Cobra Baffler XL

Brand: Cobra
Game improvement iron: Baffler XL
Best price: £399
Loft: 27-degree Lie: 62.5-degree
Length: 37.25” Swing Weight: D1
Shaft: True Temper Grip: Lamkin R.E.L

Summary: Cobra Baffler XL irons were designed with the intent to make golf easier for players seeking maximum game improvement and forgiveness in every club. Cobra's R&D team created an oversized face with a large progressive offset design to produce high trajectory and a forgiving, draw-biased ball flight. The wide sole and oversized rails promote smooth turf interaction (less turf drag), to deliver higher and longer easy distance from any lie. The slightly lower profile shape for low CG, delivers a high flight off of any lie. The progressive offset design gives golfers easy slice correction even into the longer irons. A deep undercut delivers a large free floating face that generates ball speed for longer explosive shots. The undercutting technique allowed engineers to create a high MOI design for consistency.

Appearance: We much prefer the shape of the XL version in comparison to the very wide radical wide, railed sole design of the Baffler Hybrid from 2013. It's still wide looking, but just not quite as off-putting at address. Rails have been designed into the sole of the irons to improve forgiveness and get the ball up high quickly. Certainly one of the best looking irons in this test at address. Progressive offset design and deep undercut is a nice touch. Topline is perhaps a little too thick but that will no doubt inspire confidence for many game improvers out there. 3.5 (out of 5)

Feel: A crisp sound at impact. The irons have flexible faces, helping to create more ball velocity off the clubhead. If you like the feel of weight behind the ball, this iron is for you. Standard True Temper shaft felt very easy to swing back and through the ball. One of the most comfortable grips with the Lamkin R.E.L. 7.25 (out of 10)

Performance: The wide sole reduced turf drag to provide us with effortless ball striking and the oversized face presented a very high MOI for forgiveness and low centre of gravity to get the ball airborne. The progressive offset design means it's almost impossible to hit a slice. Great turf interaction and a lovely high ball flight. We found it fell short in the distance stakes, though. 8 (out of 10)

Verdict: Easy to hit high and straight. The perfect combination for any game improver. Just lacks a little bit of fire off the face. Those looking for a truly forgiving iron but don’t mind the radical appearance will instantly fall in love with this product. The weight behind the ball will help you get the ball airborne quicker. £399 looks a little steep. 18.75 (out of 25)

Next up, John Letters TR47 iron