Cobra’s King and King Max irons use 3D printing to boost release

Cobra is moving on go all in on 3D printingand their latest set of irons utilizes the technology in a much less intimidating package for the game-enhancing player.

Cobra’s new King and King Max irons, the latest in a long history of Cobra products with that name, are still made from a cast construction, but they feature a 3D printed medallion to help optimize weight position in each head.

“We are big believers in 3D printed technology,” said Jose Miraflor, Vice President of Product Architecture and Customer Engagement at Cobra. “Using 3DP to reposition the CG of the new King and King Max irons perfectly illustrates our commitment to continuous innovation and makes them our most advanced maximum game improvement irons to date.”

Continue reading below for more on the Cobra King and King Max irons, including my take on the release.

What’s really new with the Cobra King and King Max irons — and why you should care

Using 3DP for the game improvement player

WHEREAS innovative iron line 3DP is now Cobra’s flagship option, with solutions for players of all skill levels, some players still prefer the traditional look of a hollow back design at a lower price.

But with many game-enhancing irons, stronger lofts intended to give players a push for distance can also make it difficult for them to get the ball in the air.

This is where Cobra can use its 3D printing technology to give players a boost to get the ball in the air while still playing stronger lofts.

“With that style of iron, since it has a stronger loft, the trends we’ve seen over the years … the stronger lofts don’t make those irons playable for a lot of people,” Cobra senior product line manager Caitlin Farley told GOLF. “So I wanted to make sure we’re making the iron not only fast and long … but also more playable. The lower CG helps get the ball in the air.”

A lower CG is achieved by placing a 3D printed medallion in the cavity of the irons, resulting in a 2mm CG drop in each head.

“We want to make sure it’s creating better performance because we’re using 3D printing,” Farley said. “Not just to put a 3D printed logo on it.”

Built for speed

While optimized weighting takes care of release, a 360 Speedshell face insert allows the face to flex 23 percent more.

This is coupled with an 80g weight suspended at the bottom of the iron in a polymer the company calls a “catapult” weight to maximize energy transfer. Thanks to the weight savings from the 3D printed medallion, the weight of the catapult is 15g heavier than on the DS-Adapt irons.

The polymer also helps dampen vibration and improve sensitivity.

Borrowing from wedge tech

In what is increasingly becoming an OEM focus, the new Cobra King iron sole is derived from Phil Rogers’ famous Cobra Skid Sole wedge.

The slide sole has a pre-coated leading edge and a flatter midsole to help the club sit closer to the ground. This improves launch and contact for many different swing types.

Cobra King 2026 lineup

King Irons

What is it: A classic hollow game improvement iron with an ultra low CG for higher launch.

Who is it for: Players looking for top speed with a little boost on launch for a steeper descent angle.

King Max Irons

What is it: A larger hollow iron, improving the super game with more displacement and higher lofts to give players maximum launch.

Who is it for: Players who need maximum forgiveness and start and fight a part.

My Opinion: A solid game upgrade option

The Cobra King irons will undoubtedly be overshadowed by the 3DP line, but they serve an important role. Not everyone will be able to afford the $330 per head price of 3DP irons, but with the new King irons, they can still take advantage of the technology.

Stronger lofts often come at the price of lower ball flights, meaning more shots hit the green and ricochet. It’s very difficult to keep the golf course in front of you like that.

With the optimized weight in the King Max irons, you can still benefit from stronger lofts, but also get the ball in the air.

Cobra is also doing a show that I really support here separating their game-improving irons from their metalwood lines. That way, they don’t have to force a new product onto the market, allowing people to invest in a King or King Max without the fear of them becoming obsolete so quickly after their purchase. We’re seeing a growing trend towards improving games on a two-year release cycle, and I hope that continues.

It’s also interesting to see this focus on ground and ceiling interaction reach the game-improvement category, as the triple-cut heel and V-heel trend is largely reserved for golfers and distance clubs.

While the 3DP X irons may be out of the price range for some players in this category, the new King and King Max irons offer many of the same benefits, for a friendlier cost.

Price, Specifications and Availability

Cobra’s new King and King Max irons are available for pre-order to begin February 3 and will arrive at retail locations on February 6.

Both sets are available at 5-GW per 999 dollars in steel and 1099 dollars in graphite. King irons are also available in 4-PW.

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