The popular original design has been revived, and further performance improvements have also been achieved.
The "APEX UW," which combines the advantages of fairway woods and utilities, has been renewed approximately two years after its 2023 model. In this latest version, the shape and step sole design of the original model (released in January 2022), which is still favored by many professionals, have been revived, while also undergoing refinements throughout. The face incorporates the Ai APEX FACE, which follows the technology developed for the Ai10xFACE, but with specifications tailored to this model. The head also features the Tungsten Speedwave, which was introduced in the ELYTE series fairway woods, pursuing the trajectory, spin rate, and control preferred by highly skilled players. The loft is available in four options: 17, 19, 21, and 23 degrees. The club length has been newly set to have a 0.75-inch difference, allowing for a greater difference in distance.
■ Step sole design for excellent grip
The "APEX UW," developed as a club that combines the best aspects of fairway woods and utilities (fairway woods' launch angle and spin rate, and utilities' maneuverability), saw its first generation released in January 2022 and its second generation in mid-2023. This time, it's a refined version of the first generation model, which is still widely used by staff players and tour pros. The head shape, which is almost identical to the 2022 model, is compact and gives a sense of high maneuverability, and the sole also features the step sole design that was first introduced at the time. It exhibits exceptional turf interaction.
■ Ai APEX FACE is designed as an UW version.
The face incorporates the "Ai APEX FACE." This can be described as the APEX UW version of the Ai 10x FACE that appeared in the ELYTE series, and it is the latest face designed by Ai using real data from highly skilled players, the target market for this model. The number of control points has been greatly increased compared to conventional AI-designed faces, and it corrects for the optimal spin and launch angle depending on the impact point. Maraging steel C300, known for its excellent strength and high rebound performance, is used in the face cup structure. This achieves incredible ball speed while maintaining a consistent landing area with minimal dispersion.
■The crown uses carbon fiber, and the hosel is also made longer.
There are other improvements from the 2021 model. The first thing you notice when you address the ball is the line that divides the crown into the face side and the rear side, immediately indicating that a carbon crown has been adopted. The material is triaxial carbon. Also, the hosel is designed to be slightly longer than the 2023 model. These are all related to the optimization of weight distribution, which will be discussed later.
■Tungsten Speedwave is installed inside the head.
The sole features a screw weight (5g) at the front, and as evidenced by the two screws on either side, it also incorporates the Tungsten Speedwave, which debuted in the ELYTE series fairway woods. Mounted in a floating style within the head, it allows for a solid, high, and long-distance shot even with a near-top impact, without compromising face flex. Furthermore, this Tungsten Speedwave isn't simply designed to lower the center of gravity for easier launch or forgiveness. It's a carefully considered weight distribution, balanced with the aforementioned carbon crown and longer hosel, to achieve the trajectory, spin, and control demanded by professionals and advanced players. The screw weight allows for further adjustment to the feel, tailored to each player's preference.
■Club length difference of 0.75 inches between clubs
The new "APEX UW" is available in lofts of 17, 19, 21, and 23 degrees, just like its predecessor. However, because the 2-degree loft increments in the previous model made it difficult to clearly distinguish distances, the club lengths have been changed. The previous 17-degree and 19-degree clubs were both 41 inches long, but the new models have set the 17-degree club to 41.75 inches and the 19-degree club to 41 inches. Similarly, the 21-degree club, which was 40.5 inches, is now 40.25 inches, and the 23-degree club, which was 40.0 inches, is now 39.5 inches. In other words, the difference between clubs is now 0.75 inches. Black Friday
