What are the bending limits of forgings?

[littlepoison]

just in case my game ever gets to that level...

I'm sure that this question has been addressed before, especially with a few recent threads expressing dismay that a particular model of forging could not be bent to the extent of either upright or flat angle that the user would need...

So, are we of freakish statures and swing planes screwed when it comes to forged irons? If the manufacturer refuses to factory bend the lie angles to a "materially extreme" degree from standard, would the metalugic consequences be so great that we could not simply take the clubs to an independant builder and have them adjusted by them? It just does not make sense that companies with quality forgings would not offer a limited number of "special lie angle" heads for those that need either very upright or very flat clubs! Sure, I understand that there is significant risk from the cost/benefit standpoint, and the investment in new dies for the forging process, but dang... if there are enough people that are requesting the wierd lie angles, would it not make sense that the manufacturer could try to arrange a special business deal with another forging company that may be willing to make such "special" heads?

[giogolf]

4* in any direction should not be a problem for any decent forged club. I have bent Vokeys which are not forged (8620 Cast Carbon) *5.

[littlepoison]

Thanks, Gio!

 

Would it be the case that most manufacturers would be willing to do that much bending, or would I need to take it to an independent clubmaker?

[taylormadefan]

You need to be careful with certain finishes (like Titleist's carbon chrome) which can crack and spider if you try to bend them too much.

 

It's just a cosmetic issue, but one to consider none the less.

 

Good clubmakers can avoid this, but there are no guarantees, check with your clubbuilder and see what he says.

[littlepoison]

Ahhhhhhhh... NOW I think I see what the issue is... so that would be one of the main issues for someone that really likes the Titleist 735cm's, but decides to go for the stainless model versus the chrome head... I wonder if a club like the Mizuno MP60 has the same cosmetic issues relative to bending... yeah, I think I'll go ahead and consult a clubmaker... IF my game can handle forgings... :)

[taylormadefan]

The stainless will feel harder than the carbon steel chrome, but you can bend them into a pretzel if you want since there's no finish to crack. The stainless are also going to be more durable since they're harder.

 

The chrome, I beleive, Titliest reccomends bending only 2*, but I have heard of careful clubmakers getting 4* lie adjustments out of them without trouble.

[littlepoison]

Thanks TMFan... I will inquire about the bending process with both clubfitters and from whomever I purchase my next set of clubs. I'm swinging a hell of a lot better now than to start the season, and multiple times better than last year. Maybe I'll take the plunge, and force myself to work on hitting the ball more solidly... I like a good challenge :)