Forged or cast?????

I REALLY need some new clubs. I have been hitting my clubs from high school! Thats 25 years…Wilson Executives! But I feel like there’s too much out there to choose? Where does one start?

Before buying my new set, I realized that the old set just wasn’t doing it for me, and that even a moderately priced new set would work better. I was using an OLD set of MacGregor forged irons that I’d used for 20+ years!

Not being a highly skilled golfer, I figured I’d need to get something that was perimeter weighted with a cavity back, and that worked for me. I guess the real choice boils down to whether you want more feel or forgiveness… which would make the difference between forged or cast.

I wasn’t sure that I wanted to spend a good chunk of money, so I went to a reputable sporting goods store and bought a good quality set off the rack – just some swinging to see whether they felt okay. For the money I spent (less than $200), I ended up with an acceptable set of clubs – and I’ll know it’s a solid set to give my son if I choose to upgrade.

I’d also give some thought to how you feel about your long irons. I’ve seen sets with hybrids in the 3-5 iron range and they look interesting, particularly if long iron shots are an issue. I only carry a 3 hybrid (it came with the set), and I’m really happy with it—so much so, that I’m looking at various hybrid clubs to fill the 2 iron area.

My first (2) sets of clubs were cast THEN I decided to upgrade to “forged”. At the time (1992), I chose the RAM FX2 PRO-Set (2-SW) with stiff steel shafts VS the Ben Hogan Forged Edge cavity back irons. I had been playing with this set the past 15 years! Over time, I have developed tendinitis in my left elbow & have read articles that graphite shafts will help alleviate the pain.

This past summer, I have purchased (2) similar sets of regular flex graphite shafted “hybrid” clubs. These clubs are NOT name brands clubs (Name brand clubs are overrated !!!) How do I know? I am a NON-PAID club tester for a So. California manufacturer. I do receive “credits” which I can redeem for their clubs. AS A CLUB TESTER, I AM ABLE TO TEST THE LATEST & GREATEST FROM VARIOUS MANUFACTURERS EQUIPMENT ON THE “TRACKMAN” which calculates pinpoint accuracy (Swing Speed, Ball Speed, Degree of Launch, Apex (Height), Ball Spin RPM’S etc). The NON-name brand clubs I purchased are not ANY different than the MAJOR equipment companies! I am still able to work the ball when I need to (Draw, Fade, Cut, High or Low), similar distances.

With that said, I did not BUY off the rack per say. I purchased a set of matched Hybrid Irons 5-PW which are (cast vs forged) THEN filled in the remaining clubs with a 56* & 60* wedges. My long Irons 2,3 & 4 are Iron-Woods with degree of loft’s at 18, 21 & 24* to fill out the set. I’m having an easier time playing golf, I’m scoring better & soon I’ll be back to a single digit handicap!

If your thinking about getting a new set of clubs, you MUST GET CUSTOM FITTED! I cannot stress this enough. Often, the custom fitting costs the same as the sets on the rack. Go to a local golf pro and tell him your interested in a new set of irons. They will be more than happy to bring you out to the range and pound some balls off a lie board. They will determine the right set of clubs for you, cavity, blade, offset, forged, cast, etc.

Custom fitted clubs won’t make you play 10 strokes better but they will be comfortable, be more forgiving, and reinforce good swing habits. I think John Daly one time said, “The worst mistake that amatures make is that they don’t get custom fitted.” I got custom fitted 3 years ago and it was well worth the time and MAYBE a few extra bucks.

I agree, get fitted. There’s nothing worse than seeing someone drop a grand on a new set of irons that are just wrong for their swing. Like agm said, it won’t change your game, but it will be a whole lot more comfortable. As far as forged or cast, don’t know if that really matters as much as finding the right club for you. What’s your handicap? Are you trying to increase distance, improve accuracy, be more consistent? Those are the types of questions you need to ask yourself (and a golf pro) when considering what you should buy.

Thanks for your help all. Today (before reading your latest posts) I went to Roger Dunn-our local golf mega store and spent some time with an incredibly helpful and honest fitter. I told him my story and he steered me away from the “new clubs” and picked out a few sets of older cavity backed irons. I swung a 7 iron from all three sets and decided on the Ben Hogan Apex set. They all felt good-better than the cast dinosaurs I have been using-but these felt right. Now I also hit some X-20’s and Mizuno’s but they were SO much more money. For the price he said ($350) I was getting a great set of clubs. He also showed me two wedges he had set aside (ironically) that had recently come in. Both Hogan Riviera models- cast 54 and 58 deg. Brand new -beautiful.

I am excited to play these out on the course and see the difference. I also learned that I was using the wrong shafts as well. With my swing speed he recommended stiff shafts-come to find out I had been using regular…that explains a lot!

He also gave me a great deal on a used R5 3 wood I couldn’t pass up….the great thing is that they offer a 90 day full credit on all their clubs. So if I find out I made the wrong choice-I can make another one. No questions…

Will keep you updated. Thanks again guys.

Ah yes, the Hogan Apex….great set. Just remember, even if you begin to struggle with the clubs, keep with them. I see so many people constantly go back for new clubs hoping to find the “magic set”. They would just be better off sticking to what they got, especially if they have been fitted. Then again, sometimes it’s a mental thing, and a different set makes the mind to wonderful things… :-)

I love the Hogan Apex. One of my friends plays with a set and I always hit them on the range. Those and the Armour 845’s are just timeless irons. Glad you got a good deal!

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