Cast vs. forged irons: Which option is best for your game?

If you’re in the market for a new set of clubs, there are a lot of decisions you need to make. First off: What kind of player are you? Are you a higher-handicap player looking for clubs with maximum forgiveness, or a single-digit seeking superior feel and feedback? Are you a brand loyalist, or are you open to testing a number of models to find the right one for you?

And even once you know exactly which brand you plan to put in the bag, there are other important customization decisions to make. Graphite or steel shafts? How much flex? The list goes on!

As you browse through available options, you may find other descriptors that you aren’t sure about: namely, irons that aee cast versus forged. What do these terms mean, and how can you decide which is best for your game? I asked True Spec’s Marc Roybal to weigh in.

Irons

“The difference between cast and forged irons is the manufacturing process,” he said. “Forged golf clubs are made from a single billet of metal and hammered or stamped into shape. Cast clubs are made from liquid metal poured into a mold.”

And what does this mean from a performance perspective?

“There isn’t a specific player that benefits from either,” Roybal said. “Historically, forged golf clubs were mainly for the elite players. With manufacturing processes improving, there are now plenty of forged golf clubs that fit the higher-handicap player.”

So when it comes to selecting clubs for your own game, what’s the best way to decide between cast and forged options? 

“There is no right or wrong to this question,” Roybal said. “There are plenty of cast and forged irons and wedges that work for every level of player. Generally, a forged golf club will provide a softer feel, while and the cast may feel more firm.”

With that in mind, the best way to decide is to test a few different models to see which you prefer. Check out some popular cast and forged iron options below. And when you’re ready to dial in on the best equipment for your game, click here to find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Forged irons

Titleist 2025 T100 Custom Irons

Unmatched precision meets unrivaled feel with T100 Irons. Fully forged with more aggressive grooves in the mid/short irons, T100 offers pure player’s feel with improved consistency in variable conditions. Now with higher long-iron launch for optimal trajectory control in every club. Forged Player’s Design   Masterfully forged into a pure player’s design that offers precision control and buttery feel. Superior Flight and Stability  Split High-Density Tungsten produces optimal CG with remarkable stability for precise shotmaking. Consistent Speed & Spin  New VFT technology and progressive groove design for consistent spin and speed across the face in variable conditions. Elevated Long-Iron Launch  Lower CG and a new muscle channel help improve peak height and carry. 

$215 from Fairway Jockey

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PING Blueprint S Custom Irons

Developed following extensive testing with PING’s top tour pros to meet their “must haves” — control and precision — Blueprint S delivers the score-lowering performance demanded by the best players in the world. COMPACT SHAPE The compact shape fits the discerning eye with a thin top line and minimal offset. The 8620 carbon steel head boasts a clean cavity design, distinguished by an eye-catching forged textured pattern and hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish. PRECISION POCKET FORGING This patented forging technique allows PING to forge a pocket into the cavity of the 3, 4 and 5 irons. The pocket saves 10 grams of weight, which is re-allocated to increase the MOI and optimize the center of gravity position for more distance and trajectory control.

$212.5 from Fairway Jockey

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Miura KM-700 Custom Irons

Our newest model epitomizes Katsuhiro Miura’s endless pursuit of perfection. While drawing on 65 years of design excellence, Miura-san also nurtured the input of the talented Miura craftsmen. The result is a model so special, you can find his personal Hanko stamp each iron.  The KM 700. Miura irons are highly regarded  for their ability to deliver performance on off center hits. The KM 700 has taken this to another level. The innovative toe-cut grind works in concert with the hosel / heel to optimize the center of gravity position, effectively producing a  larger “sweet spot”.  The toe-cut grind is also visible on the sole. It delivers a stable head, optimized impact loft, and unparalleled turf interaction all while promoting a return to square at impact. This revolutionary club head design will benefit golfers of all levels. MATERIALPremium S20C Soft Carbon Steel FINISHSatin Chrome

$400 from Fairway Jockey

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Cast irons

Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal HL Custom Irons

Combined with Mizuno’s vibration controlling V-Chassis and deep CG design, the JPX923 Hot Metal irons are as enjoyable and controllable as they are long. A higher launching option for players with moderate swing speeds or aggressive shaft lean. Introducing Nickel Chromoly A new material with so much additional ball speed, our engineers switched their focus to feel and stopping power. 35% stronger than our original Hot Metal material, 4335 Nickel Chromoly enables a high-energy 8% thinner clubface.

$137.5 from Fairway Jockey

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TaylorMade Qi HL Custom Irons

Take your game to new heights with the Qi HL irons. Centered around an ultralight components package and increased lofts, this set configuration is designed to improve clubhead speed, launch higher and deliver more carry distance at moderate swing speeds. NTEGRATED DESIGN SYSTEM  This suite of technologies allows us to optimize each individual iron head. Driven by organic face geometries, Cap Back™ Design and the Speed Pocket™, this comprehensive approach tunes the performance of each head to promote ideal gapping, exemplary ball speeds as well as consistently straighter shots throughout the set. FLTD CG™ FLTD CG™ strategically positions the center of gravity (CG) lowest in the long irons and progressively shifts higher throughout the set. The design produces better launch and playability in long irons with increased control in the scoring clubs. 

$142.99 from Fairway Jockey

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