The new one COBRA KING Edition Black irons signals the official start of the end for COBRA’s current KING TOUR and CB/UK cuffs.
This is not as ominous as it seems.
For the past decade, OEMs with a life cycle of more than two years have given their irons a final year boost by offering them in black. It is the rite of passage of an iron group. You’ve done your job, so it’s time for a little cosmetic change to jumpstart sales until your replacement is ready.
Which, if history is any guide, should be sometime between this January and next fall. We’re heading into fall.
So yes, on the one hand, it’s a blatant cash grab. On the other hand, they almost uniformly look really, really cool.
With that, here’s what you need to know about the new COBRA KING Black Edition TOUR and CB/MB irons.
They’re black, all right
If you are looking for any other changes or improvements, don’t worry. These are the same as the chrome versions of COBRA KING and COBRA CB/UK iron, black finish only.
And please, please, please, let’s not bother with the “it’ll be over after two remote sessions” nonsense. COBRA has traditionally used the ultra-durable Diamond Black Metal (DBM) finish or fits black irons. DBM is unique in that it chemically penetrates 1025 mild carbon steel, which literally turns the metal black to a certain depth. DBM also makes the front a touch harder for better overall durability and longevity.
While it is an outdated and misinformed attitude, golfers tend to dismiss black conclusions. Go back about 15 years to the black oxide and black nickel finishes and you have a point. They would start to wear as soon as you removed the plastic from the club head. But DBM and the equally stable QPQ (Quench-Polish-Quench) are extremely stable, followed by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) which, while not in the same league as the other two, is much better than get credit for.
COBRA KING Black Edition Cuff: Two models, maybe four
COBRA offers two stock models of COBRA KING Black Edition irons. You can get a full set of COBRA KING TOUR irons or a progressive set of COBRA KING CB and MB irons (4-6 in CB, 7-PW in MB). These are stock offers and will only come with the right hand.
The COBRA KING TOUR irons have a larger head and are more forgiving than the KING CB and MB irons. COBRA machines an undercut in the hollow to lower the CG and add some girth weight. The bottom is filled with TPU to help improve sound and feel. The KING TOUR irons also have stronger lofts (by two degrees) for more distance.
The CB/MB is more compact throughout with a thinner topline and sole, shorter blade length and minimal offset. They are among the most playable in each category, with MBs a surprisingly easy blade to hit.
You can also get a full set of Black Edition CBs or a full set of Black Edition MBs (RH only) if you want, but that will be via custom order. Left-handers can custom order a complete set of KING TOUR Black Edition irons or complete CB or MB sets through custom order.
A black Crossline Lamkin grip is standard as is the KBS $-Taper shaft in a black PVD finish. Other axles are available through COBRA’s custom department.
Five-step forgery
Most forged irons are made using a four-step process. COBRA (and several others) use a five-step process. To save you the math, this is an extra point of the forging hammer.
The first three steps are rough forging. A carbon steel cap is heated to nearly 2,200 degrees F and hammered into the approximate shape of a golf club. The head cools to about 1,500 F while 1,200 tons of pressure refines the shape and adds logos and detail lines. The fourth step sees the head cooled to 1,300 F and then hammered with 2,000 tons of pressure to create a uniform grain structure in the carbon steel.
The head is then cooled for DMB grinding and finishing.
COBRA says the five-step process allows for more centered CG locations without the need for tungsten or any additional weight.
COBRA KING Black Edition price and availability
If you want a COBRA KING Edition Black iron set, be prepared to pay a $100 price tag. The KING TOUR set will sell for $1,399 for a seven-piece set, compared to $1,299 for a standard chrome set. The seven-piece set is 4-PW, although a 3-iron wedge and blank are available to order.
The COBRA KING Black Edition CB/MB Combo Set (or Flow Set, as COBRA calls it) will sell for $1,299 for a seven-piece set (a chrome set is $1,299). The stock set features the CB in the 4- to 6-iron wedge and the MB in the 7-iron wedge. A 3-iron wedge and blank will also be available by custom order.
Set Flow is available right handed only. Righties can order a full CB or MB set. Lefties will need to custom order the Flow Set or just a MB set.
An all-black Lamkin Crossline is the stock grip and a black PVD KBS $-Taper is the stock shaft.
The COBRA KING Black Edition TOUR and CB/BS irons will be available online and at retail beginning October 18th.
For more information, visit COBRA website.
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