Cobra Golf has always been a brand willing to push the envelope, but with the new 3DP X irons, it has pushed advancements maybe further than ever before.
Sure, the 3DP X will not be an iron for everyone - no iron can boast that - but I believe it is so far ahead of anything else within its category that dubbing it 'the best iron of 2026' is not an overreaction. Let me explain…
From a technology standpoint, these things are fully loaded! The Cobra 3DP X iron is engineered using advanced 3D-printing technology, specifically a ‘Direct Metal Laser Sintering’ (DMLS) process with 316L stainless steel. At the core of its design is an internal lattice structure that allows for significant weight savings and optimized weight distribution.
Unlike many game-improvement irons that rely on glued face inserts, the 3DP X features a one-piece construction, and the internal lattice supports a thin face design, attempting to offer high performance and forgiveness without sacrificing feel.
To further enhance playability, the iron incorporates tungsten weighting in the toe and hosel. This has been introduced to improve the club's Moment of Inertia (MOI) and stability on off-center strikes, delivering forgiveness that exceeds even Cobra's super game-improvement DS-Adapt Max model.
Interestingly, in terms of where to place them, these irons have almost created a category all of their own, blending a sophisticated aesthetic with performance that feels like a cheat code.
Technically, I suppose they must be deemed ‘game improvement’ - but the incredibly soft feel and slick, minimalist looks make this very difficult to come to terms with - in the best way possible.
Anyone who read my review last year will know that I was absolutely bewildered by Cobra’s early prototype Limit3d irons. I was blown away at how they could look genuinely not far off a blade in profile, but somehow offer the forgiveness of game improvement giants like the Ping G730. I am equally as impressed here.
The 3DP X brings that same "impossible" combination to a wider market, designed specifically, Cobra says, for the 10-20 handicapper - although I think a far wider range of players would find success here.
The first thing you notice visually is that the 3DP X gives off distinct low-handicap vibes from the in-the-bag perspective. Clean and contemporary, but with nods to the tech story from the exposed lattice structure. The overall visual is as premium as it gets.
Furthermore, they look fantastic at address, framing the ball beautifully with enough topline and offset to offer the idea of being user-friendly without it becoming intrusive to the overall package.
The performance is absolutely the main story here, though, and I was blown away. The forgiveness on offer from a feel perspective is quite unbelievable.
I tested the 3DP X irons using my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, and while obviously you will still notice a little distance and spin drop-off on off-center strikes, I have never experienced an iron that feels this good on shots struck from so many parts of the clubface.
I cannot overstate this enough; it is genuinely astonishing. I began to think that I had just become one of the world's premier ball strikers overnight based on the feedback I was getting through my hands, but sadly, once I’d measured my strike locations, it became very apparent that the 3DP X was doing the work for me!
Heel, toe, low or high, every strike basically felt the same - buttery soft. While some players might say they would prefer more 'feedback' of strike, I would implore those voices to spend a session or two hitting these and see if they still value 'feedback' in the same way afterwards!
In terms of the raw data, it also stacks up to any of its peers in the game improvement sector with punchy ball speeds and impressive carry numbers. Spin was probably on the lower end of the spectrum for me, but that is down to the static loft profile.
The lofts are strong for sure, with the 7-iron I tested coming in at 29˚; however, even this shouldn't deter players.
Firstly, due to the CG properties achieved through the 3D printing process and tungsten weighting in the toe and hosel, I found launch - even at these aggressive lofts - pretty easy to come by. Secondly, if you still need a little more flight, you can simply get them adjusted a couple of degrees weaker. Job done.
This iron is nothing short of phenomenal, but creates a fascinating dilemma.
By Cobra's own admission, the forgiveness of this iron exceeds that of their current ‘super game improvement’ iron, the DS-Adapt Max, which begs the question: with the unbelievable looks, feel, and forgiveness of the 3DP X, why would you even consider buying something like the DS-Adapt Max that frankly looks and feels not even in the same league, and isn't as forgiving?
Genuinely, I cannot think of any compelling reason why anyone shopping in the game improvement iron market would look anywhere other than this incredible iron.
Well, maybe I can...
They are expensive. Very expensive, in fact. A set of Cobra 3DP X irons is going to cost you $1980, and not only that, your two thousand bucks will only secure you a six-piece 5-PW set.
While I am not going to try and justify a price tag like that with talk of expensive R&D and complex manufacturing processes, if ever I have tested a set worth breaking the bank for, this is it.
