Callaway's Black Shadow irons bring stealth to the Apex line
4/22/2025 | by AmateurGolf.com Equipment Panel
see also: Equipment Reviews
Two new forged Apex irons just got a blackout makeover—same firepower, all new stealth.
“I’m sorry… that went how far?”
That was the first thing we said after flushing a 5-iron during our on-course test of Callaway’s Apex Ai200 irons earlier this season. Standing on the 4th hole at The Vineyard Course at Steele Canyon, we weren't expecting a game-changer. But that’s exactly what we got.
And now?
That same iron is back—just... darker.
🖤 Welcome the Black Shadows
Callaway has just dropped limited-edition Black Shadow versions of the Apex Ai200 and Ai300 irons. And while the performance story stays the same, the look is something else entirely.
Gone is the brushed chrome. In its place? A deep, chrome-plated black finish that somehow makes these irons look even faster. They don’t scream for attention. They whisper with intent.
“They look like a concept car you’re not supposed to touch.”
And yet—every part of us wants to hit them.
🏌️ Two Irons, Two Profiles
Apex Ai200 Black Shadow – This is the compact, hollow-body, forged iron we already tested and loved. Designed for players who want feel, feedback, and enough forgiveness to lean into aggressive lines.
Apex Ai300 Black Shadow – Slightly larger, more offset, higher launching. Think game-improvement, but in a package that still feels premium.
They’re built different—but share the same DNA: fully forged construction, AI Smart Face technology, and a flight that feels like it’s pre-programmed for consistency.
🎥 Flashback: That Day at Steele Canyon
We didn’t plan on filming a video that turned into a tribute to the Ai200. It just kind of happened.
Explore these irons at CallawayGolf.com
“I think I flew that 185... with a nine-iron.”
– Blair, standing over a par 4, jaw halfway open
The rest of us thought it was a fluke—until he did it again. And again.
At one point, we tried playing a 519-yard par 5 with just two irons. Five-iron off the tee. Five-iron from 244. Pin-high in two.
“Normally I go driver-driver-seven-iron on this hole. That’s ridiculous.”
Even our editor John—usually the measured one—started leaning into shots with a look of quiet disbelief.
“Didn’t quite catch that one… but it’s still rolling.”
The forgiveness? Sneaky. The sound? Clicky-smooth. The feel? Somewhere between forged and futuristic.
🧠 Under the Hood: What Makes These Irons Work
- Forged 455 Face Cup – The speed engine
- Forged carbon steel body – For that soft, responsive strike
- AI Smart Face – Mapped from real player data, tuned for launch and spin consistency
- Hollow-body (Ai200) and Cavity-back (Ai300) – Pick your shape, keep the performance
“The face tech on these? It’s like they knew where I was going to mishit it.”
🖤 Why Black? Why Now?
Because a club that performs like this deserves to look the part.
The Black Shadow finish doesn’t add anything to performance—but it adds everything to the feel at address. Sleek. Stealthy. Confident.
And it’s not just the Ai200 getting the blackout treatment. The Ai300—with its more forgiving build and slightly higher trajectory—is also available in the Black Shadow finish, making this a full-blown two-headed release for players across the spectrum.
📅 Available Starting Tuesday, April 22
Pre-orders for the Apex Ai200 and Ai300 Black Shadow go live April 22. Limited release, limited quantity.
If you liked what we showed you in the original review, this is the same club—but with the lights turned off.
Explore more at CallawayGolf.com
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