Max Homa is using them. Kyle Westmoreland won on the Korn Ferry Tour with them. Is 2025 the year when 3D printed irons hit the mainstream? Cobra is counting on it, coming to market with a new muscleback Tour and X sets that utilize 3D technology in a way that’s truly unique to the club maker.
“Our engineers are unlocking more performance, but out of a smaller shape,” said Jose Miraflor, Cobra’s Vice-President of Product Development. “Small shape, big playability, and when we look at who they’re designed for you’ll find irons that are as forgiving as our King irons, and our testing is showing greater launch and more spin. Nice, wouldn’t you say?”
The goal for Cobra with the three lines is to create irons with more forgiveness and technology, but that don’t sacrifice look and feel. That’s the key of the 3D process. The 3DP Tour irons launched last year, but the two new versions will open the concept up to a wider audience.
Key technologies
3D printing
Obviously, this is the key for the entire line. Cobra started with 3D printed putters before moving into the irons category. The concept is the technology allows Cobra to create an iron that’s different from casting or forging, using a lattice layer created by printing. That results in more weight saving, allowing engineers to move discretionary weight around. That means a smaller iron that offers more forgiveness than you’d expect given the form factor.
Feel, shape, forgiveness
Cobra’s 3D printed irons offer something very similar to forging, which is known for its soft feel and is found typically in irons aimed at better players. However, given the way they are created, 3D printed irons have higher MOI than you’d typically find in forged irons, making them much easier to hit. “This is going to vibrate like a true solid muscle back, which makes a very quiet, very soft sounding, because feel is among the top wants in a player’s iron,” says Miraflor.
One piece
The 3D irons are created in a single piece of printed 316 stainless steel, supported by an internal lattice. Tungsten is used in the heel and toe to create forgiveness. The MB uses 54 grams of tungsten, unheard of in irons this small. “In the X iron, you’re able to have 65 grams of tungsten and position it low in the head to get great performance,” Miraflor said.
Stronger lofts
The 3D printing process allows the X irons to be 2 degrees stronger than the MB, meaning you can mix and match sets, with the longer irons coming from the X set and the MB providing the scoring touch.
Are they for me?
Miraflor says the two new sets—the MB and X—are bringing the technology to the mainstream. The MB set has the look and feel of an iron aimed at better players, but with significantly more forgiveness, allowing players up to a 15-handicap to have the look of an iron typically aimed at those who play closer to scratch.
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