Definition: Musclebacks are irons that have a full back of the clubhead, as opposed to a cavity back iron in which the center of the back of the clubhead has been hollowed out to redistribute weight around the perimeter of the clubhead. Musbleback irons are usually forged, although they can be cast. They provide greater feedback to a golfer, but require the golfer to contact the ball with the center of the clubface with great consistency. There is more loss of distance on off-center strikes with musclebacks than with cavity backs, which is why musclebacks are usually played only by lower-handicappers.
(For more, see the FAQs:
• How do cavity back and muscleback irons compare?
• How do cast and forged irons compare?
• Do musclebacks make it easier to "work" a ball than cavity backs?)
Also Known As: Blade, blades, full back
Alternate Spellings: Muscle back
