Cobra’s KING Tour line, which includes the CB, MB lines, along with the already announced Forged Tec and Tec-X irons, showcases the company’s five-step forging process, creating a soft feel demanded by the best players with a newfound consistency that tends to be the focus in cast irons. “The five-step forging process is critical to both the feel produced at impact by each of our new KING irons as well the consistency of performance,” said Tom Olsavsky, Vice President of R&D for COBRA GolfTM. “Players who desire the feel of forged want a soft sensation at impact rather than one that’s overly crisp, and our process delivers the desired sensation.”
Key technologies:
Forging:
Using 1025 carbon steel, Cobra undertakes a five-step process in forging its irons. That’s one more step than used for typical forged irons, and Cobra says that adds precision shaping and feel to the King Tec line. The final step sees 2000 tons of pressure put on the irons at 700 degrees, forming what the company says is “an extremely uniform and isotropic internal grain structure.” The benefit of the fifth step is more precise shaping, flatter clubfaces, and tighter tolerances. In essence, a more consistent iron.
Blending:
The KING Tour irons feature an aluminum medallion and TPU insert in the cavity at the back, creating enhanced forgiveness and added distance. The irons also have CNC undercuts in the back cavity, that allows weight to be repositioned to create optimal launch conditions and more forgiveness. The irons are progressive, meaning the longer irons have deeper cavities for enhanced stability.
Are they for me?
KING Tour irons
With lofts that are slightly stronger (by two degrees), and a lot of technology utilized to make them more forgiving and easier to launch, this is an iron for a better player who still wants the benefits of the latest engineering. You’ll be a little longer and a little straighter, even if you’re a low handicap. Golf is hard—these make it a little easier for the better player.
CB and MB
These are one-piece forgings in the compact shapes demanded by the best players. They feature a thin topline, as you’d expect, with very little offset and thin soles for great turf interaction. The five-step forging process means the center of gravity is precisely refined without the need for added tungsten.
The CB irons, as the name implies, offer a cavity back with a slight offset. And, of course, they can be matched, with some players using the MB in scoring irons and CB in the longer irons.
KING Tec Utility and Hybrid
Utility irons and hybrids each have their supporters. Some like hybrids for the ease of which you can get the ball into the air, though some better players have struggled with hooking the ball. Others like the utility irons as it blends perfectly with their set. Both have their benefits.
Cobra’s King Tec Hybrid line is aimed at players looking for an option off the tee and into longer holes (think par 5s). Adjustable, it is a hybrid that better players will consider, and you’ll find some of the same technology that went into Cobra’s Aerojet driver utilized in these clubs.
Key technologies:
H.O.T Face Technology:
In this case “HOT” stands for “highly optimized topology.” In the case of the KING Tec hybrid, that means the face is optimized for thickness, that results in more efficient spin and speed.
PWRSHELL:
The hybrid features a thin, highly flexible forged ST-118 steel insert that creates a larger sweet spot for faster ball speed and higher launch on shots hit away from the center.
Fiber:
Fiber is utilized in many clubs these days because it is light, allowing weight to be moved to more effective spots on the club. Such is the case with the KING Tec hybrid, which has a crown that is four grams, allowing the weight to be moved low and back, making the club more forgiving.
Aesthetics:
Cobra made the KING Tec sleek with a shorter blade length and little offset.
Is it for me?
This is going to be an attractive offering for those seeking a hybrid that’s a little bit different.
Cobra’s King Tec Utility is aimed at golfers seeking the benefits of a hybrid, but the form and shape of an iron.
Key technologies:
Aesthetics:
A classic muscle back iron, the King Tec Utility looks great at address, with a wider sole for great turf interaction.
PWRSHELL and HOT Face Technology:
Using artificial intelligence, the face is optimized for thickness, increasing ball speed and creating efficient spin.
Expancel Microsphere Foam:
This absorbs any vibrations and helps create a great sound and feel.
Tungsten Weighting:
The heavy tungsten lowers the center of gravity, making it easier to get the ball in the air and improving spin rates as needed.
Is it for me?
If you’re a lower handicap golfer who worries about the left miss with your hybrid, King Tec Utility is a good option to consider. It also comes in a version to fit the One Length set.