Forged versus cast — what’s better? The key differences are production process, feel, shape and cost. Forged irons are carved from a single piece of metal while cast irons are made by pouring hot metal into a mold. Forged irons are notorious for a superior butter-like feel when struck properly. Cast and forged irons can be similar in shape, but cast irons will veer for larger sizes to help high-handicap players get the ball in the air. And forged irons typically cost more, although I once bought a nice set of Mizuno T Zoid Pro Forged Irons at Play It Again Sports for $100.
It’s often suggested that beginners should play with the more forgiving cast irons. I currently play Miura forged irons and find them just as forgiving as the Taylor Made cast irons I grew up on. I’m not convinced that cast irons are more forgiving than forged irons, but even if they are — perhaps it would be better to groom a young player on a more challenging set of irons. It would promote concentration, right? It would force them to make a good swing and not rely on the latest-greatest golf gimmick. I often wish I’d been handed a set of Mizuno MP-29 forged blade irons as a kid and sent to the range to figure it out.
How to choose? This decision requires thought and patience. Take some time and hit as many irons as possible over the course of a few weeks. Check out all the brands: Taylor Made, Callaway, Ping, Titleist, Miura, Cobra, Epon, Mizuno, Cleveland, Honma and others. Hit cast and forged irons and decide for yourself — there isn’t a right answer — it’s a feel decision.
Here are two new forged options from Titleist: the new 620 CB (cavity back) and MB (muscle back) irons. Available for fittings beginning August 8 (and in golf shops Aug. 30), 620 CB and MB designs feature progressive blade lengths, with compact short irons progressing into slightly larger blade lengths at the long end of the set. The profiles of 620 CB and MB have also been matched to make for seamless transitions for the growing number of players with mixed CB and MB sets.
Our advice: visit a facility with a lot of options and try them all — these new ones from Titleist included.
Book a fitting: titleist.com
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