Last May, COBRA released the first commercially available set 3D printed irons. Despite the $3,000 price tag, that first limited-edition batch sold out. Excited about the initial response to a 3D printed iron product, COBRA made additional numberless sets available in August. They sell well too.
So, for the start of 2025, COBRA is re-releasing its 3D printed irons with a new name (3D Printed TOUR) and an updated cosmetic featuring the classic COBRA crown logo.
Why 3D printing?
We covered the benefits of 3D printing irons in detail when we wrote our original story. There’s a lot of good information out there and I’d recommend checking it out for all the details, but here’s a quick summary.
Simply put, the benefit of 3D printing a golf club is that it allows designers to create significantly more complex geometries than is possible with traditional club manufacturing techniques such as forging, casting or even milling.
In theory, 3D printing opens the door to significant performance advances.
Again, this is theory. It will take some time to see how this plays out.
Specifically, 3D printing allows COBRA to create (literally) complex internal lattice structures that save a significant amount of mass while still maintaining the structural integrity needed to survive repeated impacts with a golf ball.
3D printing reduces head weight by 33 percent compared to conventional methods, and this gives COBRA engineers plenty of discretionary mass to distribute around the perimeter.
I know what you’re thinking. Yep, that last part is 100 percent plate for almost every iron story we tell. Where the COBRA story is different is that it is able to strategically distribute a mammoth amount of mass (100 grams of tungsten split between the heel and toe) without increasing the footprint of the irons.
You’re getting the low center of gravity and MOI that surpasses many game-enhancing models, and you’re getting it in a package that’s slightly more compact and with a slimmer topline than COBRA’S KING TOUR iron.
High launch with a lot of forgiveness in a small package is pretty much the Holy Grail of iron design and there really isn’t anything else that comes as close to it as the COBRA 3D Printed TOUR.
More to come
This is COBRA’s third iteration of what is essentially a single model of golfer’s irons, so it’s reasonable to wonder when COBRA will expand its 3D printed offering into other categories. Given the levels of forgiveness that COBRA was able to achieve in a compact player package, imagine what might be possible with a larger, game-enhancing design.
Only the thought is convincing.
My point is that COBRA is just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible. For what it’s worth, my understanding is that his patents around 3D printing are extensive and may give him the freedom to operate all but unchallenged in the space.
If so, 3D printing could prove to be the differentiator that will bring COBRA’s well-earned attention to the market.
Time will tell.
Cobra 3D Tour Printed Irons – Specs, Prices and Availability
Available in both right-handed and left-handed, the COBRA 3D Printed TOUR irons will retail for $2,450 (4-PW). A 3-iron wedge and blanks are available.
The stock shaft is a KBS $-Taper (110g). The stock cap is a Lamkin reticle. Additional shafts and handles are available by custom order.
Retail availability begins March 21.
For more information, visit Cobragolf.com.
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