The KING TEC hybrid was one of the most underappreciated hybrids released by any golf company regardless of the name in recent memory. To a person, the feedback was and remains filled with superlatives from golfers of varying skill levels. The looks, the feel, the power, and the playability were all there.
So, when I found out that 2023 would be the year Cobra is going to unveil a new version alongside a multitude of other KING lineup releases there was absolutely no doubt in my mind a closer dive into what was coming would be needed.
2023 Cobra KING TEC Hybrids
This year Cobra Golf has cemented that the KING line of clubs is going to be one of the deepest and most all encompassing in golf. The decision to once again keep a hybrid under that umbrella with the plethora of iron sets and utilities is an exciting one for me because, although they offer a very advanced hybrid option in the new AEROJET lineup as well, the KING TEC Hybrid is another monster altogether.
Cobra is pulling no punches here, just as with the first version of the KING TEC, this is a super-premium golf club aimed at working with the player’s style offerings in the rest of the KING options. The company considers this a hybrid for golfers from 0 to 15 handicap, and if you are going to cover that size of the spectrum, you had better bring your A-game because the variance in skill within that window is massive.
Thus, the goal for the new KING TEC Hybrids is to be powerful from the tee and at distance while remaining capable of versatility through different lies. If it is anything like its predecessor, this isn’t necessarily the hybrid you will look to as an iron replacement, but rather a compliment when it comes to gapping. The shaping has been massaged this go-round with a shorter heel-to-toe, less onset, a more rounded toe/crown, and blending of curves to make for a very square look at setup. Definitely a departure from last time which sat open to most golfers.
The big story here is in technology. Starting with a 4-gram carbon fiber crown which let more weight be put low and back, it also helped with the implementation of the Adjustable Weight System which uses three sole ports alongside two 12g as well as a 2g weight. Combined with the +/- 1.5 degrees of MyFly adapter adjustability the KING TEC Hybrid is touting a whole lot of fire power for fine tuning to make sure it dials into the gap and needs of the individual.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Cobra without the next evolution of their PWRSHELL with H.O.T. Face Technology (highly optimized topography) being blended with a new ST-118 face material. Not only does all of this combine for a powerful face design with a bigger “sweet zone” and easier launch, but the varied topography behind the face has been tuned to increase spin and ball speed retention while maximizing the carry potential and ability to hit shots into greens. In essence, where the first Tec was an absolute bomber, Cobra has worked to turn the new KING TEC Hybrids into bombers with purpose.
The KING TECH Hybrids will be available in 2H (17.0 RH), 3H (19.0 RH/LH), 4H (21.0 RH/LH), and 5H (24.0 RH/LH) paired with Mitsubishi MMT 70 or 80 shafts and Lamkin Crossline grips. All LH options will be custom order only and not in stores.
The Details
Pricing for the 2023 Cobra KING TEC Hybrids will be $299, and they will come to retail on 2/3/23. Cobra Golf is adamant that the implementation of tech like their H.O.T. Face into a hybrid is something that will make the KING TEC Hybrids stand out above the rest, but of course, only time will tell.
Is your intrigue piqued by what Cobra Golf has brought to the table with the newest version of their KING Tec hybrids? Join us in the comments below or on the THP Community to share just what you think with thousands of other golfers just like you!
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Yep, same weight set up for me and I love the adjustability with the club. I still play a slight draw with the KT but it really prevents that snap hook that really scares me.
Having an adjustable hybrid is new to me so it’s been fun playing around with the different weight options. They are great clubs I’m really enjoying my time with them. I didn’t think the Honma 757 hybrid would ever find it’s way out of the bag but I think it has. Once I find the shafts that let me not have to think about the swing I put on them they are going to be automatic weapons.
Listen, I’m a lunatic, I know that.
But, this week, I decided to bring it back out and mess with it on the SkyTrak+ and course as well because honestly, I hit it really well last year in that 215-220 carry range.
Visuals: These look so good. They’re big, yes, but its a really underrated look overall. I think I prefer the original version a little, but that might be the nostalgia talking. Either way, this is clean, and it sets up neutral now compared to how open the OG was….and I loved that old look, hahaha.
Sound/Feel: CRISP. There is such a good sound off of these hybrids, its downright mean to be honest. Nothing loud, everything crunchy. From turf and tee, its addicting to hit for the sound feedback alone for me. It does also make me think back over my 12 years writing here to realize…I don’t recall Cobra EVER making a hybrid that doesn’t sound great.
On Course: SO high, but SO powerful. Yes, I have the 5H, which is 24 degrees of awesome in its standard adapter position for those of you reading along at home, and I love it. As I mentioned, I adore utility irons in that 4 spot which is usually 22 or so degrees, but here with the 24 I have found I get ALL of the ball speed from the utilities while adding apexes that reach into the 110-115 foot realm. Combo that with spin that sits in the 4000+ area for me, and you have a club that I can take aim at into greens from all lies. Bigger for me is I can work it, and I can hit it low off the tee. It honest to goodness makes more sense than the U for me right now, but we will see where ego takes me.
All in all, these are so fun and CRIMINALLY underrated from Cobra. I have the Nippon GOST in mine which adds to the iron-to-fairway blending capability, though it also CPM’d the other day at 292 which made me laugh uncomfortably and in fear….but…..it works!
I think it turned out pretty good.
But, after posting my thoughts on the 24 and how it’s been since being back in the bag…..
What about a 19 in these instead?
Sometimes, I hate myself.
I’ve got the 4h and it’s sooo good. Since I got it, it’s remained the absolute favourite in the bag. Hit it again today at the sim and had my playing partners asking "what is that, it launches so high!".
Haha, that’s what I like about the 24.
The original Tec at 19 was a WEAPON For me, it was so fade biased it was amazeballs.
First hybrid I ever had that wasn’t auditioning for the role of Captain Hook. I absolutely love it still. Always will.
I’ve got the 19 and now that it’s dialed in it’s an absolute rocket launcher.
I totally believe it, these are a hoot. I think the size turns some people off, but man they’re fast.
I’ve never viewed the size as big in anyway. But I guess that’s me being a wuss and actually feeling like I can’t miss with the head.
I’ve never owned a hybrid with so much adjustability. In the video I posted it’s plain as day how well those adjustments work. I was able to tinker, change a few things, and BOOM improved the ball flight
Cobra made a magic wand with this one.
As I experiment early this year I am making myself use other clubs (5w) because I already know how awesome these are and what exactly they will do for me.
You’re not allowed to get better with other clubs too. At least before October.
Still so cool you get this much adjustability in a hybrid.
Agree it’s great. Was able to dial in nicely yesterday. I’m still not sure I’m in love with either shaft option I’ve tried. I think I’d like to give Linq Blue 75 F4 a shot. They are stock options in Mizuno hybrids so at least should be easy-ish to find somewhere.
What do you guys think?
Listen here.
It’s a long par three wind was blowing heavy in the face, so it was playing close to 205. I hit a couple of balls, and both of them went on a rocket straight (pulled) ball flight pin high left. Obviously I was aimed for a fade. With a little bit more time to start to trust my ball flight the three hybrid might become point and shoot.
Video here.
@Wonger let me borrow his KBS PGI from his 3h and while it feels better to me than the MMT I took out of mine it still isn’t giving me the feel I want. As discussed earlier I was able to dial in the head through adjustments in where the weights are and adjusted the hosel setting to standard draw. But it’s still not 100% what I want. I’d like to try a shaft that has a little more flex/load at the top of my backswing. Feeling that flex/load helps me time my move to the ball.
I like the head and will continue to try to dial it in with the best shaft I can. I found a Tensei blue hybrid shaft on Ebay for $30 that I’m pondering. I enjoyed Tensei Blue in driver last year. Maybe I’ll like it in hybrid. Has anyone ever used one?
No experience with that, sorry. Have you tried the Hzrdus Silver in anything? It might be too similiar in feel to the MMT for you, but I’ve really enjoyed it.
There’s a feeling of load that comes easily and effortlessly, but still stable through the swing. I know the ’22 GD folks had good experiences with them.
Currently have one in my D, 3h & 6h. MMT in the King Tec 4h.
I haven’t tried that one but I’ll go looking for somewhere I can swing one this coming week. Thanks for the rec! I’ll let you know if I find one.
Great! I’ve been really happy with them. I’ve got the 70S in both, but the 6h could benefit even from a 80S.
I play the MMT at 80S.
What is your thought process behind keeping the MMT 80s in the 6?
I’m pretty miserable with it in my 5h. It feels like I’m swinging metal rod.
I have the MMT 80S in my King Tec 4h. It came stock with that and I’ve had great success with it. Absolutely loved the automatic nature of the combo. I do admit, that it requires a bit more of power for me in the swing to work than the Silver.
Both Silvers are 70S. I first got one in the Paradym 6h and liked the feel so much that I got one for my ESH 3h.
I’ve thought about changing the 4h also to a 70S Silver to see how it feels like, but with the MC bag coming up, didn’t want to mess with something I’ve had great success with.
I like to play an almost iron-like swing with my hybrids. For me, both the MMT and the Silver work well for that kind of a swing. But I have wondered, if the 6h might be even better with a heavier shaft. But so far, I haven’t touched it as the 70 works so well currently.
I can get quite erratic with squaring the face on shafts of what I’d call "looser" feel. Many of the blue profile shafts have been that way for me in S/F4. Hence the like for the MMT and the Silver, of which the MMT is definitely stouter feeling.
I also really liked the feel of LinQ White when I tested it in Darkspeed woods, but the spin profile is too low for me currently.
One small issue I’ve had with the King Tec’s is ballooning them a little, especially the 5h. Might be something to this heavier and lower flight Smoke Black.
That is how the MMT 80S is for me. More of a penetrating ball flight. In fact I dialed all 3 of my hybrids up +1 deg to increase height, and close the gap from 6 iron to 5 hyb.
I did the same for mine. 4h +1 with the MMT.
Well, I did some face-on video today (don’t worry I’m not going to post it here) and noticed that my ball position with both 3 and 5 hybrid was almost as far forward as driver position. Big problem. I made the adjustment and started hitting very nice low draws and straight balls with around 10-15y further distance.
We back
It sounded like you were catching it on the upside at times. Video help at times is a great way to problem solve, I too have a tendency to inch the ball forward when I’m sidetracked with the other 167 "things to remember" at address.
Sounds like you are back on track.