Cobra recently introduced several new sets of irons at the recent PGA Show last January. I had the opportunity to test out a few sets and the ones that fit my game the best were the new King F6 irons. They have turned out to be everything I hoped they would be.
Perhaps the biggest enhancement with the F6 irons is Cobra’s optimization of each iron’s performance. This was accomplished by using four different head styles which gets the Center of Gravity (CG) into position to deliver the best combination of launch angle and spin in each set. What you end up with is hollow heads in the long irons, half-hollow in the mid-irons, cavity-backed short irons and solid, muscleback-type wedges.
The 3-5 irons have a full-hollow design with face inserts, delivering a low CG and a highly responsive face. To the laygolfer, this means a long iron that is easier to hit and flies farther. The mid irons (6-7) are a half-hollow design coupled with an extremely thin face. Discretionary weight has been added to produce optimal CG positioning. The result with the mid-irons is the same: easy to hit and extremely accurate. And long; very long!
The scoring irons (8-PW) are a traditional cavity back design with the CG positioned low and further back. This allows you to create more spin with added shot control so that you can attack the pin. The design of the F6 specialty wedges (GW-SW) are more of a muscleback/blade style giving you added versatility and precision around the greens and in bunkers. These tools feel good in your hands and are ideal for getting up and down from just about any situation.
Another feature that really produces added distance is the Speed Channel. Cobra pairs their version of the trampoline-effect clubface with T.O.P. Technology, which shifts weight low and back in the head to create a lower CG and improved launch. These two features combine to not only increase ball speed across the face, but also help to optimize weight placement and forgiveness. Also of note is Cobra’s extremely deep undercut, particularly in the long irons. This is the largest unsupported face in Cobra iron history and also helps to generate extreme distance and forgiveness across the clubface.
Ever since the USGA changed the rules about grooves back in January, 2010, the industry answer seemed to be to treat the entire set with the same type of grooves. Cobra is one of the few club manufacturers that is thinking about how the proper grooves can affect overall iron performance – they call it Progressive Spin Technology. What they’ve done is mill V-grooves into the long irons (4-6) in an effort to reduce spin which leads to increased distance and better consistency.
The scoring irons (7-PW) deliver optimized spin for more precision. This is where the grooves have been changed to a U-groove. With the higher launch design of the F6, the wider grooves will channel away the same amount of dirt and water and get more grip on the ball.
The specialty wedges (GW, SW, LW) have strategically spaced grooves for extra spin around the green. What you end up with is a set if irons that utilizes three groove designs, adding to the performance of the F6 irons.
The Nickel, Chrome and PVD plating gives the F6 irons an inspiring look at address while also providing extra durability. My only complaint with a PVD finish on the face of irons is that over time, they get a beat up look, which is accelerated if you spend a lot of time on the range. It’s small price to pay for irons that play as well as these.
The Cobra F6 irons come stock with either FST flighted steel shafts (regular, stiff and X-stiff) or Matrix Red Tie graphite shafts (regular, stiff, X-stiff or lite). I opted for the steel stiff and my first ten swings with a 7-iron produced distances between 167 and 182 yards; about 10+ yards on average over my current graphite irons and with very little shot dispersion. They are probably the most accurate irons I have ever hit. They have a high launch angle which can get you out of all kinds of trouble quickly and effectively. The ball flies high and lands soft. Despite the different head configurations, the feel of each iron is very consistent. Well-struck shots are rewarded with little to no vibration, leaving you with a very satisfied feeling. Surprisingly, mishit shots don’t feel that much different. Better yet, you won’t give up a whole lot in distance and accuracy if you miss the sweet spot.
Before finally settling on a set of irons, I put a number of them through the paces – PING G series, Titleist 716 AP1, Callaway Apex CF 16, Callaway XR and the King F6. What I found with the F6 irons was a better ball flight, less shot dispersion and greater length. All things considered, the choice was easy.
In order to appreciate how much your shot making can improve, head to your local authorized Cobra dealer and take the new F6 irons out for a try. You’ll be amazed at how long – and accurate – they really are. No longer must you sacrifice distance for accuracy. For more information, visit the Cobra website at www.cobragolf.com.
