Apex Pro 16 vs JPX 900 Forged: Our Comparison

apex pro 16 vs jpx 900 forged

Low-handicap players tend to look for high-performing forged irons for feel and precision. Their quest usually has them considering the Callaway Apex Pro 16 and Mizuno JPX 900 Forged irons. Both of these irons definitely fit into that category, offering a bit of forgiveness and distance in a compact package. The following is our comparison of Apex Pro 16 vs JPX 900 Forged irons.

Apex Pro 16 vs JPX 900 Forged

How They Look

apex pro 16 face
Apex Pro 16 Face

Both irons feature a classic, compact blade appearance at address with relatively thin top lines. This is great for inspiring confidence in better players for workability and distance control. Both irons also have the minimal offsets and traditional lofts better players typically prefer.

JPX 900 Forged
JPX 900 Forged

The biggest difference in appearance is the finish on each club. The Mizuno JPX 900 Forged irons feature a matte finish that helps to reduce glare. The Callaway Apex Pro 16 irons feature a high-gloss chrome finish that is very traditional. When setting up with the Apex Pro 16s, the area of the face outside the grooves looks almost like a mirror. It reflects the grass and seems to almost disappear. While this can help the player focus on the center of the club, it does make the club look quite a bit smaller.

How They’re Made

apex pro 16 progressive cg

Callaway uses a “Quadruple Net Forging” process to make the Apex Pro 16 irons. The technique involves four processes to refine the club and ensures a greater consistency in the final product. This gives the Apex Pro its forged feel while enhancing forgiveness and performance. Also, behind the “Forged” logo on the back of the irons is a pocket that’s filled with different materials throughout the set. In the 3-5 irons, it’s filled with tungsten to lower the CG, increasing launch and providing some extra forgiveness. The 6-8 irons are filled with steel resulting in a middle CG. The 9 iron and wedges are left empty, similar to the MD3 wedges.

Mizuno’s approach involves their “Grain Flow forging” process for consistency. The engineers use 1025 Boron Steel in the JPX 900 Forged irons, which delivers faster ball speeds. Mizuno also uses variable face thickness to increase forgiveness. A total of 21.5 grams of weight is saved from the face and repositioned to the form Power Frame chassis. The chassis makes the club more resistant to twisting on off center hits, improving forgiveness. Instead of the weighting, like Callaway uses throughout the set, the JPX 900 Forged irons feature a cavity that decreases in size from long irons to short.

Last Thoughts on Apex Pro 16 vs JPX 900 Forged

Side by side, the Callaway Apex Pro 16 is a touch longer than the JPX 900 Forged. The Mizuno JPX 900 Forged has a slightly softer feel. Both clubs are excellent offerings for the better player. In the end, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that can end up being the difference maker for you.

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Rudi Fann
