Ping G425 Irons vs Callaway Apex 21 DCB Review & Specs 2023

Ping G425 Irons vs Callaway Apex 21 DCB Review & Specs 2023

The Callaway Apex 21 DCB irons are sort of the new kids on the block of game improvement irons. They debuted just a few months ago this year.

They are getting a lot of attention so we wanted to see how they stack up against a more established set of irons in the game improvement category.

If you are in the market for a quality set of irons then these sets may be of interest to you.

However, if you are a mid to high handicapper these irons may be of special interest to you as that is the player niche these irons were designed for.

In any case, take a look at how these 2 iron sets stack up.

Ping G425 Vs Apex 21 DCB Overview

As we alluded to in the intro the Callaway Apex 21 DCB irons came out just a few months ago.

They are the latest iteration in the Apex series and are certainly the most forgiving of the entire Apex line from a line that normally focuses on the better players.

This will look and feel great for mid to high handicap players.

Of the two companies, Ping is more synonymous with the game improvement iron category.

Their G series has been a favorite for players looking to break into the low handicap spectrum.

The Ping G425’s replace the popular G410’s and sport a slightly shorter blade length.

Ping G425 Key Features

The first to notice about the G425 is that their heads are smaller and more compact but they still achieve the same levels of distance and forgiveness with an extra emphasis on feel.

The Ping G425 irons sport a hot 17-4 stainless steel face design and Variable Face Thickness.

This allows the face to flex at more points, increasing distance on less than perfect strikes.

You also get extreme perimeter weighting in the form of tungsten in the hosel and the tow screw.

Callaway Apex 21 DCB Key Features

The Callaway Apex 21 DCB irons have a forged mild carbon steel construction which, gives them a softer feel.

Callaway has included their Flash Face Cup technology in these irons to expand the sweet spot.

Along with a wider sole and more offset, these features make the Callaway Apex 21 DCB irons very forgiving.

Ping G425 Vs. G410’s

For the most part, Ping hasn’t changed much from the G410 to the G425’s – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right?

Still, the G425’s sport a shorter blade length which, gives them more of a player-friendly look at address.

We would say the G425’s are more for advanced players than the G410’s and they feel better all round but both clubs perform equally well which is a testament to how good the G410’s are.

The Apex Family

Callaway’s Apex irons include the standard Apex’s, the Apex Pros and the Callaway Apex 21 DCB’s.

The standard Apex’s certainly prioritize distance over everything else while the Apex Pros offer  more in terms of workability and short game accuracy.

The Callaway Apex 21 DCB are certainly the most forgiving in the Apex family.

Loft Comparison

	Ping G425 Loft	Callaway Apex 21 DCB Loft
4 iron	20.5°	20°
5 iron	23.5°	23°
6 iron	26.5°	26°
7 iron	30°	30°
8 iron	34.5°	34°
9 iron	39.5°	38°

Ping G425 Options

• PING Alta CB Slate shaft
• PING Alta Distanza Black 40 shaft
• PING AWT 2.0  shaft
• True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft
• True Temper Dynamic Gold 105  shaft
• True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 shaft
• KBS Tour shaft
• Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 105 shaft
• Project X LZ shaft
• True Temper Elevate 95 shaft
• Soft regular, regular, stiff and extra stiff flexes

Callaway Apex 21 DCB Options

• True Temper Elevate ETS 85 steel shaft
• UST Recoil DART 65 graphite shaft
• Light, regular and stiff flexes

Length & Lie Comparison

	Ping G425 Lie/Length	Callaway Apex 21 DCB Lie/Length
4 iron	60.5/38 7/8”	60.5/38.75”
5 iron	61/38 ¼”	61.25/38.125”
6 iron	61.5/37 5/8”	62/37.50”
7 iron	62/37”	62.5/37”
8 iron	62.8/36 ½”	63/36.50”
9 iron	63.5/36”	63.5/36”

Who is Each Set for?

The Ping G425 irons would be great for any player that was a fan of the G410’s because, again, not a lot has changed.

The G425’s will also be more congenial for players who prefer distance. The Callaway Apex 21 DCB irons will be better for players who are emphasizing forgiveness.

Composition Comparison

The biggest composition difference is that the Callaway Apex 21 DCB irons sport a soft carbon steel design whereas the Ping G425’s utilize 17-4 grade stainless steel.

The Callaway Apex 21 DCB also have the Flash Face Cup which, creates a seamless face and a larger sweet spot.

Performance Comparison

As we alluded to earlier the Ping G425’s played longer for us – about 5-9 yards longer to be specific.

The Callaway Apex 21 DCB irons had the better feel though.

The urethane microsphere injection coupled with the carbon steel make these irons feel like butter.

Price Comparison

Depending on where you buy from, expect to pay anywhere from $750 to $875 for the Ping G425’s.

The Callaway Apex 21 DCB set will run you about $1,200.

Callaway Apex 21 DCB Pros & Cons

Pros:

• They have a soft feel and dampen vibration very well
• Pronounced offset for more forgiveness
• Flash Face Cup technology
• Draw biased flight
• Low spin rate
• More forgiving

Cons:

• Not very workable
• Not great for advanced players
• More expensive
• Less of a players look

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Ping G425 Pros & Cons

 

Pros:

• Plays longer
• Great shot trajectory
• Stronger lofts
• More affordable
• Very consistent performance
• More of a players look

Cons:

• Poorer feel
• Not very attractive
• Very similar to the G410’s
• Not as forgiving

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Final Thoughts

The Ping G425’s have been stalwarts on gold courses throughout the country since their inception.

That’s why we thought we’d use them as a litmus test for the Callaway Apex 21 DCB’s. So how did the Callaway Apex 21 DCB stack up?

We found that Callaway really went all in on forgiveness features with the Apex DCB’s.

They were more forgiving than the G425’s but the G425’s still played longer.

Basically, if forgiveness is what your game needs, then check out the Callaway Apex 21 DCB’s.