Should You Be Playing Forged Irons? Your Guide to Decide

• Footprint: Forged irons tend to have a smaller, more compact head.
• Sweet Spot: A smaller sweet spot means forged irons are less forgiving on mis-hits.
• Workability: Forged irons offer better shot-shaping ability.
• Price: Yep, forged irons typically cost more than cast irons.

Aside from 3D-printed irons (which are still finding their footing), there are two main types of iron construction: forged and cast.

Cast irons are molded by pouring molten metal into a mold, allowing it to cool and harden before it's finished. Simple. Effective. 

Forged irons are like the artisanal craft beer of the golf world—handcrafted with an eye for detail.

So, what’s the difference? Until recently, it was clear-cut, but now the lines are starting to blur. 

Forged irons have long been the choice for better players because they’re smaller, less forgiving, and more responsive at impact. Meanwhile, cast irons were typically the go-to for higher-handicap players seeking forgiveness.

Now technology is closing the gap between cast and forged irons. Some forged irons offer the forgiveness once exclusive to cast irons. Certain cast irons (especially with foam-filled designs) can mimic the feel and aesthetics of a forged club.

Enter the "fauxrged" irons. These hybrids—featuring a forged face but a cast body—are another wrinkle in the story, making the forged/cast distinction even murkier.

Why choose forged irons?

• Shot shaping: If you love working the ball, forged irons are your ticket to draws and fades on command – assuming you have command of your face-to-path ratio.
• Feel: There’s a tactile joy when you strike a forged iron perfectly.
• Feedback: Forged irons give immediate feedback on off-center hits, which can help improve your game ball-striking.
• Aesthetics: Particularly for better players, the smaller footprint and sleek topline make forged irons more appealing.
• Adjustability: You can bend forged irons more easily, tailoring loft and lie to your exact needs.

Here's the catch: Forged irons don’t care about “forgiveness.” They’re about precision. If you struggle with off-center strikes, you might find cast irons more forgiving. They’re noticeably less penal on mishits. Forged irons are for those who can consistently hit the center of the face and want a signature shot shape.

That “feel,” though? That’s what keeps players coming back for more. Forged irons reward good strikes with the kind of satisfaction that no cast iron can deliver. Over time, you may even notice the “bullseye” wear marks on the sweet spot–a badge of honor for elite ball strikers that only shows on forged irons.

Consider forged irons if:

• You’re hitting the sweet spot consistently.
• You enjoy working a draw or fade.
• You’re an aspirational golfer drawn by the prestige and feel of forged irons as you continue to improve.

Logically, forged irons are best for golfers who can consistently find the center of the face. But let’s be real—logic has never been the final word when it comes to golf gear. Golfers are aspirational by nature. We like punching above our weight class.

Personally, I was skeptical when I first tried forged irons. My ball striking wasn’t perfect, but I was curious about all the hype. What I learned is that hitting a forged iron on the sweet spot is addicting. Sure, the misses are a bit tougher than with cast irons, but they’re not as punishing as I’d expected. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from playing with forged irons—even if you’re not a scratch golfer yet.

If the forged feel excites you, there’s nothing wrong with making the switch, even if your handicap doesn’t scream "elite." Just keep an eye on your performance to make sure it’s helping, not hurting, your game. No judgment here.

Let’s not sugarcoat it, forged irons come with a few drawbacks:

• Cost: They’re pricey. Forged irons often run $500 or more above cast irons.
• Durability: They’re more susceptible to damage. A forged iron is more likely to get dinged or scratched, especially from hitting rough surfaces or clanging against other clubs in your bag.
• Forgiveness: As we’ve mentioned, they’re less forgiving. Mis-hits are punished more severely than with cast irons.

It comes down to preference. Do you want something easy and predictable, or are you after something with more finesse that requires more skill to master but rewards you in a way that nothing else can?

Choosing between forged and cast irons isn’t all about performance stats—it’s also about how you want to play. Just remember, golf is a game of passion. Let your heart guide you.