Having the right iron can greatly influence the outcome of a round of golf, but with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to try and pick one. So, which is better – a hollow body iron or a cavity back?
Hollow body and cavity back irons both feature technology designed to improve a golfer’s yardage and accuracy. Hollow back ions have a hollow body and a wide club head; cavity back irons have a hollow section at the bottom and a thick sole.
Trying to choose between hollow body and cavity back irons? This article will explain the differences between the two and help you come to an informed decision.
Are Hollow Body and Cavity Back Irons the Same?
Hollow body and cavity back irons have important distinctions between them that you should know about before choosing one or the other. Here are some features you should know about:
| Feature | Hollow Body Irons | Cavity Back Irons |
| Head | Wide | Hollowed-out club head, wide |
| Sole | Medium | Thick |
| Price | Approximately $200 for an individual iron | Approximately $200 for an individual iron |
| Skill Level | Good for beginners, best for game improvement | Good for experienced players, but not for professionals |
| Benefits | More forgiving with mishits | Increased yardage and accuracy |
Hollow body golf irons are made from two separate pieces that are welded together. They feature a hollow body and a wide club head, so they are best for beginners who don’t have an established swing yet. The hollow body reduces the amount of vibration throughout the iron, which is ideal for mishits. Hollow body irons are known as game improvement irons because they provide more forgiveness than other irons, including cavity back designs.
Cavity back irons have a hollow section at the bottom of the iron, which shifts the center of gravity and adjusts the moment of inertia, so you’ll be able to achieve some distance even if the strike wasn’t perfect because the sweet spot is larger. Many of these irons also have thicker soles that allow them to slide through turf and grass easily.
Hollow Body and Cavity Back Irons: Which Is Better?
Ultimately, whether the hollow body or cavity back irons are better depends on the golfer’s skill level. Hollow body irons are designed for beginners and golfers who haven’t yet established an accurate and powerful swing because they offer a lot of forgiveness with mishits. On the other hand, cavity back irons offer some forgiveness, but they are meant for players with more experience.
Therefore, I recommend getting hollow back irons if you are just starting out and want a club that is easy to swing and provides some forgiveness if you happen to hit the ball off-center. If you are an intermediate golfer, you’ll likely prefer the feel and forgiveness of a cavity back iron. Both types of irons are similar in price, so that shouldn’t factor too much into your decision.
Conclusion
Improving golf technology throughout the years has created an opportunity for golfers to choose from various equipment types to set themselves up for success. Beginner golfers will benefit from the swing ease and forgiveness of a hollow body iron. In contrast, more experienced players will have a better experience with the shifted center of gravity of a cavity back iron.