By Leonard Finkel
A club study was recently conducted in Club Champion studios. Players hit five shots using both the 2018 and 2016 Cobra King Forged Tec Irons. The 2018 model has tech upgrades, but did it really perform better?
Here’s how the newest model stacked up against the older version. The results showed a 12.1-yard increase in distance, a ball speed improvement of 1.2 mph and a higher launching trajectory with a max height improvement of 5.0 yards in the new Cobra King Forged Tec Irons versus the older 2016 model. Yes, technology does make a difference.
Why the difference? We spoke with Cobra Puma Golf VP of R&D Tom Olsavsky to understand what produced these improvements. Cobra incorporated several technologies to accomplish the performance gains. First, even though the face is thinner, it has a higher strength, which delivers a lower center of gravity (CG) and a bit more speed off the face. Club Champion testing verified that added speed is definitely beneficial. Olsavsky also points out, “We’ve added tungsten, which moves the CG lower. That’s always good with an iron, as most shots are hit low off the face, especially off the ground. Shots are going to go further with a higher launch.” Tungsten also produces greater inertia along with the lower CG.
The final change incorporates a carbon fiber TPU medallion system in the back, which enhances the desired feel. Normally a thinner face can cause a harsher feel, added vibration, as well as a somewhat unusual sound. But this technology dampens the vibration and sound without slowing down the face.
Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.