is 1" longer than the CF16 so it should produce higher ball speed and therefore more distance?
Method
Within the limitations of my setup I tested by capturing 10 shots (not blatant mishits) with each club. The ball was used from a small tee to simulate using this as a driving iron.
The clubs used were:
Callaway Apex CF16 3 Iron (19 deg)
Callaway Apex UT (18 deg)
The ball was the Callaway Chrome Soft.
Results and Analysis
They are incredibly close. On this test the Apex UT produced 1mph more ball speed (on average) and 1 yard more total distance. It launched 0.6deg lower than the CF16 and its peak height was 1 yard lower.
Conclusion
Subjectively I love the Apex UT. It feels superb and has a more muted sound than the CF16. However, the performance of the CF16 should not be underestimated and these results suggest little to no difference despite it being 1" shorter.
When I practise at home using a tee with irons I struggle with high-face strikes and this test was no different. Because my practise mat is only used by me the pile of the mat is still very plush and teeing the ball above this means the ball is way higher than I would encounter on a golf course. This results in drastically reduced ball speeds which shows in the data and could affect the results slightly?
Next Steps:
Retest without a tee.
Introduce additional clubs to the test.
Perform on course testing?
