Cobra Golf has had a hectic month, launching several exciting new products, including two sets of 3D-printed irons, the King Tec Mini Driver, and the new OPTM drivers, fairways, and hybrids. And guess what? They’re not finished yet! Today, they are announcing two additional iron sets. However, these are not the OPTM irons, as the OPTM tech story does not easily translate into iron design. Instead, Cobra is introducing the new KING and KING MAX irons.
We’ve already done a full feature article on Cobra’s latest 3D-printed irons, the 3DP MB and 3DP X, and while these irons are vastly different from those models, they still have some 3D-printed tech built in.
Ok, it might not be as exciting as the internal lattice structure of those other 3DP irons, but the new KING and KING MAX irons take advantage of a 3D-printed medallion placed in the cavity back of each iron. Now, this isn’t done just for a flex or looks; the inclusion of this medallion is to help save weight, which lowers the center of gravity. In fact, the center of gravity on these KING irons is 2mm lower than it was on the DS-Adapt irons, which is a significant shift.
“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.”
Cobra KING and KING MAX Tech Talk
KING irons might be seen as the mainline irons for Cobra, offering a more wallet-friendly price than both the KING TEC and KING Tour families, but don’t think for a moment that this means these irons don’t feature a complex build and loads of tech. Having already mentioned the advantages gained from the 3D medallion, let’s take a look under the hood and see what else is going on with the new KING irons.
Catapult Weighting
Previously, Cobra used a PWR-BRIDGE weight in their irons to lower the center of gravity while boosting launch and speed. For KING, the PWR-BRIDGE has been replaced by new Catapult Weighting, which consists of an 80-gram free-floating steel weight. At 80 grams, this weight is 15% heavier than the PWR-BRIDGE. Furthermore, the Catapult Weight is sitting inside a shock-absorbing 8835 Polymer insert. The combination of this heavier weight, suspended in polymer, is going to deliver more consistent ball speeds, higher launch, and improved feel.
360 SPEEDSHELL Face
Speed comes not only from the Catapult Weighting but also from the 360 SPEEDSHELL face, which wraps around the sole of the iron, creating a more cup-face design. Cobra has also integrated its HOT Face technology, resulting in 23% more flex than its PWRSHELL face. This extra flex leads to faster ball speeds and greater consistency across the face, not just on perfect strikes. In fact, the increase in ball speed is substantial enough that Cobra has chosen to weaken lofts by half a degree. Overall, this face design offers more speed, higher launch, improved distance, and enhanced forgiveness.
SKID SOLE
Cobra is reintroducing the SKID SOLE design, now featured in both the KING and KING MAX irons. For those who remember, Cobra originally used the SKID SOLE in the AMP and AMP Cell irons. As someone who once played with a set of AMP Cell irons, this design element is one I wish had not gone on hiatus.
The SKID SOLE includes a pre-worn leading edge with increased leading-edge bounce, a flatter midsole, and reduced camber. These features allow the KING irons to sit closer to the ground, minimize digging, and promote better contact, resulting in increased speed through the turf. One of the great benefits of the SKID SOLE is its versatility; it works well for a variety of swings, whether your swing is too steep or too shallow.
Cobra KING vs KING MAX
While the KING and KING MAX irons share the same technology, they have some key differences. The KING model features a traditional iron shape and is designed for mid- to high-handicap golfers with handicaps of 10 to 20, seeking maximum speed and distance. Cobra’s internal testing has shown that the KING model produces ball speeds that are 1.4 mph faster and averages an extra 5 yards of distance compared to the KING MAX. This makes the KING better suited for players with higher swing speeds who desire that added distance.
On the other hand, the KING MAX is an oversized model with a draw bias, specifically targeting high-handicap players and those who struggle with slicing or generating consistent launches. The KING MAX has 2° weaker lofts, allowing golfers with moderate swing speeds to launch the ball higher and achieve a steeper descent angle, which helps shots hold the green more effectively. According to Cobra, the KING MAX irons produce a ball flight that is 5.4 yards further left, with approximately 500 RPM more spin, a launch angle that is 1.3° higher, and a descent angle that is 2° steeper compared to the KING.
Regardless of whether one chooses the KING or KING MAX models, both are finished in chrome rather than the darker gray/gunpowder finish found on the DS-Adapt. This choice was made to minimize the visibility of scratches, which are more noticeable on darker finishes.
For the stock shaft selection, Cobra offers KBS Tour Lite in steel and KBS PGI in graphite. As usual, Cobra does have an impressive catalog of no-upcharge shaft options if neither of those two shafts suits your needs.
“We have two fantastic new designs that provide distance, forgiveness, and a high launch for a wide range of recreational players,” added Miraflor. “Faster swingers will tend to do better with the standard KING, while moderate swingers might prefer the MAX. Either way, higher, longer shots and more greens in regulation should be in the cards for any player who gets fit into either new KING iron model.”
KING Irons
4-PW (RH-SS), 5-GW (RH-SS, RH/LH-SR), 5-PW, GW (RH-Reg)
KING MAX Irons
5-GW (RH-SS, RH/LH-SR), 5-PW, GW (RH-Reg)
Pricing and Availability
Cobra’s new KING and KING MAX irons will be available for pre-order beginning on February 3, 2026, and will hit store shelves just three days later on February 6th. Both models come with a $999 price tag for a set of 7 irons in steel, with graphite shafts costing an additional $100, bringing the price to $1,099.
More information on the brand new KING and KING Max irons can be found at cobragolf.com.
