Why We Like It
You’ve heard the phrase “pound for pound, the best”? That would apply to Cobra’s R&D team. Although outnumbered and out-budgeted by the biggest companies, Cobra continues to innovate in meaningful ways, and this iron is the latest example. The face of the hollow-body irons, designed with the help of a supercomputer, is 1.5 millimeters at its thinnest, providing explosive ball speed. Inside the cavity is a soft polymer (used in underbody coatings in cars) to dampen vibrations. It’s also available in the One Length shaft option, which accounts for nearly 30 percent of Cobra’s iron sales.
Characteristics
- The face is 21 percent thinner than Aerojet predecessor, resulting in more ball speed.
- A weight bar is welded onto a single post, allowing for the bottom of the face insert to flex.
- Grooves are milled into the face to ensure exact specifications.
- 7-iron: 27 degrees; PW: 42 degrees
Highlights
- Top 5 best-looking game-improvement irons, low-handicaps
- Top 5 best-looking game-improvement irons, high-handicaps
- Top 5 best sound/feel game-improvement irons, high-handicaps
- Top 5 best-rated game-improvement irons, middle-handicaps
- Top 5 best-rated game-improvement irons, high-handicaps
Price
$143 per iron
HOT LIST PLAYERS FEEDBACK
Ratings are based on players’ assessments in three key performance areas.
Reviews
The shorter, high-contrast alignment groove encourages tighter focus on the face. Softer feel but shots still spring off with velocity. Forgiving club: Mis-hits have a tighter dispersion.
Wayne, 59, Handicap: 6The thinner topline resembles a players iron at address, but the sole is thicker. Good feel with plenty of energy at impact. Even on mis-hits my trajectory is consistent.
Wesley, 29, Handicap: +1Even weight distribution. Cuts through the turf with crisp contact. The flat back is comfort-inducing as opposed to an open cavity, which can be intimidating at times.
David, 56, Handicap: 13Why Impact Is Critical to Your Iron Play
Consistent shot shape requires one skill above all others: the ability to make flush contact with the ball. It’s the No. 1 fundamental in golf, and without it, this game can be an eternal mystery. Here, Sean Hogan, one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Florida, helps you improve your impact from tee to green.
From the Manufacturer
COBRA DARKSPEED
The all-new Hollow construction of the DARKSPEED irons allows you to push your game to new limits with our longest and most robust iron design.