Forged iron- how long do they last?

I was wondering how long you can typically use a set of forged irons before they start to lose some of their effectiveness or suffer in performance. Or do they not lose it at all. Thanks

Need to check loft and lies annually depending on how much you play. But they should last a v long time if properly cared for.

thanks for the response. My forged irons are 10 years old and I have never had them checked. Might be time for a tune up......or an iron change

Can last for ever depending on care and type of soil you are playing in. Sandy stuff will wear things out much faster than heavier dirt dirt (for lack of a better way of describing...).

Thanks. I bought them used on ebay so I don't know where the previous owner used them but my rounds are more soil than sand for sure here in the midwest.

On golfwrx? Usually about two months.

Until you wear the faces out.

If you hit a lot of sandy range balls, they'll wear out faster.

I've played about 150 rounds, and hit a few hundred buckets over the last 6 years, and mine have virtually zero wear on them. When hitting at a grass range, I clean the faces after every shot.

Which includes iron covers. At least it always has for me.

Long time in a garage. Less if played. Will depend on the condition of your course. Sandy reduces lifetime. My MP5 are about two years old now and still look and play great. I play about three to four times a week through the year, bit less in the winter.

Depending on how much you play, you should have them checked at least every offseason. I usually play 36 a week spring - fall, with somewhat limited range time, and usually get L/L checked mid-season and offseason.

Do you ever notice any changes?

I bought a set of used Cleveland TA-3 Form Forged irons in 2002 and used them until spring of last year without any ill effects.

If you beat dirty/sandy range balls and don't clean the surface after each shot, the faces will wear pretty fast. If you hit clean practice balls, with clean clubfaces, the irons will not wear too fast.

Have been playing my Mizunos since 2011 at 40-60 rounds/year and range practice a few times per week, primarily in the Midwest. The faces of 8-P are showing some wear, but in general they are in great shape and have been very durable. They show more wear at this point than my prior Pings, but Ping irons are essentially indestructible. Dry your clubs after playing in the rain and clean them in general when you play and they will last longer than your interest in them.

Agree with comments above on checking loft/lie periodically. Hitting balls off mats will make loft/lie changes happen more quickly, hitting sandy range balls will make faces wear more quickly.

This. They last till someone comes out with new irons. Usually 1-2 years. ?All kidding aside like others have said depends on how you take care of them and soil type. More sand in the soil and balls hit less life to live. Keep them clean and they will last a long time.

I went a full season once and the club builder who checked and adjusted them said some of the lofts were off by as much as 2 degrees. He didn't say anything about the lie angles, but I wouldn't be surprise if some had to be adjusted also.

Good info...I'm starting to notice an odd gaping in my irons between 140 and 170 yards....Makes me wonder if all the range time (with mats sometimes) is throwing them off slightly. Looks like I know what I am doing next rainy day.

If the irons that have seemingly gotten shorter or longer are clubs your frequently use on the course or in practice, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they've shifted in loft.

A woman collegiate golfer used our club as her home course. She played forged Mizuno irons, and said she got the loft and lie checked twice a year: once at Christmas time, and a second time before the summer amateur tournaments started.

My friend still plays his MP-14s which he bought new in the early 90s. Grooves are gone on 7 thru PW BUT they still hold the green with no issues.

Like others have said on here soil conditions and sandy dirty balls will have a lot to do with it. Also softer irons like Mizuno and Miura etc down here in our sandy salt air environment tend to wear faster. Most used Mizuno irons I see here tend to wear just as Buzz mentioned on the 7 thru PW especially MP-33s. I played the same set of Macgregor VIP blades for over 25 years and that was back when I played comp and I hit balls and played everyday but finally wore the 8 thru PW out

We have a contingent of retirees at a neighboring course here that mostly play Eye 2s. The play darn near everyday. One guy has a set he has played since they were new. Like you said they are virtually indestructible. But as you well know the difference in feel between them and the Mizunos are the difference between night and day.

I have a friend who bought the Ping isi irons when they came out. They have zero noticeable wear and, even more incredible, the original ping grips are as good as if they are brand new. I don't know which ping grips they are but they are still perfect. He has played hundreds of rounds and many range sessions with these.

The pure feedback and feel of forged irons only gets better over time. A bit like cheese or a fine red wine. ?

For me I buy a set every 2 years because I do wear them out, I play 3-4 times a week and do practice

I have forged irons from the 1980's that I still play with from time to time and know others that do too.

Biggest contributor to wear is hitting the next ball while the face still has sand/dirt on it. This most often happens on the range as we get locked in to hitting shot after shot. If you don't want to wipe it down with a towel after each shot, at least give it a swipe with your shoe to take some of the grit off.

Hit relatively clean balls with a relatively grit-free club face and clubs will last an enormously long time, even with lots of play and practice.