Cobra has never been a brand to shy away from bold aesthetics or boundary-pushing tech, and the new King irons are a testament to that philosophy.
So, let’s take a look and see if Cobra’s relationship with its high-tech 3D printers has produced one of the best game improvement irons of 2026, starting with the tech story…
Firstly, a multi-piece construction is designed to create a perfect harmony of speed, launch, and feel. At the heart of this design is a lightweight medallion 3D-printed with an intricate lattice structure, which allows Cobra to optimize weight positioning and lower the center of gravity (CG) by 2mm. This works in tandem with an 80g catapult weight - 15g heavier than the previous DS-Adapt model - suspended in a shock-absorbing polymer to boost ball speed and distance.
To ensure this speed translates across the entire hitting area, the 360 Speedshell face insert provides 23 percent more flex than previous iterations. Finally, the updated Skid Sole design features a pre-worn leading edge with added bounce and a flatter mid-sole to improve turf interaction and further lower the CG for enhanced playability.
In terms of the looks, while these absolutely won’t appeal to the purists or traditionalists, I actually really enjoyed the "on-show" tech (which isn’t always the case for me) and futuristic look. It feels purposeful and modern, clearly signaling that these clubs are built for pure performance rather than just nostalgia.
Behind the ball, the shaping is exactly what you would hope for in a game-improvement iron designed for the 10-20 handicap range. The matte finish is a particular highlight, offering a premium look that elevates the overall shelf appeal. However, it is worth noting that the lack of visible loft in the mid-to-long irons - a byproduct of having very strong static lofts - may be a little visually intimidating to some golfers.
Despite this, the clubhead sits nicely on the ground, thanks in part to the updated ‘Skid Sole’ geometry that allows the head to sit closer to the turf. The high-bounce leading edge of the new sole design is a genuinely brilliant addition. For those players who get a little too steep and are prone to the occasional "fat" shot, this shaping choice offers a vital safety net, allowing the club to glide rather than dig into the ground.
I am really starting to buy into Cobra’s 3D-printing concept. Having seen some frankly unbelievable results in the 3DP X iron, it is great to see that technology being utilized, albeit more sparingly, in the King iron.
By using 3D printing for the medallion, Cobra has managed to lower the CG, which yields a higher launch angle and steeper descent for better stopping power on the greens.
In terms of raw data output, you will struggle to find a longer-hitting iron in this category.
I gathered my data on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, and the combination of the heavy 80g internal catapult weight, strong lofts, and the flexible 360 Speedshell face creates genuine power.
Despite those strong lofts, the design focus on pushing the CG as low as possible, still allows them to be relatively easy to launch. If you do find you need even more assistance, the King Max irons sit a couple of degrees weaker amongst some other subtle shaping differences.
The feel is certainly firmer and more robust in these irons than the 3DP X, for example, but it still compares favorably in that regard to many of its competitors in this category. The shock-absorbing polymer suspension for the internal weight does a reasonable job of dampening vibrations, resulting in a perfectly acceptable sound and feel on every strike.
Sadly, I think testing the 3DP X irons may just have ruined every other game improvement iron for me in terms of feel!
Overall, I genuinely did like these irons, and for those players seeking maximum bang for their buck in terms of distance, the Cobra King irons will be tough to beat in 2026.
A seven-piece iron set (4-PW or 5-GW) will set you back £899.
