Callaway Golf has established itself as a cornerstone in the golf equipment industry, renowned for its innovative technologies and groundbreaking designs. Among its wide array of products, Callaway irons have consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, catering to players of all skill levels. From the introduction of the revolutionary S2H2 in 1988 to the cutting-edge Elyte family in 2025, the evolution of Callaway irons reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the modern golfer’s needs.
This article explores the rich history of Callaway irons, highlighting key milestones and the technological advancements that have shaped this iconic brand. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend golfer, understanding the progression of Callaway irons can provide valuable insight into one of golf’s most influential brands.
For those in a rush, the main Callaway irons by year are as follows:
- 2025: Elyte
- 2024: Apex
- 2023: Paradym X
- 2022: Rogue ST Max
- 2020: Mavrik
- 2019: Epic
- 2018: Rogue
- 2016: Big Bertha OS Iron
- 2013: Apex
- 2011: RAZR X
- 1998: Big Bertha X-12
- 1994: Big Bertha ‘94
- 1988: S2H2
However, this is just a snippet of the range of irons that Callaway has put out. Read on and learn about every club that Callaway has released to date!
Callaway Irons by Year
| Year | Iron Model |
| 2024 | Apex |
| 2023 | Paradym X |
| 2023 | Paradym X Women’s |
| 2023 | Paradym |
| 2022 | Epic MAX Star |
| 2022 | Rogue ST Max |
| 2022 | Rogue ST Pro |
| 2022 | Rogue ST Max OS |
| 2022 | Rogue ST Max OS Lite |
| 2021 | Apex DCB 21 |
| 2021 | Apex TCB 21 |
| 2021 | Apex 21 |
| 2021 | Apex Pro 21 |
| 2020 | X-Forged CB |
| 2020 | Apex MB |
| 2020 | Big Bertha B21 |
| 2020 | Mavrik Max |
| 2020 | Mavrik |
| 2020 | Mavrik Pro |
| 2019 | Epic |
| 2019 | Epic Star |
| 2019 | Apex Pro Smoke 19 |
| 2019 | Apex Smoke 19 |
| 2019 | Epic Forged Star |
| 2018 | Rogue Pro |
| 2018 | Rogue X |
| 2018 | Rogue |
| 2018 | X Forged |
| 2018 | Big Bertha |
| 2017 | GBB Epic Pro |
| 2017 | GBB Epic |
| 2017 | GBB Epic Star |
| 2016 | Steelhead XR Pro |
| 2016 | Steelhead XR |
| 2016 | Big Bertha OS |
| 2016 | XR OS |
| 2016 | Apex Black |
| 2015 | XR Pro |
| 2015 | XR |
| 2015 | Apex CF 16 |
| 2015 | Apex CF 16 Black |
| 2015 | Apex Pro 16 |
| 2014 | X2 Hot Pro |
| 2014 | Big Bertha |
| 2014 | X2 Hot |
| 2013 | X Hot Pro |
| 2013 | X Forged |
| 2013 | X Hot |
| 2013 | Apex |
| 2013 | Apex Pro |
| 2012 | RAZR X Black |
| 2012 | RAZR X HL |
| 2011 | RAZR XF |
| 2011 | RAZR X Forged |
| 2011 | RAZR X Tour |
| 2011 | RAZR X |
| 2010 | X Prototype |
| 2010 | Diablo Forged |
| 2010 | Diablo Edge |
| 2010 | X-24 Hot |
| 2009 | X-Forged ‘09 |
| 2008 | X-22 Tour |
| 2008 | FT |
| 2008 | FT i-brid |
| 2008 | X-22 |
| 2008 | Big Bertha |
| 2006 | Big Bertha |
| 2006 | Fusion Wide Sole |
| 2006 | X-20 Tour |
| 2006 | X-20 |
| 2006 | X Forged |
| 2005 | X-Tour |
| 2004 | X18 Pro Series |
| 2004 | Big Bertha Fusion |
| 2004 | Callaway X18 Irons |
| 2003 | Steelhead X-16 Pro |
| 2003 | Steelhead X-16 |
| 2002 | Hawkeye VFT Titanium |
| 2002 | Big Bertha |
| 2000 | Steelhead X-14 |
| 2000 | Hawkeye Ti |
| 1998 | Tungsten Titanium |
| 1998 | Big Bertha Gold |
| 1998 | Big Bertha Ti Tungsten |
| 1998 | Big Bertha X-12 |
| 1997 | Big Bertha Gold |
| 1996 | Big Bertha ‘96 |
| 1994 | Big Bertha ‘94 |
| 1992 | Bobby Jones Blades |
| 1990 | S2H2 ‘90 |
| 1988 | S2H2 ‘88 |
Will There Be New Callaway Irons in 2025?
Callaway has recently introduced the Elyte family of irons for 2025, catering to a wide range of golfers with four distinct models:
- Elyte: Designed for players seeking a balance of distance and control, offering a mid-launch and low-spin trajectory.
- Elyte X: Features a larger profile with increased offset, sole width, and topline thickness, providing maximum forgiveness and easy launch.
- Elyte HL (High Launch): Suited for golfers who benefit from a higher launch, this model has more loft and an AI-optimized face to increase launch angle, maximizing carry distance and improving stopping power on greens.
- Elyte Max Fast: Targeted at golfers with moderate swing speeds, it utilizes an ultra-lightweight design and an AI-optimized face for fast ball speeds and high launch, enhancing clubhead speed and carry distance.
The History of Callaway Irons (1988 – 1999)
When we look at the Callaway models by year, the older Callaway irons have a distinct feel that is different from the newer models because of the technological improvement. Back in 1988, Callaway rebranded its name to “Callaway Golf.” At that time, they released a model known as the S2H2. The head design of this iron was noticeably smaller than the norm. Why would someone want that? Well, it helped to teach you how to swing properly.
The S2H2 was the first club from the Callaway brand to feature core technology that you would later see in 1989 in their stainless woods. This was wildly successful because from 1988 to 1989, Callaway’s sales more than doubled from $4.8 million to $10.4 million.
In 1991, Callaway released its Big Bertha driver. Following its success, the Big Bertha irons line followed in 1994 with the Big Bertha ‘94.
When 1995 rolled around, Callaway was among the top golf equipment companies and the biggest seller of both irons and woods. In 1998, Callaway released the X-12, which remains its most forgiving iron to this day. Even at launch, it was a huge success. We saw this era end with Hawkeye technology. This is a patented tungsten injection that they used to fill a weight pocket with precise tungsten spheres.
Related Article: Best Callaway Drivers by Year (List Provided)
2000 – 2009: The Exciting Years
These were exciting times for Callaway as a golf company because they would soon become the biggest golf manufacturer in the world. During this time, they would continue to work and refine their popular X series through carbon fiber technology that they first introduced in 2002. However, they wouldn’t begin working on it with their irons until later. When their focus shifted to their irons, they released many new models. From 2000 to 2009, 21 irons hit the market. That’s a lot of industriousness for nine years of work.
2010 – 2019: Years of Industry
From 2010 to 2019, Callaway would release 41 golf irons, and that’s not including any of their other clubs. The original Apex iron was released in 2013. We would see it released again as an improved version in 2015 and 2019. This was a wildly successful series and another breakthrough from Callaway.
A year later in 2014, Callaway made headlines again. This time for re-launching their Big Bertha irons after a six-year hiatus. They shifted the focus of these irons toward distance and included their 360 Face Cup technology. Interestingly, the inspiration for this came from the Big Bertha woods line. The technology made the face both thinner and larger.
This would ultimately help it to produce a higher ball speed. Two years later, Callaway released a new version, the Big Bertha OS Iron. This incorporated Exo-Cage technology which allowed for better stability. The 2018 edition would arrive with a bold black color and low center of gravity, giving the ball a much higher launch.
Related Article: Best Callaway Irons
2020 – PRESENT: What We Can Expect Today
Even today, Callaway continues to release some incredible golf irons full of innovation. In 2020, we saw the latest installment in the Big Bertha line: the Big Bertha B21.
They designed this model to give golfers a feeling of confidence when they would go to hit the ball. It produces excellent forgiveness, straight shots, high launch, and fast ball speeds. What was most notable about the irons in 2020 and beyond is that they were optimized using artificial intelligence.
The AI tech helped make various improvements, such as more consistent ball strikes, better distribution of weight, and maximized performance.
Two years later, we got the Rogue series, which proved very popular. It includes the likes of the Rogue ST Max OS and the Rogue ST Max OS Lite. These are among the best choices for high handicappers because they are long, forgiving, and inviting at address.
If, on the other hand, you are a mid-handicapper, the Paradym X or the Rogue ST Max is a better option. Finally, for low handicappers, the Rogue ST Pro and Paradym are both excellent choices.
Callaway releases its irons with the alternate release method. That means that they release a players series and then they will release a game improvement series the following year. We have seen this pattern from Callaway for over two decades. In fact, since the Big Bertha ‘94 was released in 1994, Callaway has followed this method of the two-year release.
In 2024, Callaway expanded its lineup with the release of the Paradym Ai Smoke series of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons. These clubs incorporated advanced artificial intelligence to optimize face design, tailoring performance to different swing speeds and player needs.
The Paradym Ai Smoke Drivers lineup featured models like the Max, Max D, Max Fast, and Triple Diamond, catering to a range of golfers from high handicappers to advanced players seeking low spin and enhanced workability. Complementing the drivers, the Paradym Ai Smoke Fairway Woods and Hybrids integrated the same AI Smart Face technology for maximum forgiveness, increased ball speed, and precise launch conditions.
On the irons front, Callaway introduced the Paradym Ai Smoke Irons, designed with AI-optimized face architecture to enhance distance, consistency, and forgiveness. These irons included the standard Paradym Ai Smoke, the HL (High Launch) for higher trajectory and increased spin, and the Max Fast, which featured an ultra-lightweight design for slower swing speeds.
The 2024 Apex Irons continued Callaway’s legacy of delivering premium forged feel and performance, appealing to golfers across a wide skill spectrum. These releases demonstrated Callaway’s commitment to leveraging innovation to create high-performance equipment that meets the diverse demands of modern golfers.
Related Article: Callaway’s Most Forgiving Irons
Callaway Iron Sets by Year — Big Bertha
The first Big Bertha, the “Big Bertha ‘94” launched in 1994 and sent shockwaves through the golf industry. It was a wildly popular iron right from the beginning. Big Bertha started as a model for drivers in 1991, but they quickly put it into irons. Fun fact: the name “Big Bertha” derives from the German WWI howitzer. How interesting!
They gave it this name because of its astounding power and size. One thing to beware of with the Big Bertha irons is that they are a favorite of Asian counterfeiters, so exercise caution and only buy from reputable vendors.
The Big Bertha models by year include:
- Big Bertha B21 (2020)
- Big Bertha CF19 (2019)
- Big Bertha (2018)
- Big Bertha Senior (2017)
- Big Bertha OS (2016)
- Big Bertha (2015)
- Big Bertha Hybrid (2008)
- Big Bertha (2008)
- Big Bertha Ladies (2008)
- Big Bertha (2006)
- Big Bertha Ladies (2006)
- Big Bertha Fusion (2004)
- Big Bertha (2003)
- Big Bertha (2003)
- Big Bertha X-12 (1998)
- Great Big Bertha (1997)
- Big Bertha Gold (1997)
- Big Bertha ‘96 (1996)
- Big Bertha ‘94 (1994)
When it was first released in 1994, Big Bertha was a massive hit, and it has remained a reputable name in golf, even to this day. What made Big Bertha so revolutionary was its stainless steel construction. These irons are very forgiving due to their oversized clubface, making them a popular choice for high-handicap golfers.
In 1995, Callaway sold so many woods and irons that their sales exceeded $550 million. While they designed these irons for high handicappers, we have seen pros that have used them over the years — for example, John Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Xander Schauffele, and Henrik Stenson.
Callaway X Irons by Year
The X iron series first started in 1998 with the Big Bertha X-12. In 2000, they released another under the X series, the Steelhead X-14. People loved the X irons because of their stability and crisp feel. They had a metallic softness that people just loved. Three years later, the Steelhead X-16 and Steelhead X-16 Pro were released to build on the success of their predecessor. These irons were made to be more playable and forgiving than the other irons in the market at the time.
We saw them again in 2004 when the X18 Pro Series, Big Bertha Fusion, and the Callaway X18 irons were released. Due to their popularity, Callaway continues to Produce X irons, with the latest editions being released in 2024 (Paradym X and the Paradym X Women’s).
Callaway Apex Irons by Year
While the name “Apex” is widely affiliated with Callaway, it was Ben Hogan who first released irons under the name back in the 1990s. Callaway’s version didn’t come until much later in 2013. The Apex irons first made their appearance on the practice range at the PGA Tour’s Deutsche Bank Championship. During this time, each iron had its branding covered to allow pro players to experiment with them.
Apex irons would soon fit into the category of “Forged distance irons.” This became apparent upon the release of the Diablo Forged irons and X Forged irons. The most recent Apex models came in 2021 with the Apex DCB 21, Apex TCB 21, Apex 21, and Apex Pro 21.
Callaway X Forged Irons by Year
While the X-forged irons don’t get quite the same love as some of the other lines from Callaway, they are still top irons. The X-forged line is geared towards better players who like to shape the ball and prefer a soft feel.
The very first X Forged iron released in 2006 and the 2009 edition followed just before the release of the Diablo Forged irons. The oldest X Forged irons that you can currently get your hands on is the RAZR X Forged iron which released in 2011, however, these are only available pre-owned.
Since 2011, three X Forged models have been released. These include the X Forged (2013), X Forged (2018), and X Forged CB. The latest edition, the X Forged CB, which is the only model you can purchase new, performs much like the rest of the series. It has a pleasant soft feel, is precise, and is a little more forgiving on off-center hits than its predecessors.
Related Article: TaylorMade Irons by Year: 40+ Years of History
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Identify My Callaway Irons?
Callaway irons were once a favorite of Asian counterfeiters. How can you identify one that is legitimate? If you have questions about the authenticity of a Callaway golf iron, you may want to send an email to Callaway customer service. They will request the serial number to see if it matches the clubs on their list.
Does Callaway Have New Irons for 2023?
Callaway has released a couple of new irons in the year 2023 that include the Paradym, Paradym X, and Paradym X Women’s. The Paradym is meant for the low handicappers, and the Paradym X and Paradym Women’s X is tailored for mid-handicappers.
What Is the X-22 Irons Year of Manufacture?
The Callaway X-22 iron’s release date was 2008. The company produced both a regular and tour version of the club.
What Was the X Hot Irons Release Date?
The X Hot irons were released in 2013. Callaway sold both a standard and pro version.
What Are the Key Callaway Golf Irons by Year?
The key Callaway iron clubs by year are as follows: In 2023, Paradym X and Paradym. In 2022, Rogue ST Max. In 2020, Mavrik. In 2019, Epic. In 2018, Rogue. In 2016, Big Bertha OS Iron. In 2013, Apex. In 2011, RAZR X. In 1998, Big Bertha X-12. In 1994, Big Bertha '94. In 1988, S2H2.
Conclusion
Callaway Golf’s journey from a rebranded startup in 1988 to one of the most influential golf manufacturers in the world is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation and performance. By continually refining its designs and embracing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, Callaway has set the standard for quality and versatility in golf irons.
Each release—from the early S2H2 to the latest Elyte series—represents a step forward in the brand’s mission to empower golfers with tools that enhance their game. As Callaway looks to the future, one thing remains certain: its legacy of creating exceptional irons will continue to shape the golfing world for years to come. Whether you’re exploring their history or choosing your next set, Callaway irons exemplify a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Matt travels the world as a professional writer and blogger trying out different golf courses in exotic spots like the Philippines. He loves the challenge and tranquility in the sport of golf. Golf, for him, is a way of relaxing and enjoying life. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
