In the last few decades, golf club manufacturing has seen significant changes. These changes raise many questions about the differences in forged and cast irons.
Forged irons were considered players irons. There are many game improvement tools on the market today that have a forged head club head.
We get it – companies are throwing mixed signals, and it’s hard to know which clubs are truly best for your game. Let’s take a look at the differences between forged and cast irons and, most importantly, which one is the best for your game.
Table of Contents
- What are Forged Irons?
- What are Cast Irons and How Do They Work?
- There are main differences between cast irons and forged irons
- Pros and cons for Forged Irons
- Cast Irons: The pros and cons
- Final Verdict: Deciding which irons you should be using
What are Forged Irons?
Forged golf clubs irons are made of one single billet of steel. Forged irons are more complex than cast irons or cavity backs. Forged irons can be a bit more costly due to the complexity of the manufacturing process and the materials used.
What are Cast Irons and How Do They Work?
Cast irons can be made from a mold or cast using a variety different materials. Cast irons are often hollow-body golf irons. Cast irons are a bit simpler to make and the manufacturing process is shorter and more affordable. Cast irons are also known by the name cavity back irons.
There are main differences between cast irons and forged irons
When deciding which golf irons are best for your game, it’s important to understand the terminology to know what is best for you. There are significant differences between cast irons and forged irons. They will have an impact on the playability.
Manufacturing Process
Cast irons and forged irons are made in very different ways. All of the differences in performance between these types of irons can be attributed to the manufacturing process.
Forged golf irons can be made from one piece of metal. The metal is then shaped into a perfect shape for golfers. The next club is then worked on, and the clubs are stamped and forge multiple times to ensure consistency throughout the metal.
During this process the clubhead’s forging metal is kept close together so that there are no air pockets or gaps. This is what gives irons their buttery forged look.
The cavity back irons have a mold into which hot melted metal can be poured. Cast iron clubs may have to go through several steps depending on the technology they use, but the end result is a casting golf iron that will sometimes be called a cavity-back iron. (Learn more about that later).
Feel it
It is extremely important to feel the golf club iron in your hand. It is obvious that golfers believe that the forged golf club iron has a better feel that the cavity backiron.
This is because the forged procedure takes care of any inconsistencies within the club head and ensures players are able to work more and get feedback from the club.
However, it’s worth mentioning here that golf technology has come a long way. The gap between the forged and cast irons is becoming smaller. Players are finding it harder to distinguish forged irons from cast irons.
Forgiveness
Cast iron clubs are traditionally more effective because the sweet spot is larger. This results in more forgiveness.
High handicappers often use game-improvement clubs that are usually cast golf irons. They enjoy the added help these clubs can give to their game.
This does not mean that all forged irons are unforgiving. The forged iron offers players a lot of feedback. This feedback improves the ability to hit draws or fades and helps to correct any swing flaws.
Type of Iron and Availability
In years past, the only way to find a forged iron was from a company offering it. This is what caused confusion among golfers about the fact all blade irons were the only forged golf clubs on the market.
This is false.
There are players’ irons that are forged and are not exactly blades. Some clubs also go through a mixture of forging, milling, which makes them a mix of a forged and cast golf iron.
I’m sure you have seen some game-improvement irons built for slightly higher handicappers with a forged face. The face was the only thing that was forged.
We saw the fairway wood and iron merge to create a hybrid. Now, we see the cast and forged golf irons merged into something unique and better for golfers.
Pricing
Cast irons are almost always significantly more expensive than forged ones. The forged iron process takes longer and requires a better quality soft feel metal. This has led to an increase in the price of these clubs.
Forged irons in the short irons are a great way to save money for golfers. This is the area where you will see the most improvement in the feel of the clubs. The forged shortirons have a bit more workability which is a good thing for the short irons.
To get more forgiveness and distance, you can use the longer irons to switch to a cast model. This mixed set is less expensive and allows players to have a mixture of technology.
Custom Fitting
If you are thinking of going through the custom fitting process for your golf irons, you might be wondering if the choice between cast and forged irons is important. You can now purchase forged or cast irons that are customized to your needs with the latest in golf technology.
Cast irons and forged irons can be modified to better fit your game.
The cost of forged golf clubs is so high that most players will get the clubs tailored to their needs. It is possible to have cavity back irons that fit your game.
Pros and cons of Forged Irons
A golf iron’s forging process is a great way to give it a premium feel. However, there are some downsides to forged irons.
The pros of forged irons include improved feedback and a great feeling. Many professional golfers choose forged irons for their premium quality.
The negatives include higher prices for forged irons as well as a lack of forgiveness.
Pros
- Great feeling
- Improved workability
- A cleaner look and a thinner top line
- Feedback improved
- It can be used in the short irons to improve your feel
Cons
- Not as forgiving.
- More expensive
- Longer manufacturing processes
Cast Irons: The pros and cons
Cast irons are what most golfers use. Cast irons are very forgiveness, long-lasting, and affordable. The cast irons are rare on the PGA Tour as they don’t give players the feedback they need in the short irons.
Cast irons will be more affordable and are more readily available. Cast irons also have significantly faster lead times. You won’t have to wait long to get your new clubs, and they could give you that extra distance and forgiveness right from day one.
Many golfers will consider the mixed set. They can enjoy a few forged irons as well as a few cavity-back irons. It is a good combination.
Pros
- Forgiveness
- Large sweet spot
- Fair pricing
- It can be made of a variety material
Cons
- Not as practical.
- Not all feelings are good
Final Verdict: Deciding which irons you should be using
The best golf clubs on the market are those that are best suited for your game. It doesn’t matter if those golf clubs are forged or cast; what matters is that you can hit them well.
Forged irons will give better players more playability, feel and feedback that will help them improve their game.
Cast irons have a reasonable price point, great launch and distance characteristics, as well as a lot of forgiveness.
You will need to understand your strengths and weaknesses in order to choose the right club for you. Don’t get into the mindset that the most expensive golf clubs are the best; this is not necessarily the case.
