The popular original shape has been revived, and performance has been further improved.
The APEX UW, which combines the benefits of a fairway wood and a utility club, has been updated approximately two years after the 2023 model. This latest version revives the shape and step sole design of the original (released January 2022), still favored by many pros, while also incorporating refinements throughout. The face incorporates the Ai APEX FACE, which incorporates the same technology that developed the Ai10xFACE, but with specifications tailored to this model. The head also features the Tungsten Speed Wave technology introduced in the ELYTE series fairway woods, providing the trajectory, spin, and control desired by skilled players. Four lofts are available: 17°, 19°, 21°, and 23°. Club lengths are now available with a 0.75-inch difference, further enhancing distance.
■Step sole design for outstanding ease of slipping
Developed as a club that combines the best of fairway woods and utilities (fairway woods for launch angle and spin, utilities for maneuverability), the first generation "APEX UW" was released in January 2022, followed by the second generation in mid-2023. This latest model is a refined version of the first model, which is still used by many staff players and tour pros. The head shape, which largely follows the 2022 model, is compact and offers high maneuverability, and the sole also features the step sole design, which debuted at the time. It delivers exceptional release.
■ Ai APEX FACE designed as a UW version
The face features the "Ai APEX FACE." This is the APEX UW version of the Ai 10x FACE introduced in the ELYTE series. It's the latest face designed by AI, utilizing real-world data from the highly skilled players this model targets. Compared to previous AI-designed faces, the number of control points has been significantly increased, optimizing spin and launch angle for each impact point. The face cup structure utilizes maraging steel C300, known for its superior strength and high resilience. This delivers incredible ball speed while maintaining consistent impact range.
■ Carbon is used for the crown and the hosel is also long.
There are other improvements from the 2021 model. The first thing you notice when you take aim is the line that separates the crown from the face and rear, which immediately indicates that a carbon crown is used. The material is triaxial carbon. The hosel is also designed to be slightly longer than the 2023 model. These are parts related to the optimization of weight distribution, which will be discussed later.
■Tungsten Speed Wave built into the head
The front of the sole is equipped with a 5g screw weight, and as the two screws on either side of it indicate, it also incorporates the Tungsten Speed Wave technology introduced in the ELYTE series fairway woods. Its floating design within the head ensures that the face's flex is not compromised, enabling the ball to be launched high and far, even at impacts close to the top of the club. This Tungsten Speed Wave technology is not simply about lowering the center of gravity for easier ball launch and forgiveness. It balances the aforementioned carbon crown and longer hosel for optimal weight distribution, delivering the trajectory, spin, and control desired by professionals and advanced players. The screw weight allows for individual adjustments to customize the feel.
■Club length difference of 0.75 inches between clubs
Like the previous model, the new APEX UW is available in lofts of 17 degrees, 19 degrees, 21 degrees, and 23 degrees. However, the previous model's loft differences in 2-degree increments made it difficult to accurately gauge distance, so the club lengths have been changed. While the previous 17- and 19-degree models were both 41 inches, the 17-degree is now 41.75 inches, and the 19-degree is now 41 inches. Similarly, the 21-degree, which was 40.5 inches, is now 40.25 inches, and the 23-degree, which was 40.0 inches, is now 39.5 inches. This means that the difference between the clubs is now 0.75 inches.
