Cobra continues to make the most of 3D printing, and their latest set of tools utilizes the technology in a slightly less intimidating package for the gamer.
Cobra’s new King and King Max irons, the latest in Cobra’s long history of products by that name, are still built with a simulated structure, but feature a 3D printed medallion to help increase the weight of each head.
“We are big believers in 3D printed technology,” said Jose Miraflor, Cobra’s VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections. “Using 3DP to redefine the CG of the new King and King Max irons perfectly symbolizes our commitment to continued innovation and makes them our most advanced game-enhancing irons to date.”
Read on below to find out more about Cobra King and King Max, including my take on the release.
What’s really new about the Cobra King and King Max irons – and why you should care
It uses 3DP player for game development
Although the main 3DP metal line is now the top choice for Cobra, with solutions for players of all skill levels, some players still prefer the traditional look of the rear design at a lower price.
But with many game-enhancing irons, stiffer lofts meant to give players a distance boost can make it harder for them to get the ball in the air.
This is where Cobra can use its 3D printing technology to give players the ability to get the ball in the air while playing hard layups.
“With that style of iron, since we have a hard deck, the trends we’ve seen over the years… the hard irons don’t make those irons playable for a lot of people,” Cobra Senior Product Manager Caitlin Farley told GOLF. “So I wanted to make sure we didn’t iron too fast and too long … but again More playable. A low CG helps lift the ball in the air. “
3D printed medallion in iron of Cobra King.
The cobra
The low CG is achieved by placing a 3D printed medal in the metal hole, resulting in a 2mm CG drop per head.
“We want to make sure it creates better performance because we’re using 3D printing,” Farley said. “Not just putting a 3D printed logo on it.”
Built for speed
While the improved weight takes care of the launch, the 360 Speedshell face insert that allows the face to turn 23 percent more.
That’s paired with an 80 g weight suspended below the iron in a polymer the company calls a “catapult” weight to maximize power transfer. Due to the weight savings of the 3D printed medal, the weight of the catapult is 15 g heavier than the DS-Adapt iron.
The polymer also helps dampen vibration and improve feel.
Borrowing from wedge tech
With a focus on OEMs, the new Cobra King irons are derived from the popular Cobra Phil Rogers wedge Skid Sole.
The Skid Sole has a worn leading edge and a flat mid-sole to help the club stay close to the ground. This improves the initiation and coordination of many different swing styles.
2026 list of Cobra King
King Bells
Cobra King is iron from every angle.
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
What’s going on: A classic, cavity-back game development instrument with ultra-low CG for high launch.
Whose: Players who want more speed with a slight improvement in the launch of the steep descent angle.
King Max Irons
King Max irons from all angles.
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
What’s going on: A larger cavity-back, larger game-enhancing iron with more offsets and higher lofts to give players greater launch.
Whose: Players who need a high level of forgiveness and initiate and fight the piece.
My take: A solid game development option
The Cobra King hardware will undoubtedly overshadow the 3DP line, but it serves an important role. Not everyone will be able to afford the $330 per head price of 3DP instruments, but with King’s new instruments, they can still benefit from the technology.
Strong lofts often come at the price of lower ball flights, which means more shots hit the green and spin. It’s very difficult to keep the golf course in front of you that way.
With the improved weight in the King Max irons, you can still benefit from stronger lofts, but also get the ball higher in the air.
Cobra also makes a game that I really support here by splitting their game development tools into their metalwood lines. This way, they don’t have to force a new product to market, allowing people to invest in a King or King Max without the fear that they will expire shortly after their purchase. We’re seeing a growing trend towards game development on a two-year release cycle and hopefully that will continue.
It’s also great to see this focus on turf and sole interactions reaching the game development stage as the trend for triple cut soles and V soles is usually reserved for players and clubs.
While the 3DP X consoles may not be in the price range of other players in this category, the King and King Max consoles offer many of the same benefits, at a more affordable cost.
Price, Specifications and Availability
Cobra’s new King and King Max models are available for pre-order February 3 and will arrive at retail locations by February 6.
Both sets are available in 5-GW of $999 with metal and $1,099 in graphite. King irons are also available in 4-PW.
Do you want to find the best driver for your game in 2026? Find a club fit near you at True Spec Golf.
;)
;)
