Do Forged Wedges Perform Better Than Cast Wedges ?

John used the Ask Terry button to send in this question :

Q: Do forged wedges provide better wedge shots ? Is a softer metal better for wedges ? I find it difficult to hit my cast sand wedge consistently at a “full swing.” It feels like the club is sliding under the ball, like the ball pops off before I can get a chance to control it.

A: John, the hardness of a wedge, or any iron head, is not whether cast or forged, but what material it is made of. That is one of the great confusions of our industry.

The problem is that most cast irons/wedges are of 431 or 17-4 stainless steel, which is very hard, but casts very easily and predictably, so the foundries love it.

Our wedges, like most of the best ones, are cast of 8620 carbon steel, which is very soft and perfect for these clubs.