Any golfer would know that some of the irons that they play with are forged. The term forged is used very commonly but do you know what it means?
Forged or Cast Irons
The thing is, the playability of forged irons are very important. To understand this, you must know that there is another type known as cast irons. So there really is differences between forged and cast irons and what do each of them imply? There are several questions that you must try to answer which are:
- Which among the two are more playable? Forged or Cast Iron?
- Would forged iron be better for high or low handicappers?
- Would cast iron be better for either one of the handicappers?
It is in the production of the iron
There is a very significant distinction between forged and cast irons. Forged irons are typically an entire piece of metal. This means that from the get-go to the completion of the production, the forged iron is made in its entirety together with the loft and what the end-shape would be. The idea behind this is to ensure that the metal’s grains are forged (pun intended) onto the entire club. What this does to the club is that the forged iron will have better consistency that will give the player a better ‘feel’ to it.
On the other hand, cast irons are different. While forged irons are made from a solid piece of metal, cast irons come from a pre-made mold. This is done through molten metal which is poured into this mold. Such a process is good because it means you can add additional material if required. This includes the need for additional weight or any other purpose needed for the end product.
So, what is a forged iron really?
Forged iron is typically a clubhead that comes from a single metal piece which is quite difficult to determine even if you are an expert golfer. As mentioned, a forged iron can only be differentiated from a cast iron through the production process. The best way to determine if the forged or cast iron is good for you will only be discovered during gameplay and most likely during the swing.
Important facts about forged irons (and cast irons too)
Which iron is better for you and which would suit your game more? The answer varies between every player and that can only be determined through experience. But there are a lot of so-called perceptions that might change your mind. So, before you head out and get a forged iron because someone ‘said so’, here are some facts you must know:
- Forged clubs do not make you a better golfer – There are a lot of technologies involved in the production of golf clubs. The idea behind this is that forged clubs are more ‘traditional’ but modern technology has been able to produce better balance in every club. For beginners, there is no need to be concerned whether you are using a forged or cast iron. Use any club and see which one you like better.
- Forged irons are not harder than cast irons – Cast irons can be made with different material while forged ones are fully made from steel. But then again, this means that you get a sturdier feel to forged irons which would be good for your gameplay once you get the control of this club.
Which then would be better for you?
Golf equipment can come in many shapes, sizes, quality and price. Every golfer will have their own set of preferences. You should first focus on getting the right equipment for you. Perhaps the affordable clubs might make sense for a start and then you start determining which swing is to your liking. Find one with the best weighting design which will then help you to determine or decide if you need a forged or cast iron.
