It’s been quite a while (three-plus years) since we have seen any new players irons from Cobra Golf. The Rev33 “Rickie iron” was teased out over the last year, but the focus has mainly stayed on its Forged Tec line, which has done well in the very competitive players distance category.

So why the long wait?

According to Cobra’s VP of R&D Tom “TO” Olsavsky it was for a very specific reason…

“A long time ago we had actually planned it to launch at the end of 2019 as we usually try to launch players irons in the fall. Between COVID-19 delays and the new breakthrough innovation MIM process, it took us a little longer but it’s been worth the extra time, player feedback has been amazing so we are confident it will succeed.”

Introducing new 2021 Cobra King Tour irons

Tech Story

Cobra King Tour MIM 7-iron – cavity view

Cobra King Tour MIM 7-iron – face view

Metal Injection Molding AKA MIM is a term we have heard a few times over the past year. Cobra just recently implemented this process into its MIM wedge line. Essentially, it’s a process that allows OEMs to fine-tune a club heads shape and spec to the nth degree all while dialing in the softest feel possible. Seems awesome for a wedge and even better for an iron. To make it really easy to understand, it’s not cast, it’s not forged, its MIM.

The multi-material 1025 iron head has a tungsten weight inserted into the toe section that dials in the CG directly to the sweet spot. This practice is very popular—and almost essential at this point—Cobra has done this in the past with its previous players irons and it was first introduced as a head weight adjustment for Rickie Fowler years ago.

The final step is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) insert to ensure impact gives off that “Muscle Back” softness at impact, a good way for traditional players to try new tech and not sacrifice the familiar softness of a forged blade.

Who is it for?

According to Olsavsky

“The King Tour iron is designed for the range of Tour players to single-digit handicaps. It slots in nicely between the pure MB type irons and Players Distance. It’s also a slight merger between Forged Tour and Forged CB shapes, so hoping to cover both players that would have chosen one of these 2 irons.”

2021 Cobra King Tour irons: Optics

Cobra King Tour MIM 7-iron – topline view

Cobra King Tour MIM 7-iron – toe view

The new 2021 Cobra King Tour has a slightly shorter blade from the previous King Forged Tour iron based on comments from staff, the top line has been thinned out (a hair) and offset was increased to satisfy staff feedback.

According to Cobra Director of Tour Operations Ben Schomin

“The initial shape was developed years ago in the AMP Cell Forged iron and then transitioned with a few tweaks into the King Forged Tour. The shape in general was always well liked, but there was a common theme among R&D/marketing employees and players that the long iron blade lengths were a little long from heel to toe. We made some design changes to the MIM Tour iron that addressed blade length along with a few other feel enhancing tweaks. Overall it is a very eye pleasing shape.”

To make it really uncomplicated: the new 2021 Cobra King Tour is a simple, compact player cavity back designed to do its job. Cobra irons have always gone through the turf well, and now has a softer feel thanks to the MIM process. Players will get the MB feel in a CB iron.

• More photos and discussion in the forums.

Cobra King Tour MIM 4-iron – cavity view

The Tour

Cobra doesn’t have the biggest Tour presence in the world, but it does have some VERY unique minds to pick from for R&D.

“Like all of our new gear, we love to get input from our staff. In this case, having players like Jason Dufner, Rickie Fowler and others giving specific feedback is always an integral part of the process. For example, Duf is as knowledgeable about what makes a good club as anyone out there. If he responds well to shape or feel we know we are in a good place.” -Ben Schomin

And we had to ask about BAD…Is this something Bryson would put in play? 

“At this time there is no plan to make one length out of this head. But who knows, if he gets fired up to play them we will make it happen. He seems to be doing fine with what he has in the bag now, lol.” -Ben Schomin

Cobra King Tour MIM pitching wedge – cavity view

2021 Cobra King Tour irons: Overall

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, these days any product that hits the market will be (for the most part) superb. Like its competitors, Cobra is offering a simple yet elegant players CB that will hold water with anything else.

The real question goes back to the players themselves: What are you looking for in your irons? Is it more distance (hopefully not), precision, turf interaction, curb appeal? We all respond to different parts and now more than ever there are options to satisfy your heart and your hands. This new Cobra iron has everything a player would want. So, get fit, and put ’em to the test.

Specs

Per Cobra

The King Tour Irons with MIM Technology are available in a 4-PW set make-up in right hand only. 

A 3-iron and gap wedge are available via custom order. Each King Tour iron is equipped with a steel KBS $-Taper 120 shaft in the golfer’s choice of stiff or regular flex. In addition, each iron comes with a Cobra Lamkin Crossline Connect grip in black. 

A wide selection of shaft and grip upgrades are also made available through custom order.  The stock steel set retails for $1,299 and will be available beginning October 30, 2020, on cobragolf.com and through Cobra’s entire network of off-course retailers/custom club fitters.    

• More photos and discussion in the forums.