First Look: 2017 Cobra KING OS Irons

The 20 Second Intro

Model: Cobra KING OS Irons
Available Lofts: 4-PW, GW, SW
Stock Shafts: True Temper XP 85 (steel), UST Recoil ES 460 (graphite)
Retail Price: $999 steel / $1099 graphite
Availability: 11/25/2016

The KING OS is Cobra’s most recent foray into the Super Game-Improvement, or perhaps more aptly, the high-performance Super Game-Improvement category. If any of that gets lost in translation, what we’re really talking about is Cobra’s latest take on maximum distance coupled with maximum forgiveness.

The KING OS isn’t a compact iron, but that comes with the territory. This is what best of both worlds technology looks like.

For those who might be wondering, the KING OS isn’t a direct replacement for anything in the current line, but I suppose one could argue that it is a replacement for Cobra’s original (1994) KING OS. Fun fact, that classic was the best-selling iron in the market from 1995-1996.

Talk about your extended release cycles.

The big difference between then and now? According to COBRA, the 2017 version of the KING OS is its first iron that reaches the USGA’s COR limit.

Cobra’s recent MAX offerings, while most definitely SGI by design, had a decidedly more senior slant to them. KING OS’ appeal should extend well outside of the gates of The Villages. It’s for anyone looking for a longer and more forgiving iron. When golfers are honest about their abilities and limitations, that’s a massive demographic.

LONG LIVE THE (BIG OL’) KING

Given that Cobra is reviving a classic franchise, it’s fitting that KING OS is positioned against another classic revival. Cobra believes the KING OS can stand toe to toe with Callaway’s Big Bertha, and anything else in its class. We’re not talking about a shot-shaper’s iron. This one is for those of us willing to admit we need help.

As you might expect given the nature of the category, what we’re actually talking about is a beefy iron that offers plenty of mis-hit protection, and an abundance of speed as well.

I’d say KING OS is Fast and Forgiving, but I believe that particular phrase has already been taken.

PWRShell and Tungsten

The bulk of the KING OS’ benefits is the product of what Cobra calls a PWRShell face. PWRShell allows for a larger and thinner face, which produces more speed (especially on mis-hits). PWRShell’s design saves weight in both the face and sole structures, which frees up a bit of that highly desirable discretionary mass. A lightweight aluminum badge frees up a bit more.

You can probably guess what’s coming next.

The KING OS’ large cavity gives Cobra plenty of room to work, and more specifically, plenty of opportunities to strategically position mass. Each of the OS irons has 50-70 grams (deepening on loft) placed low and deep to drive the center of gravity down and back. It’s easy to get bogged down in the relative numbers, so just understand that we’re talking about a lot of tungsten and by extension, a lot of strategically placed weight.

The result is an iron that creates higher launch, more distance, and plenty of forgiveness.

Purpose-Optimized Grooves

Cobra’s KING OS irons feature a 100% milled face with loft dependent grooves. The long irons (4-6) feature V-grooves for lower spin and more distance, while the short irons (7-PW) offer U-grooves for increased spin and more control. Finally, the GW and SW features the same groove pattern as Cobra’s Tour Trusty wedges. What that gets you are set wedges that provide the same green-stopping power as real wedges.

Specs, Pricing, and Availability

An eight iron set  (4-PW) of Cobra KING OS irons runs $999 for steel (True Temper XP 85) and $1099 for graphite (UST Recoil ES). The KING OS is available in stiff, regular, and lite flexes.

Stock grip is a black Lamkin Ace Crossline.

Retail availability begins 11/25/2016.

For more information visit CobraGolf.com.