Comparing forged irons vs cast irons in golf can often come down to your preference, confidence, and technique.
Many golfers will start with cast golf irons and then switch to forged golf irons as time goes on. This is a common occurrence and something you might be considering to as a golfer.
While all of this is great, you do need to learn more about forged vs cast irons.
Forged irons are made with a specialized process and can be less forgiving while providing more feel upon impact. This allows golfers to personalize their shots including draws and fades. In comparison, cast irons are less expensive, standardized, and forgiving making them good for beginners.
Whether you are buying forged golf irons or cast golf irons, it’s essential to know what the pros and cons are of each option.
This is the only way you will know which type of golf irons to go with.
This guide is going to make it easier while showcasing the best golf irons, how to choose between cast and forged irons, and what type of golf iron beginners should play with.
Forged Vs Cast Irons Distance Chart
| Type Of Golf Iron | Distance (Average Yards) |
| Cast | 150-190 |
| Forged | 180-220 |
As you can see, the average distance for a forged golf iron is going to be slightly more but that also makes it more erratic.
It is common for golfers to get more with the average distance of a cast golf iron because it is going to be oversized from the face.
This makes it a lot easier to hit the golf ball.
What Is A Forged Iron In Golf?
A forged iron is a specialized type of golf club, which is made using a block of metal that is customized through specific cuts and shaping. This makes it a more expensive option while providing exceptional feedback on golf shots due to how it is set up.
Using a forged golf iron is often a preference for pro golfers.
They like the feel of a forged golf iron and believe it offers a lot more value when it is put to the test.
What Is A Cast Iron In Golf?
A cast golf iron is made of a standard metal that is molded using heat. This is why it is known as a cast iron golf club. It is designed using heat, which is easier to manage and makes it a less costly material.
It is common for beginners to use cast iron golf clubs because they are easier to invest in when starting.
The way these golf irons are made is key. This is how you will understand the difference between forged and cast irons in golf.
Benefits Of A Forged Iron For Golf
1. More Control On The Type Of Golf Shots
When it comes to cast versus forged irons in golf, you need to begin with the main difference as a golfer.
This is noted as being one of the top advantages of a forged iron.
You are going to have a lot more control over the type of golf shots you end up playing. For example, you might want to hit a draw as a golfer and that is not as easy to do with a cast iron golf club.
With a forged iron golf club, it will not be a problem.
Forged golf irons are a lot better to manipulate and that is what makes them a great option.
2. Increased Feel During Impact
As you look at forged vs non-forged irons, you also need to account for how the golf ball feels upon impact.
Let’s assume you walk up to the golf ball to hit it hard.
You are going to notice it a lot more with the forged golf club. It’s going to be a lot more noticeable due to how the metal is shaped. It has the type of feeling you are going to require as a golfer to tweak the golf shot during the swing.
Cons Of A Forged Iron In Golf
1. Easier To Make Mistakes With
With forged or cast irons, you will want to look at potential mistakes that can be made.
Using a forged golf iron means you are opening yourself up to more mistakes. It is common to see intermediate golfers switch to forged irons and they realize it is a lot harder.
Why does this happen?
The sweet spot is not as big, which means as soon as you hit the golf ball, it needs to be from the center. If you are slightly off, the golf ball is going to veer off to one side.
2. Pricey
Forged golf irons are expensive.
When comparing cast golf irons to forged golf irons, you do need to have a budget in mind because sometimes that will decide for you.
Beginners that are just wetting their beaks will want to start with the oversized cast iron golf clubs.
These are good enough.
With forged irons, they are going to set you back a pretty penny. This means you should be certain about your golfing needs before getting a forged golf iron set.
Benefits Of A Cast Iron For Golf
1. Good Sweet Spot
You will need to take a step back and focus on the sweet spot of the golf iron.
When you take a swing at a golf ball, you will need to consider where the clubface makes an impact with the ball.
It has to hit the sweet spot.
Cast iron golf clubs tend to have a bigger sweet spot. This means it is a lot easier to get the golf ball to come off the middle of the clubface.
This is not the case with a forged club iron.
2. Ideal For Beginners
Using cast irons for beginners is highly recommended.
Beginners should use cast irons because they are simply easier to handle. You will want to ensure the golf ball is not swerving to one side as soon as you make contact.
This does happen when you are playing with forged irons. Forged golf irons are not easy to handle but that is not a problem when you are using cast golf irons.
3. More Forgiving
Cast golf irons are also more forgiving and that is why beginners prefer them.
If you are a high-handicapper, you will want to take a look at a cast golf iron because it will yield far better results.
This is due to the sweet spot and how much easier it is to control as a golfer. This alone is worthwhile for those who want to hit the golf ball the right way.
Cons Of A Cast Iron For Golf
1. Average Feel
Cast golf irons tend to have an average feel that you are not going to get with forged golf irons.
As you compare a forged golf iron to a cast golf iron, this is one difference you are going to realize immediately. It is one of the first things pro golfers state when it is time to switch to forged golf irons.
They realize cast golf irons don’t hold up as well due to them not providing enough feel upon impact.
How To Choose Between A Forged Golf Iron And A Cast Iron In Golf
1. Check Your Golf Scores
The main thing you are going to want to take a peek at will be your golf scores. Are you doing well with your scores and continually getting better to the point you are dominating?
This is a good sign you are beginning to progress with your game and you might not be a beginner.
If this is the case, you can then begin to test forged golf irons to see whether or not they work.
2. Test Your Golf Swing
Just like you will want to check your golf scores, you will also want to take the time to test your golf swing at the driving range.
You can also head over to a Topgolf if that is what will work for you.
The premise is that you want to test your golf swing with a good golf iron to see what can be done to improve your game. You might want to buy forged irons because they are going to give you a better feel of the clubface.
Others might want to buy cast golf irons because they are better.
Forged Vs Cast Iron In Golf – Which Is Better For Beginners?
Cast irons are far better for beginners. This is due to them having an oversized sweet spot that is easier to control and allows for mistakes to be made. It is common for beginners to buy a cast iron golf club set because it is affordable too.
In general, when you are starting, it is smarter to buy cast golf irons. They are going to not put a dent in your budget.
The wrong golf iron can lead to mishits.
Forged Vs Cast Iron Handicap
It is recommended for high-handicappers to use cast golf irons. In most cases, mid-handicappers will also want to remain with cast golf irons instead of transitioning to forged irons. Only low-handicappers should be looking at using forged golf irons.
How Do You Tell If An Iron Is Forged or Cast?
Forged golf irons have a smoother surface when running your hand along the surface. It will not have “bubbles” as these are more common with cast irons. It is due to how heat is used when casting the metal.
It is these slight details that also impact the feel of the golf club.
This is why golfers pay a premium for forged irons in golf.
When To Switch From Cast Iron To Forged Iron Golf Club
It’s best to switch from cast irons to forged irons when you constantly have good golf scores and tend to maximize your golf swing using cast irons. This means it is time to graduate to the big leagues and begin using forged irons for golfing.
Forged golf irons will allow you to get a better feel of the golf ball and that is useful when personalizing your golf shots.
Those slight tweaks that you want to make on the golf course will be simpler with the forged irons.
Why Is Cast Iron Not Forged?
Cast iron is not forged because it is a fragile material and cannot withstand the forging process. This is why a specialized block of metal is required for forging to take place as it can be cut and customized as required.
This is why forged golf clubs are expensive in comparison to cast iron golf clubs.
Should You Use Forged Irons For High Handicappers?
No, forged irons should not be used for high handicappers. These are too volatile and not as easy to control for those who are still learning the ropes as a golfer. Golfing with forged irons can lead to serious mistakes in comparison to golfing with cast iron golf clubs.
It’s best to stick to cast iron golf clubs for as long as possible before making the transition to forged irons.
Who Should Use Cast Irons In Golf?
Cast irons should be used by beginners and high handicappers when learning how to play golf. These types of golf clubs have a larger “sweet spot” making it easier for golfers to hit the golf ball as required.
Who Should Use Forged Irons In Golf?
Forged irons should be used by low handicappers and pro golfers. These are a type of golf club that works well for those who have an optimal golf swing and are looking for any possible advantage on the golf course.
The overall feel of the forged iron is great for those who have a resolute golf swing.
Do You Lose Distance With Forged Irons?
Yes, you do lose distance with forged irons due to the reduced sweet spot. Even being half an inch off is more than enough to cut 10-15 yards from a drive. This is why pro golfers are the ones who prefer using forged irons as they can nail a golf swing every time.
Are Forged Irons Forgiving?
Forged irons are not forgiving. They make it quite difficult for golfers to middle the golf ball causing it to veer to one side. Only when your golf swing has been refined and worked on is it a good idea to play with forged irons.
Are Forged Irons Blades?
Not all blades are forged irons. Some blades are made of standard metal and it has more to do with the overall design of the golf club. It’s best to inspect how the golf blade is made before using it.
Final Thoughts
The switch is one of those moments you will begin to change as a golfer and it’s important to time it well.
This is why it’s important to compare forged irons vs cast irons in golf.
Forged golf irons are made through a specialized process where a block of metal is cut and customized. These golf irons are good for low-handicappers and tend to be less forgiving. In comparison, cast golf irons are a standard option where heat is used to mold the metal. These are more forgiving and ideal for beginners.
When it is time to purchase new golf irons, you will want to look at the different types of golf irons on the market. This includes the shaft flex of the golf irons.