Forged vs Cast Irons
The debate between forged and cast irons has interested golfers of all skill levels.
These two manufacturing methods produce clubs with distinct characteristics, each offering unique advantages on the course.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, understanding the differences between forged golf clubs and cast irons can significantly impact your game and the equipment you choose for your golf bag.
In this article, we dive into both types of club heads, exploring their manufacturing processes, performance characteristics, and suitability for various handicaps.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which iron type offers the most benefit for your game and ultimately improve your scores.
Is cast iron better than forged?
In the cast vs. forged irons debate, cast irons are better for golfers who need a firmer, larger club head that generates more launch and ball speed.
Golfers who want this type of head shape are looking for more consistency, and these golfers typically carry a higher handicap.
Additionally, cast irons offer several other advantages. They are generally more durable and resistant to wear, making them a cost-effective option for many golfers.
The casting process allows for more complex designs and the integration of game-improvement features like perimeter weighting and cavity backs.
A forged golf club is primarily for advanced players who can easily control the ball, something that casual golfers struggle to achieve.
What is the advantage of forged irons?
To see a noticeable difference between the cast and forged irons, you need to have a lower handicap, as the iron’s ball speed, ball flight and shot shaping will be different with a high swing speed.
Due to the forging process, the forged club offers a smaller face, so golfers who can consistently hit the sweet spot of the forged iron sets’ face are rewarded with better spin control, distance, and accuracy.
Another significant advantage of forged irons is their malleability. This characteristic allows for easier customization of the club’s specifications, such as loft, lie angle and even weight distribution.
Forged irons also maintain their playability longer, as the softer metal can be more easily bent back into shape if it becomes slightly misaligned over time.
This longevity, combined with the enhanced feel and feedback, makes forged irons a preferred choice for many serious golfers who want more precision and control for their game.
Do pro golfers use forged or cast irons?
Pro golfers typically use forged irons because they provide a softer feel and are easier to manipulate when shaping the iron to create their desired loft and lie angle.
Cast iron designs tend to be firmer, causing less feel and responsiveness. Due to the strength of the metal cast heads, golfers also struggle to achieve their desired shape with these irons.
Additionally, advancements in casting technology have led to the production of high-quality cast irons that can rival forged irons in terms of feel and performance.
Despite these developments, many pros still prefer traditional forged irons due to their ability to provide precise feedback and control, which is crucial at the game’s highest levels.
Which is better cast or forged?
The answer to this question depends on your handicap and your preferred method of playing playing golf.
If you are a casual golfer who enjoys hitting the ball high and far, cast irons tend to offer a larger sweet spot than forged golf clubs due to their balanced weighting.
Since a cast head is a bit heavier than forged iron heads, it helps generate that distance that most mid to high handicappers need to shorten the course.
Many cast body irons also feature cavity-back designs, which further increase forgiveness.
While some forged irons now incorporate similar technologies, cast irons typically offer more forgiveness, making them a popular choice for golfers still developing their skills.
Typically, forged clubs are made for golfers who need versatility. Pro golfers love to bend the forged heads to their preferred loft of each iron.
They also like to take the forged ones and manipulate the lie angle to improve consistency and the quality of their contact with golf balls.
How does the manufacturing process differ between forged and cast irons?
The manufacturing processes for forged and cast irons are fundamentally different.
Forged irons are created by heating a solid piece of metal, typically soft carbon steel, and then shaping it through repeated striking and pressing.
This process aligns the metal’s grain structure, resulting in a denser, more compact clubhead.
Cast irons, on the other hand, are made by pouring molten metal into a pre-shaped mold. Once cooled and solidified, the clubhead is removed from the mold and finished.
This method allows for more complex designs and the integration of perimeter weighting. The forging process is more labor-intensive and time-consuming, while casting is more automated and suitable for mass production.
Are forged irons more expensive than cast golf clubs?
Yes, forged irons are generally more expensive than cast irons. This price difference stems primarily from the manufacturing process.
Forging is a more labor-intensive and time-consuming method, requiring skilled craftsmen to shape each clubhead individually.
The process also typically uses higher-quality, more expensive materials like soft carbon steel.
Additionally, forged irons are often associated with premium brands and are marketed towards more skilled players, which can contribute to higher prices.
Cast irons benefit from a more automated production process and the ability to use less expensive materials. They can be produced more quickly and in larger quantities, resulting in lower costs.
However, high-end cast golf clubs can sometimes approach the price of forged irons.
Can the average golfer feel the difference between forged and cast irons?
The average golfer should be able to tell the difference between forged irons and a cast club.
Forged clubs feel softer, although they are harder to hit because forged irons generally offer a smaller hitting area. After all, advanced golfers typically play them.
Cast clubs are generally considered more forgiving for high-handicap golfers. The casting process allows for more complex clubhead designs, enabling manufacturers to incorporate features that enhance forgiveness.
These include perimeter weighting, which distributes weight around the edges of the clubhead, and a larger sweet spot.
This design helps minimize the negative effects of off-center hits, reducing loss of distance and accuracy on mishits. Cast irons often have a lower center of gravity, making it easier to get the ball airborne.