What is the difference between a smooth pan like Stargazer and a Lodge?

Across the reviewers we read, Lodge pans ship with a rougher sand-cast surface that smooths and becomes more non-stick over time, while Stargazer is machined smooth from the start. r/castiron users consistently call the Stargazer surface 'the smoothest thing ever,' though some Facebook-group users report it can be slower to hold seasoning. Both sear well; the difference is upfront non-stick feel and price.