Forged Vs. Cast Irons: Which Is Better?

Forged irons vs cast irons

Knowing the difference between forged and cast irons helps golfers make an informed choice when selecting clubs. Read on to learn about forged vs. cast irons.

The major difference between forged and cast irons is the construction and the material used. The process they undergo is the major deciding factor in terms of cost, feel, and performance.

Forged irons: How they are created?

Forged golf irons are made by heating and shaping a single piece of metal into the desired shape using a forging process.

Typically, a bar of 1025 or 1025 E carbon steel is manufactured through an intense heating process that involves hammering and bending the steel into shape.

Firstly, the metal is placed in a primary forging mold where it gets a basic shape. Then, the excess metal from the edges is trimmed and reheated. Once reheated, the metal is transferred into another mold and slowly pressed to give a smooth and sleek appearance. As the clubhead gets its final shape, it is polished and electroplated before attaching to a shaft.

This process allows for greater precision and control over the shape and design of the club head. Forged irons are more expensive than cast irons and are preferred by many golfers for their feel and precision.

Cast irons: How they are created?

Cast golf irons are made by pouring molten metal into a mold to create the club head. Once the metal cools and hardens, the workers break the mold, and the club head is finished. This process is less precise and requires less skill, which makes cast clubs less expensive than forged clubs.

Cast irons are generally more forgiving than forged irons, which makes them a good choice for golfers who may not hit the ball more accurately. Thus, they are also known as “game improvement irons.”

Pros and cons of forged vs. cast iron

A few key differences between forged and cast irons can affect their performance and suitability for different shots. Here are some pros and cons of forged vs. cast iron golf clubs: 

Pros of forged vs cast irons

Forged IronsCast Irons 
More precise and consistentAffordable 
Have a softer, more responsive feelEasy to hit 
Perfect contact with the golf ballMore forgiving 

Cons of forged vs cast irons

Forged IronsCast Irons 
ExpensiveLess reliable construction 
Less durable Stiffer feel and louder sound 

Forged or cast irons: Which is better for you?

The answer to this question depends on factors such as your skill level, budget, and the type of shots you need to hit. Here is a detailed list of people who should use a forged golf iron and a cast golf iron.

Who should use forged golf clubs?

Forged golf clubs are typically used by skilled golfers with consistent and precise swings. They are designed to provide a soft, responsive feel when hitting the ball.

Here is a list of golfers who should use a forged club:

  • Golfers who want to hit shape shots like draw and fade
  • Mid-handicappers who want to improve their game
  • Low handicappers

Who should use cast golf clubs?

Cast golf clubs are used by a wide range of golfers, from beginners to advanced players, because of their forgiveness and affordability.

Here is a list of golfers who should use a cast golf club:

  • Beginners and seniors who need more forgiveness
  • Mid and high handicappers
  • Women golfers

List of popular forged irons and cast irons

Here is a list of best-forged irons and cast irons available on the market.

Forged irons:

  • Taylormade P790 Irons
  • Taylormade Stealth Irons
  • Callaway Golf Apex Smoke Irons
  • Wilson Staff D9
  • Srixon Z-forged
  • Mizuno Pro 225

Cast irons:

  • Taylormade SIM Max Iron
  • Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo HB
  • Callaway Golf Rogue ST Max
  • LAZARUS Golf Irons
  • Clevand UHX Iron 

Conclusion

Both cast and forged irons have their own unique characteristics and can be used effectively by golfers of different skill levels. Ultimately, the choice between the two types of irons will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. 

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about forged and cast irons.

Are forged or cast irons better?

The ultimate decision when choosing forged vs. cast irons comes from personal preference and play style. Forged or cast clubs could be a better fit for your game, depending on the type of golfer you are. Beginners who want to improve their game should choose forged irons, while cart irons are ideal for those who want more forgiveness.

Are forged irons harder to hit?

Yes, forged irons are harder to hit than cast irons. This is because of the smaller sweet spot. When using forged clubs, you require more precision to hit the ball consistently.

Do any pros use cast irons?

Yes, some pros use cast irons, but most professionals prefer forged clubs. Bubba Watson is one of the few pros who use cast irons and is known for switching between forged and cast clubs.

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