Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
At bunkered, we take pride in delivering unbiased and independent gear reviews. We want you to know that we do not accept any commission from brands or links featured in our buying guides. We do not accept any commission from brands or links featured in our buying guides, nor do we incorporate any affiliate links.
Cobra is incredibly innovative when it comes to club design. That's shone through most recently in their range of irons.
In their range of traditional irons, the Cobra King Tour range provides incredible levels of forgiveness in what is a player's distance iron. That means you're essentially getting the best of both world's, with a club that is easy to control but not difficult to hit.
Cobra's most recent release is certainly something different. That's a 3D printed iron, named the LIMIT3D range. These are a first of their kind, in that they're a mass-produced 3D printed iron. That doesn't mean they're cheap, or easy to get your hands on, but if you really want to, you can get a set.
The big question is, how does a 3D printed iron compare to a traditionally made iron?
We put them head-to-head to show you the difference.
PROS
- 3D printed lattice structure reinforces the face and saves weight
- 100g of tungsten is added to the head making it super forgiving
- Compact blade shape with a low centre of gravity, for high levels of forgiveness
- Like a game improvement iron on mishits
CONS
- Only 500 sets made and it comes at a cost
If you love the look of a blade but, deep down, know that your game is more suited to a game improvement set of irons, I'm glad to say you're in luck. Before you get too excited, this performance comes at a cost, but if you're willing to spend the money, then it's well worth it.
The fully 3D printed 316L stainless steel body features an innovative internal lattice structure that allows 33% of the overall clubhead weight to be repositioned without sacrificing strength. This unique design, which is only possible using 3D printing, allows for up to 100g of tungsten to be placed in the heel and toe areas of the clubhead, creating a low centre of gravity and an exceptionally high moment of inertia, relative to the shape and size of the club.
The result is a compact blade shape with a low centre of gravity, high forgiveness, and distance comparable to that of a player’s distance or game improvement model like Cobra’s KING TEC or TEC-X irons. Look, we know these irons aren't going to be in every golfer's price range, but if you can get your hands on a set, you'll have the coolest irons in your group, and they'll perform really well too.
PROS
- TPU insert in the back cavity which dampens vibration
- CNC milled grooves for great spin performance
- Back cavity of each iron allows weight to be repositioned for more forgiveness
- Five step forging for a great feel
CONS
- None that we can see
We move onto a more conventional style of iron. The Cobra King Tour delivers that extra forgiveness you expect from cavity back irons.
These are made from 1025 carbon steel, which follows a five step forging process compared to a four step process which other forged irons follow. Once that forging is completed, each clubhead is polished and made ready for the faces and grooves to be precision milled using CNC milling. The King Tour irons feature softer feel, enhanced distance and forgiveness. They feature an aluminium medallion, and a TPU insert in the back cavity which both damp vibration for a more pleasing sound and feel at impact.
The back cavity of each iron allows weight to be repositioned from high centre to lower centre and heel and toe areas of the clubhead, creating better launch and more forgiveness on off-centre hits.
Conclusion
What you have in the Cobra LIMIT3D is a phenomenal piece of engineering. These are essentially a game improvement blade iron, which is hard to wrap your head around.
But, thanks to the lattice internal design, which we have seen in the 3D King Tour putters, it really has allowed Cobra to create something special. The process to make these is incredible. It takes a whole day to do 36 clubheads. The CAD design is put into the 3D printer and the steel particles are lasered together with 2,400 layers being applied in total to create the clubhead. It is time consuming, but the outcome is very impressive.
The Cobra King Tour iron is similar in shape to the 3D printed iron and does deliver distance and forgiveness. But, these are just not quite at the same level as the LIMIT3D irons. The Cobra King Tour irons are aimed at the low-to-mid handicappers who are consistent ball strikers looking for more forgiveness and more distance. These have been put in play by the likes of Rickie Fowler and they helped him back to some better form on the course.
As we touched on before, the level of design in the 3D printed irons makes the price point much higher. With Cobra only making 500 sets of the 3D printed irons, you will be looking at £2,500 pounds for a set. For that cost you get a custom fitting, so you'll be sure these are perfectly suited to your game. The Cobra King Tour’s come in at £1,099 and can be purchased at most retailers where you can also be custom fitted. A much more affordable price point for most golfers.
If you’re a high handicapper that’s dreamed of playing blades your chance is here with the limited edition 3D printed irons. If you’re a mid to low handicapper looking for more forgiveness and distance, while not breaking the bank, the King Tour range is a cracking option.
With the LIMIT3D irons, Cobra has started the future of iron design.
Want all the latest news on the equipment coming in 2024? You should subscribe to our YouTube channel, here!
How we picked
Performance Consistency
We meticulously evaluated each piece of equipment's performance across a number of variables.
Forgiveness and Playability
With golf clubs, our assessment always considered the versatility and forgiveness levels, especially on off-centre strikes.
Innovative Technology
We scrutinise the incorporation of innovative technology in each piece of equipment we review.
Customisation
We consider factors like adjustable features and customisation options available to the buyer.
ALL ABOUT THE OPEN
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses
