Like the first Apex iron range, the 2016 version also comes with a pro model imaginatively called the Apex Pro 16 iron.
This is not just a slightly smaller version of the Apex CF 16 iron, but a redesigned version of the Apex Pro that is aimed at low handicap players who prefer an all-forged iron.
The Pro 16 head is made from 1025 mild carbon steel that is 'Quadruple Net Forged' through four processes to refine the club towards its final shape and ensure a greater consistency of the product.
In practice what this means is that you get a club that offers a forged feel using several parts to enhance the forgiveness and performance of the head.
Behind the 'Forged' panel on the back of the head hides a pocket that in the 3 to 5 irons is filled with tungsten weights to lower the Centre of Gravity (CG) and increase the launch angle.
As you move into the 6 to 8 irons the holes are filled with steel for a mid CG and in the 9-iron and below they are empty to remove weight from the sole and raise the CG in a similar way to the Callaway Mack Daddy 3 wedges.
The effect of modifying the CG gives a the Pro 16 set a long iron/high flight blended with short iron/lower flight that is the combination tour players apparently prefer.
Certainly at address the Pro 16 has that look with a shorter face, narrower sole and thinner top line than the Apex CF 16.
The head length throughour the set is more consistent then the progressive Apex CF 16.
To enhance the looks and make them stand out, the finish is gloss chrome and the glint they give in the sun will no doubt appeal to purists.
The cavity on the back is smaller too and as a result the sound and feel is a lot sharper and closer to what you would expect from a fully forged iron.
These types of irons are not really about forgiveness, but there was not too much of a change in this from the CF 16. Unfortunately it is going to be difficult to blend the two sets as the lofts are different with the Pro 16 having weaker, or what I would call traditional, lofts throughout.
There is a wide choice of shaft offerings through Callaway Custom fitting, but the stock Project X suits the head very well with its low torque.
Overall whilst I like the Apex Pro 16 they are really for elite amateurs and tour players, which is a shame as I like the story and the looks a little more than the Apex CF 16. As a forged semi-blade with a touch of forgiveness then this is worthy of a waggle if you are in that market.