Cast Gap WedgeS or Forged?

[harpo_72]

With all the tuning technology is it worth dumping the forged wedges and going cast for groove longevity?
I had a Cleveland 588 many years ago, the snob in me said it’s cast it’ll be pants.. but reality was it was awesome on all levels and only left the bag when I upgraded my irons and it’s loft didn’t fit.

 

[Imurg]

Most wedges are cast these days
Ping do a forged one but the vast majority are cast...
And most people can't tell the difference.?.

 

[Foxholer]

It's much more about other attributes of a wedge than whether it's forged or cast imo.
Vokeys are almost all cast (forged ones for Japan market/bias) and are trusted by top Pros.
588s were fantastic wedges! Cleveland's subsequent efforst were disappointing in comparison.

 

[clubchamp98]

I play Callaway MAC Daddy’s.
They were forged until recently .
The MD5 is Cast and is as good as the forged ones If not better.
TBH I can’t tell the difference, and I use it a lot.

 

[tugglesf239]

Can’t tell the difference in a wedge but really can in a iron.

I’ve used recent Cleveland’s which are a bit clicky for me but performed well.

Then had SM7s which were the best feeling wedge I’ve hit

Now my Vega high end Japanese forged VW raw wedges feel exactly the same as my old rtx 4 Cleveland’s did. They perform amazing. Balls just stop dead on the green which pitching or longer chips etc.

Sadly though I ballsed up the gapping and am flogging my Vegas as the gap between PW and 52 is huge for me.

So recently bought some Sm8’s with better gapping.

In summary, in wedges, I really don’t think it matters squat.

In irons, it does, for me personally. Feel and predictability mainly.

 

[harpo_72]

So are the sm6 wedges cast ? Are they cast from soft steel?

 

[tugglesf239]

So are the sm6 wedges cast ? Are they cast from soft steel?

Think you could get a forged version

Majority of vokeys are cast from steel. Albeit a very very soft casting.

 

[harpo_72]

Think you could get a forged version

Majority of vokeys are cast from steel. Albeit a very very soft casting.

That’s interesting, the gorge wedge I picked up off golf bidder was used but okay. Spin levels seem reasonable I think I will investigate further the materials as the durability is key .. you just can’t keep throwing £180 after 3 wedges every 2-3yrs it’s just not sustainable

 

[KenL]

A forged wedge won't last very long especially if using from bunkers.

 

[robinthehood]

It's just a manufacturing process. I know people like to pretend they can tell the difference but it doesn't make any difference in how they play.

 

[harpo_72]

Okay so if they are cast then machined why are they so expensive ? My understanding is the softer steels are cheaper so the expense should still be reduced further.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Mostly played cast and never had any issues irrespective of make

 

[robinthehood]

Okay so if they are cast then machined why are they so expensive ? My understanding is the softer steels are cheaper so the expense should still be reduced further.

Well for vokey you're paying for a name....

 

[Imurg]

Grooves are possibly cut differently
Many have these micro grooves between the main grooves.
Sole grinds will take more time
And maybe the softer metal costs a bit more....

I'm guessing.

 

[USER1999]

Forging is a more expensive process, but you get nearer the finished article more quickly. Casting is a cheaper process, but needs more expensive finishing / machining.

Swings and roundabouts.