Cobra's game-improvement range gets a 3D makeover with the new KING irons

In case you didn't quite get the memo, Cobra is forecasting 2026 as the year 3D printing hits the golfing mainstream.

Having helped pioneer the use of the technology in the production of its LIMIT3D irons a few years back, Cobra doubled down on the tech last year with the launch of its first main-line 3DP Tour irons. It would then go on to add to this range last week with two new 3DP iron models, which boast an incredibly premium look, incredible feel and unprecedented forgiveness given their more compact package.

The main drawback of the 3DP range is its eye-watering £1900 price tag, however fear not – Cobra is ensuring no customer is left out of the 3D revolution thanks to the launch of its brand new KING game improvement irons.

The KING irons represent an entirely revised approach to Cobra's game-improvement program, which in recent years has seen them largely releasing irons branded to match their flagship driver range. The return of the KING branding is a welcome one and differentiates this new range nicely from the more premium 3DP line without making it feel like a simple driver tie-in. 

As such, the standard KING irons replace last year's DS-ADAPT as the standard game-improvement model, while the KING MAX irons enter the line-up in lieu of the DS-ADAPT MAX as the brand's super game-improvement option.

So what's new, and more importantly where does 3D printing come in? The answer lies in the black latticed insert that lies in the back of each, which is also 3D printed (from high-density plastic rather than metal, obviously) and works in much the same function as the lattice does on the 3DP range, redistributing mass in the back of the club to push its CG down (by 2mm to be exact) and make for more effortless launch.

 “We are huge believers in 3D-printed technology,” said Jose Miraflor, VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections at Cobra Puma Golf. “Using 3DP to reposition the CG of the new KING and KING MAX irons perfectly illustrates our dedication to continuing innovation and makes them our most advanced max-game improvement irons to date.”

The KING irons draw on some of the tech that has made their previous game-improvement models so successful, most notably the SPEEDSHELL 360 face insert which helps produce uber-hot speeds across the face. The DS-ADAPT's internal weight, suspended inside a shock-absorbing polymer, also makes a return – however the new weight is a full 15g heavier to help generate even more speed while the polymer deadens vibrations to provide crisp, cushioned feel on all shots.

The other major step forward comes at the very bottom of the club, with Cobra introducing a new SKID SOLE design to aid turf interaction and improve forgiveness even further. This effectively comes in the form of a pre-worn leading edge, which provides added bounce and a flatter mid-sole area that pulls the club's natural resting point, and CG, lower to the ground.

As is the norm with game-improvement irons, the two models are distinctly different in shape and build to cater for different types of player. The KING is slightly more compact (although still far larger than the 3DPX), with a fairly conventional profile and a thicker top-edge to aid forgiveness. The KING MAX is even chunkier, with added offset and weaker lofts to help high handicappers and game improvers achieve even easier launch with a straight ball flight.

Both models will hit retail on February 6 at a price of £699 for a 5-PW set.