You didn’t really think that Cobra Golf was done with the release of the new AEROJET lineup this week, did you? Not a chance, after all, you cannot forget the KING.
In a release which should garner a lot of excitement, Cobra is expanding their KING lineup of irons, bringing some siblings for their highly touted KING Forged TEC and Forged TEC X irons. Yes, this is the year that Cobra is going deep on more compact players style irons, debuting the new KING TOUR, KING CB, and KING MB irons.
Anyone else excited?
Cobra 5-Step Forging Process
When I found out that Cobra was finally going to not only release a new TOUR style technical cavity back iron this year, but also bring back the CB’s and MB’s, I will admit to letting my internet golfer excitement reach some pretty profound levels. Why exactly? Because historically, these are iron styles which Cobra has released some of the purest yet most technical irons in recent years, but there always seemed to be a sequence of alternating. Having three models hit in the same cycle is a golf nerd’s dream.
While I will dive into each of the irons individually, the material side of things needs to be discussed first. Foremost, no, we are not seeing the return of MIM (metal injection molding) as was used on the last KING TOUR irons. Why? Well, that is a question for Cobra, but I believe it is two-fold in that the material, though durable and excellent feeling, was also tough to adjust and bend, something pretty important to more compact irons. So, a shift was made to 1025 Carbon Steel and a new 5-Step Forging Process which Cobra is extremely excited about.
Consistency is at the root of this new process for Cobra Golf. You see, cast irons are actually one of the most precise and consistent ways to produce a golf club because of how controlled and uniform things in the process can be. With that, Cobra has designed a system to take their forging to that level of consistency while keeping all of the benefits of forging. How is it different from other companies? Well, most of them use four steps, but here Cobra is implementing a fifth forging strike.
For those unfamiliar, the forging process of a material like 1025 Carbon Steel starts at 1,200 degrees Celsius (that is 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit) and from there three forgings take place to get the material into the initial shaping, those are steps one through three for Cobra. From there, 2000 pounds of pressure is exerted onto the Carbon Steel at 800 degrees Celsius (1,472 degrees Fahrenheit) to take the clubhead to a refined shape including details and logos.
It is then that the fifth forging takes place under 2000 pounds of pressure at 700 degrees Celsius (1,292 degrees Fahrenheit) to not only lock in the shape, but to create the most uniform grain structure Cobra has ever had in a forged iron. At that point, polishing and CNC milling of the face and grooves takes place.
All of these steps culminate in a truly precision forged iron with painstaking focus on shaping, weight tolerances, and less variation in initial loft, lie, and bounce, as well flatness/thickness of the face. So, you see, you take all of the aforementioned steps times three for the new KING iron lineups, and Cobra is well beyond “all-in” on this segment of clubs.
2023 Cobra KING TOUR Irons
It makes the most sense to start with the most technical irons of the release, in fact, that is exactly what Cobra is calling the KING TOUR irons, a technical cavity back, and I admit that I love that description. While the forging process is being used with these irons, unlike their siblings, the TOUR’s also use some badging in the cavity (aluminum and TPU). That is because the iron heads also have CNC milled undercuts in the cavities which are then filled with the TPU and capped with the aluminum badge.
These undercuts are nothing new in club design, particularly irons of this profile, and they are highly effective at allowing the clubheads to be more efficient in how they launch and perform on misses. The weight which is removed via the undercut can then be repositioned to optimize the CG of the head to hit launch windows and parameters which Cobra wants to see. Taking it a step further, the depth at which they are milled varies on the club in the set with the undercut being deepest in the long irons and more shallow into the scoring clubs.
Size wise, Cobra touts that these are notably smaller than the KING Forged TEC irons. The topline and offset are significantly reduced and the heel-to-toe blade length is actually more compact than the KING TOUR MIM irons were, which was one constant bit of feedback given about those irons by players like myself. Rounding it out, the lofts on the new KING TOUR irons are 2-degrees stronger than the CB/MB’s to provide more distance and take advantage of the launch provided by the design.
The KING TOUR irons will be available in 3-GW (RH/LH) with the standard stock setup being 4-PW (RH only, LH sets are custom order) and they will be paired with KBS $-Taper 120’s with Lamkin Crossline Grips.
2023 Cobra KING MB and CB Irons
Pure. Forged. Irons.
The return of the KING MB and CB irons is entirely as it should be with both sets being true one-piece forgings with no undercut or pocket milling. Both sets have undergone the new 5-Step Forging Process and as such are true precision irons that fall squarely into the better ball-strikers wheelhouse. If you are a golfer who demands workability with forged feedback, it is hard to imagine seeking out something which looks to accomplish that more than these two irons.
Both irons have a heavy focus on extremely thin toplines with minimal offset for precision shot making potential that put the onus on the person swinging the clubs. Unsurprisingly, the soles are much thinner than other models in Cobra’s lineup and they possess the shortest heel-to-toe blade lengths as well. Add in that the new forging process has allowed Cobra to perfectly center the CG without having to use tungsten to manipulate it, and you see why the word “precision” keeps coming up.
The MB is exactly what you would expect in a bladed iron from a demand standpoint, while the CB utilizes the forged cavity to add perimeter weighting and some playability. It is also worth noting that according to Cobra the CB does have a slight amount more offset, but it is minimal.
Both the MB and CB will be available in full 3-GW sets (CB in RH/LH, MB in RH and 7-PW LH) as well as a stock flow setup with CB’s 4-6 and MB’s 7-PW. Additionally, through Cobra’s custom options you can create a one of a kind flow setup to fit your specific needs. The KING MB and CB irons will come paired with KBS $-Taper 120 shafts as standard and Lamkin Crossline grips.
The Details
You have seen the pictures now, and I’m betting that most would agree that these are quite possibly the most picturesque KING irons that Cobra Golf has ever produced. The irons will hit retail on 2/3/23 with the KING Tour at $1,299 (7-Piece) and KING MB/CB at $1,199 (7-Piece).
We would love to know your thoughts and feedback on the direction Cobra has taken their KING Tour and MB/CB lineups, so jump into the comments below or the THP Community as well!
[QUOTE=”jfrigo1003, post: 11986768, member: 50601″]
On your trackman test if you take out the one King Tour with 8000 spin I think the gap would be much closer. Was that shot accurate?
I havent hit the Tours but ive said time and time again the King CB/MB feels incredible and makes me think im hitting my Miura’s.
I’ve found the Cobra’s to be longer for me than ZX7 mkii which really shocked me
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I noted that as well. That shot was high and right. I would be surprised if it really had 8000 spin, but, as I mentioned, I didn’t delete any of the shots. It is a small sample size, but it confirmed what I noted outside playing real golf. The Cobras are definitely more fun to hit, but I get a little more distance out of the Titleists.
My speed is down right now. I have been so busy at work that I haven’t been working out and stretching like I should. It shows up fast at my age. I am thinking that I am going to hit the gym hard this winter and then play both a few times before deciding which set to play next year.
These are a lot of fun. Tinkering with some swing stuff today and they just have such good feedback. Thin, higher on the face, toe/heel is all pretty evident, but it doesn’t feel punishing. The center seems a lot bigger than you think, and man does it ever have a nice sound. These might be softer than the SMS Pros ?
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 11986090, member: 42964″]
As I mentioned above, tonight I hit the King Tour 7 iron and the T 150 7 iron. I have played the Titleists almost exclusively since they arrived in early September and had not been on TrackMan since last winter. I thought it would be fun to compare the two on TrackMan.
Both are the same loft and length. The King Tour is shafted with the Mitsubishi MMT 85 S shaft. The T 150 is shafted with the Graphite Design Tour AD 85 S shaft. Because they are not the same shaft, it is not apples to apples, but as close as I can get.
I hit five or six shots with each iron and then hit the other iron. I went through several rounds with each. Then, for the test, I took 5 swings with each iron. No do-overs. No deletions.
Here is the King Tour:
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_1638.png”]9228723[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_1642.png”]9228724[/ATTACH]
Here is the Titleist:
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_1640.png”]9228726[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_1641.png”]9228727[/ATTACH]
Which one do you all like better?
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Do you think you are getting better ball strikes with the 150s (in this set as well as overall)? Just curious as your smash factor numbers are better leading to better ball speed and distance?
I like your spin rates with the KT’s. Wish I could get better spin like you. Have never hit the 150’s but I do agree the feel of the KTs is absolutely killer.
[QUOTE=”Wonger, post: 11990166, member: 74038″]
Do you think you are getting better ball strikes with the 150s (in this set as well as overall)? Just curious as your smash factor numbers are better leading to better ball speed and distance?
I like your spin rates with the KT’s. Wish I could get better spin like you. Have never hit the 150’s but I do agree the feel of the KTs is absolutely killer.
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I get very good ball strikes with the KTs. In fact, the wear spots on the KTs are more centered than on the T150s. I just think that the KTs play more towards a player cavity, yielding a bit more spin, whereas the T150s, play a bit more like a player distance iron, with higher ball speeds. The T150s have a lot of juice in them.
Honestly, I would rather play the KTs. They are more fun to play. But as I age and my speed slows, I need that extra ball speed, so I ultimately likely will keep the T150s in the bag. I hate the thought of parting with the KTs, though. They are such an incredible set of irons.
I’ve been getting some pretty good numbers with the cbs. Pretty impressed with them. Plus they feel fantastic
I have a bad habit of owning something great but not appreciating what I have til it’s gone. I had King Tours and sold them for a new Titleist set. I like my T150/200 combo, but miss the King Tours. I *may* have ordered a new set. Truly an amazing iron, and seem more consistent across the face than T150.
For me the CBs tick so many boxes, they feel great. I prefer shorter heel to which they are comparatively to what I play, the sole is the perfect width for me and my delivery and they just look so so so good
[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12008263, member: 33657″]
For me the CBs tick so many boxes, they feel great. I prefer shorter heel to which they are comparatively to what I play, the sole is the perfect width for me and my delivery and they just look so so so good
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The CBs are such a unique set of features. So good if that’s the kind of shaping you like.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12008306, member: 53737″]
The CBs are such a unique set of features. So good if that’s the kind of shaping you like.
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I personally love the shape. They work really well for me.
The King Tour irons are impressive to look at.
I was worried that once the weather cooled down here that I would lose some distance and really not be able to play the CB’s during the winter. So far I have been proven wrong. When I am the first tee time out I definitely lose some yards but it is not unplayable. I went out this afternoon and was seeing normal distances I expected so that is a good sign.
The King Tour irons are still some of the most underrated in the last year and I’m starting to wonder why.
Part of me thinks they are in a bit of no man’s land. Not strong enough loft and launch wise to hang with some of the newer players distance irons, but strong enough to make it harder to combo for some.
its a shame because I think if people move past loft and hit them, the numbers are solid
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12016626, member: 3″]
The King Tour irons are still some of the most underrated in the last year and I’m starting to wonder why.
Part of me thinks they are in a bit of no man’s land. Not strong enough loft and launch wise to hang with some of the newer players distance irons, but strong enough to make it harder to combo for some.
its a shame because I think if people move past loft and hit them, the numbers are solid
[/QUOTE]
And I’m not sure anything out there feels better. I haven’t hit many of the other ’23 offerings but I’m very happy with these so I’m not sure I will in ’24 either unless I can get my hands on some of what Yags had at the MC.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12016626, member: 3″]
The King Tour irons are still some of the most underrated in the last year and I’m starting to wonder why.
Part of me thinks they are in a bit of no man’s land. Not strong enough loft and launch wise to hang with some of the newer players distance irons, but strong enough to make it harder to combo for some.
its a shame because I think if people move past loft and hit them, the numbers are solid
[/QUOTE]
That whole line is awesome. They feel of and size of the tours is great. A lot of everything backed into that head.
[QUOTE=”KY Golfer, post: 12016660, member: 21072″]
And I’m not sure anything out there feels better. I haven’t hit many of the other ’23 offerings but I’m very happy with these so I’m not sure I will in ’24 either unless I can get my hands on some of what Yags had at the MC.
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Every time I pull these at the shop the feel just draws me back into the want category. They have the look and feel, just not sure I have the game to truly make them shine. Then I catch up in this thread and wonder how much I care if I give back a stroke or two…
also, color me intrigued on that last part…
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12016822, member: 62865″]
Every time I pull these at the shop the feel just draws me back into the want category. They have the look and feel, just not sure I have the game to truly make them shine. Then I catch up in this thread and wonder how much I care if I give back a stroke or two…
also, color me intrigued on that last part…
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I honestly think you would have no problem playing these and would not give anything up. So playable for a much larger demographic than you would think.
Best decision I made when I built up my MC bag. Hit them so well as I was pondering my bag setup but was always hesitant as I did not feel comfortable I could play these effectively. Where they slotted in and were marketed as a players iron scared me.
[QUOTE=”Wonger, post: 12016885, member: 74038″]
I honestly think you would have no problem playing these and would not give anything up. So playable for a much larger demographic than you would think.
Best decision I made when I built up my MC bag. Hit them so well as I was pondering my bag setup but was always hesitant as I did not feel comfortable I could play these effectively. Where they slotted in and were marketed as a players iron scared me.
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just when I thought my irons were set for ’24 you have to go and say that….
Did you lose much distance compared to your prior set? What were you coming from?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12016911, member: 62865″]
just when I thought my irons were set for ’24 you have to go and say that….
Did you lose much distance compared to your prior set? What were you coming from?
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I was playing the regular Callaway Apex 21 irons prior. Had the King Tour lofts adjusted 1 degree strong which put most of the clubs .5 degree weak vs the Apex. My distances were nearly identical all the way down the line. But the look and feel of the KTs were hands down better for me. Less offset, thinner top line, more compact.
I love the looks of these and by the sounds of them, they’re something I should check out.
Great write up James
[QUOTE=”Trout Bum, post: 12017074, member: 6562″]
I love the looks of these and by the sounds of them, they’re something I should check out.
Great write up James
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Does not hurt to look. Touching is ok too but make sure you ask for consent first…maybe get it in writing ?
As many have mentioned previously these are criminally underrated and overlooked. Give em a shot!
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12016626, member: 3″]
The King Tour irons are still some of the most underrated in the last year and I’m starting to wonder why.
Part of me thinks they are in a bit of no man’s land. Not strong enough loft and launch wise to hang with some of the newer players distance irons, but strong enough to make it harder to combo for some.
its a shame because I think if people move past loft and hit them, the numbers are solid
[/QUOTE]
I grabbed the 7 iron fitting head which i believe is the same loft as my Tour Edges c723 pro iron (i should have confirmed) and swabbed between the 2 on the sim. It was really hard for me tell which one felt better which could have been the difference between the $-taper in the tour vs Kbs tour in the c723 pro but the cobra was slightly longer and spun a little less for me. The cobra was also 1/4″ longer but not sure that would make any difference. Without knowing what is coming 2024 i feel if i get the urge to have a 2nd set to compete against the the tour edges it would be these. Are they starying current for 2024? I know some say it is but haven’t heard for sure.
Cobra has always had some of the nicest looking cavity back irons in golf, IMO.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12016626, member: 3″]
The King Tour irons are still some of the most underrated in the last year and I’m starting to wonder why.
Part of me thinks they are in a bit of no man’s land. Not strong enough loft and launch wise to hang with some of the newer players distance irons, but strong enough to make it harder to combo for some.
its a shame because I think if people move past loft and hit them, the numbers are solid
[/QUOTE]
They are much, much easier to hit than their shape suggests. I think that most shoppers get a bit too hung up on distance. Its great to be longer, but I rather be more accurate. These clubs check so many boxes at a very reasonable price point for the technology you get.
I think I am going to play them this Saturday.
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 12018302, member: 48932″]
They are much, much easier to hit than their shape suggests. I think that most shoppers get a bit too hung up on distance. Its great to be longer, but I rather be more accurate. These clubs check so many boxes at a very reasonable price point for the technology you get.
I think I am going to play them this Saturday.
[/QUOTE]
How far in the bag can you confidently play them before going to a traditionally “easier” to hit club?
These have combo set written all over them.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9231704[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 12018347, member: 59233″]
How far in the bag can you confidently play them before going to a traditionally “easier” to hit club?
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Great question. I have only gone up to 6i at this point. I haven’t put them in play, so I didn’t have much experience with the 5. But I hit the 6 at a lesson with relative ease.
As I mentioned last week, I grabbed another set of King Tours (5-GW) as I had swapped to Titleist but missed the Cobras I had. Got 27 holes in on a simulator today and immediately felt so good about switching back! Compared to the T150, the KT’s are more consistently long and the sole seems to offer a little more protection from digging without being too bouncy. My 5-iron is a splash slower (~1-2mph) than the T200 it is replacing, but still got great speed and appropriate yardage gapping. Man they are so nice and I’ll be putting up my T150/200 combo sometime in the next week or two.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 12018347, member: 59233″]
How far in the bag can you confidently play them before going to a traditionally “easier” to hit club?
[/QUOTE]
I started my bag makeup ending at 6i. My 6i was the best club in my bag which then gave me confidence that I would have no issues playing a 5i. So I added the 5i and have zero issues with it’s playability for a long iron. I have never played a 4i in any club so cant comment that deep into the bag.
I spent 2 hours in the bays with the Tours today. Mostly comparing them against zx7. Definitely a great iron that I like waaaay more than my i230s. I turned them over more frequently than the zx7s. Anyone else experience this?
Also, I would love to try the CB. Do they spin a bit more? Anyone compare the Tour vs CB who has a natural pull/miss left?
[QUOTE=”smgoldstein, post: 12018355, member: 4509″]
These have combo set written all over them.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”Screen Shot 2023-12-21 at 6.12.08 PM.png”]9231704[/ATTACH]
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I did that. Triple combo. Don’t regret it at all! ?
The King Tour are a set that strikes my fancy visually, but I’ve yet to be able to hit them. I feel like they check a lot of boxes for me and, depending on what Cobra releases/updates within their iron line, would be way up my list. For me, Cobra irons are some of the most attractive in the game.
[QUOTE=”all4isu, post: 12055215, member: 35878″]
I spent 2 hours in the bays with the Tours today. Mostly comparing them against zx7. Definitely a great iron that I like waaaay more than my i230s. I turned them over more frequently than the zx7s. Anyone else experience this?
Also, I would love to try the CB. Do they spin a bit more? Anyone compare the Tour vs CB who has a natural pull/miss left?
[/QUOTE]
Anyone have thoughts on this?
I’m still loving the cbs! They are so much fun!
Even with all the new stuff coming out I think these are going to be tough to beat.
[QUOTE=”all4isu, post: 12055215, member: 35878″]
I spent 2 hours in the bays with the Tours today. Mostly comparing them against zx7. Definitely a great iron that I like waaaay more than my i230s. I turned them over more frequently than the zx7s. Anyone else experience this?
Also, I would love to try the CB. Do they spin a bit more? Anyone compare the Tour vs CB who has a natural pull/miss left?
[/QUOTE]
Little different shaping and visuals could have played a role for you there.
The CBs are weaker lofted and club for club will spin more because of that. In my experience and from what I’ve seen the Tours have pretty amazing spin retention for their style though. I played ZX7s and I can’t imagine the Tours not spinning a little more for me. I’m sure I’ve done that comparison but I just don’t recall the numbers off hand.
[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12087355, member: 33657″]
Even with all the new stuff coming out I think these are going to be tough to beat.
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Fact.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12087364, member: 53737″]
Fact.
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I’m still lurking around in regards to these. I think I need to hit them in the bay again.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12087385, member: 62865″]
I’m still lurking around in regards to these. I think I need to hit them in the bay again.
[/QUOTE]
They all look so good over the ball. I love the looks of them. Plus they perform super well!
I currently play a combo set of OG ZX5/ZX7. All these new iron releases have me intrigued to get out and test to see if anything can kick what I have out of the bag. These irons from Cobra are very high on my list based on looks and this thread alone. I really, really need to find somewhere where I can swing these bad boys to get a taste of what they feel like.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
[QUOTE=”meloisa, post: 12087495, member: 59081″]
I currently play a combo set of OG ZX5/ZX7. All these new iron releases have me intrigued to get out and test to see if anything can kick what I have out of the bag. These irons from Cobra are very high on my list based on looks and this thread alone. I really, really need to find somewhere where I can swing these bad boys to get a taste of what they feel like.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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They feel fantastic, I’m guessing probably no too different from your srixons!
They still feel fantastic and perform to boot
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[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12087707, member: 62865″]They still feel fantastic and perform to boot
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Very solid! What’s crazy is that these irons look absolutely gorgeous and can compete with anyone else based on looks alone. But they don’t stop there because from what I’ve read they flat out perform as well. It’s shocking to me that I have never seen anyone game any cobra irons out here in Oregon. Cobra drivers and woods, absolutely, but irons, never. It’s wild.
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[QUOTE=”meloisa, post: 12087749, member: 59081″]
Very solid! What’s crazy is that these irons look absolutely gorgeous and can compete with anyone else based on looks alone. But they don’t stop there because from what I’ve read they flat out perform as well. It’s shocking to me that I have never seen anyone game any cobra irons out here in Oregon. Cobra drivers and woods, absolutely, but irons, never. It’s wild.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I got hooked with the ‘20 Forged Tec irons. It will be interesting to see if these ultimately pull me in before/if the current Forged Tec get upgraded as these King Tours feel absolutely fantastic
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12087802, member: 62865″]
I got hooked with the ‘20 Forged Tec irons. It will be interesting to see if these ultimately pull me in before/if the current Forged Tec get upgraded as these King Tours feel absolutely fantastic
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The king tours are a crazy crazy good iron
[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12087805, member: 33657″]
The king tours are a crazy crazy good iron
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Honestly my mind right now if I jump would be here, knowing I’ve got the OG forged Tec if I ultimately can’t handle the more ‘players’ club
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12087821, member: 62865″]
Honestly my mind right now if I jump would be here, knowing I’ve got the OG forged Tec if I ultimately can’t handle the more ‘players’ club
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You will be hitting my CB’s when in Jersey. It will be fun.
[QUOTE=”echico, post: 12087823, member: 6774″]
You will be hitting my CB’s when in Jersey. It will be fun.
[/QUOTE]
Deal!
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12087821, member: 62865″]
Honestly my mind right now if I jump would be here, knowing I’ve got the OG forged Tec if I ultimately can’t handle the more ‘players’ club
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You’ll be fine with them. They’re super playable for there size!
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12087821, member: 62865″]
Honestly my mind right now if I jump would be here, knowing I’ve got the OG forged Tec if I ultimately can’t handle the more ‘players’ club
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[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12087827, member: 33657″]
You’ll be fine with them. They’re super playable for there size!
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Yes totally agree. Anticipate that any reservations you have about being able to handle these will dissipate quickly. Much more playable than the profile indicates. The “players” club designation I think scares off a big demographic that really can play these.