Has Cobra Golf gotten your attention yet? Cobra RADSPEED Irons should.
You would be hard pressed to find a company that is pushing boundaries as hard as Cobra is, and not only that, but literally creating new ones with never before seen processes and design applications in golf.
Well, fresh off the heels of releasing a fully 3D printed putter, THP rundown can be read here, they are bringing that application and much more to their game improvement iron release this year. If you have been paying attention, then you know that the feedback from THP’ers as well as golfers everywhere on the last two entries from Cobra in the F9 and SpeedZone irons has been nothing short of superlative. So how to you follow that up? You get RAD.
Cobra RADSPEED Irons
Yes, RAD. No, they didn’t take radical and create some lame attempt at being fun or some such shenanigans. In 2021, the RAD in RADSPEED stands for Radial, as in radial weighting and Cobra’s deeper knowledge of weight placement and what it can do in terms of performance and forgiveness in the segment which golfers put it to the test the absolute most.
The SpeedZone irons were one of the fastest and most playable iron sets on the market last season, but Cobra believed they could do better, not just in performance via the weight placement, but also how the placement could allow them to improve the shape and profile. The shape has changed from the SZ’s, most notably Cobra is touting a rounded trailing edge with a better radius and blending which makes for a cleaner, faster, and more slim appearance which should make the RADSPEED more interesting to a wider range of golfers. The soles definitely look thinner based on what we have seen, but there are four other aspects which must be delved into as well.
First, the Carbon Fiber topline introduced in the SZ irons is returning. Yes, it was a departure compared to, well, every other iron on the market. With that, some struggled to acclimate to it visually, but the performance benefits were real with the weight savings it offered without sacrificing stability. This year, they have moved to a black carbon fiber which Cobra believes give the irons topline a thinner look overall. Thinner soles and thinner looking topline should definitely gain the irons more eye appeal.
The initial performance aspect with the RADSPEED irons is PWRSHELL. I have been on record for years stating that Cobra does not get the credit that they should for PWRSHELL. This is in my opinion the engine of Cobra irons, and it is a powerful one. The design consists of their E9 variable face thickness and L-cup forged face which now feature a deeper flange on their internal speed channel for more flex, which means more speed.
Radial Weighting is the biggest part of the story here, as it should be since it is the root of the RADSPEED name. As mentioned, Cobra did a ton of research into how and where the weight placement in the iron can make them more playable. What they found is by placing the weight in the extreme heel and toe, the furthest points from the center of gravity (CG), they could then optimize speed, forgiveness, and directional control. Thus, Cobra has added 3g of weight to the heel and 10g to the toe of each iron in the set. The heel weight is set internally, but in the toe, Cobra is using a screw. These two weights combined help put the CG precisely behind the hitting zone and add stability and forgiveness on misses. A very cool aspect to the toe weight is that it is adjustable from 4g to 16g for more precise fitting adjustments.
Finally, 3D Printing has come to a major golf manufacturers main club releases. While we learned all about the Cobra partnership with HP in the Supersport 35 putter release, this is taking it to a wider level. No, the whole club isn’t 3D printed, but the medallion in the cavity is. This is one of the first applications of a 3D printed polymer in golf, and through a complex lattice structure Cobra claims to have saved 3-6 grams which was redistributed while maintaining all of the fine tuning and stability of the old methods. While at a glance some my roll their eyes at 3-6 grams but rest assured, that is a ton when it comes to golf design and has a true impact on what Cobra was able to do with CG placement in the RADSPEED irons.
The RADSPEED irons come standard in an all chrome finish similar to that of the SpeedZone and F9 irons before them, but in a move that will perk up some ears a black PVD version which features a chrome sole to decrease wear will also be offered via custom orders for a $100.00 upcharge. The stock pairings will be KBS Tour 90 in steel and the UST Mamiya Recoil 460ESX in graphite, paired with the Lamkin Crossline Connect which of course is powered by Cobra Connect and Arccos.
Specs on the Cobra RADSPEED irons are below:
But wait! There’s more! YES, there is a One Length RADSPEED option coming as well, which you would absolutely expect and demand from the leader in One Length golf irons. The OL version features slightly wider soles and a lower CG in the long irons than the standard RADSPEED irons in order to optimize the launch/flight differentiation through the set. Additionally, lofts are a bit weaker in the 4, 5, and 6 irons. The stock shaft pairings here are KBS Tour 80/90/120 in steel and UST Mamiya Recoil 460/480 ESX in graphite, also with Lamkin Crossline Connect grips.
Specs for the Cobra RADSPEED One irons are below:
What are your thoughts on what Cobra is bringing to the table with its new RADPSEED irons? Do you plan on hitting them? Jump into the conversation below and let us know!
The Details
Release Date: January 29, 2021
Price: 5-GW (RH/LH; Steel – $899) or 4-PW (RH; $899), 5H, 6-GW (RH; $999)
Options: RADSPEED and RADSPEED One
Honestly Dade, that is exactly what I’m thinking currently. I do like what @JB said in the podcast about his long irons being based around the 8i rather than the 7i. Am assuming this was just a custom job though and not openly available. If they are, then I may well be all in here…
I have talked to Mike Yagley for a long time about one length. I wanted to give them a try, but with a bit of a different spin. I called him about a month ago and he facetimed me back and was with their tour fitter and we had a conversation about my idea which was to play these to 8 iron and with my personal shafts. In our conversation they saw no downsides and figured I would give them a shot. After just a single round I was pretty sold.
I did mine myself, but fitting is available as well as custom for OL, so I would assume it could be done.
With going OL in 8i spec, did they suggest any loft or lie adjustments from a standard OL spec?
This time around I’m not just going to buy a stock set and the length will be one of the things I’m most interested in playing around with. I can hit 7-iron length well enough but if going a touch shorter gives me better contact it could be a winner. I’m very interested in finding a fitter when these are released.
Many thanks, this has me wondering so much about VL up to 8 and then 7/6 at the shorter length. Ooft, now we’re talking a powerful bag!
I am very excited about the possibility of that. If I could gap the 6 and 7 in, but with an 8 iron length then it could be a huge thing for me.
Its built the same, but swing weight might be altered. I built mine to what I prefer, but with their new port that @Jman discusses it is super easy to do.
I talk about this in the OL podcast and genuinely would ask why? If the goal is to just make longer clubs easier, I honestly think its a mistake. The goal is one swing and honestly 8 iron to AW is not that crazy in length, so OL made so much sense.
I haven’t played VL in a couple years but that’s not a bad option either. I could almost see that happening except I like the colors better on the OL.
I am extremely intrigued with this iron. I played the F9 irons for most of 2019 and they were really good irons, but the improvements that have been made in only two releases and two years of time are quite impressive. I love the more rounded sole area. I can really see the benefit of the weight savings through the 3D printing. I would love to see this head in black.
Honestly, if I were playing in the Morgan Cup (and even with my move last year to a players cavity), I would seriously consider this iron. The more rounded shape really makes a difference to my eye.
The RAD OL Irons are so good, I’ve hit them really well, I would like to say that there is a set of Forged Tec in the Tech Studio too, and I’ve hit those really well… I think it speaks to Cobra’s entire strength as a line.
One Length isn’t set specific … It’s a mind set, a golf life style if you will…
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I had almost dismissed them previously, and not too sure why. I’m really looking forward to giving them a whirl, in fact excited to give the whole line a hit.
Have you ever seen me hit 200 yard 5 irons like it was nothing?
When you come back the Nashville, we are going to the Tech Studio & you will…
There is a OL 60° wedge in the studio that is 7 iron length, that takes a lot of getting used to, but the PW the 8 iron length isn’t an issue.
If it goes well, I have an absolutely insane idea.
Of all the clubs I have been though since joining THP, I miss my F9 OL set the most. I need to hit this OL set when I can. I am glad to hear that the Recoils have been great for you in this set, as that is what I would be installing.
I LOVE reading this.
Oh, oh… James and an absolutely insane idea. Somehow, some of these types of things can end up costing me money. ?
Im not big on categories as I think the lines are a bit blurred, but they are not a players iron in a small package and are built around solid speed and forgiveness.
Thanks, @JB. Yes, in reading the reviews of the more recent releases, I’ve noticed the line seems to be becoming increasingly blurred. My take-away, from @Jman‘s review and your comments, is this is perhaps an iron I should give a look, should I choose to upgrade my irons in 2021.
JB – has Cobra mentioned if these are a certain % smaller than the SZ irons? I know OEM’s like to throw around %’s especially when it comes to weight savings etc.
The sole width is obviously thinner and overall profile is smaller.. but are we talking 5%, 15%, etc.
How does the blade length compare to the SZ? The SZ was on the longer end to my eye which was a good thing for me.
They might have during our pre-line call, but honestly if they did, I don’t remember.
Here it is next to a Srixon 585 PW.
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That is very helpful. Thanks! The top line is a little thicker, but I honestly cannot see why anybody who could comfortably play a Srixon 5 series iron would be unable to play this set.
Nice article as well!
Thoughts on these compared to Speedback?
Not even in the same ballpark, although my time with the SpeedBack was limited in OL.
They appear smaller for those that like that, but they also sound so much better and feel so much better.
I hit the SpeedBack well, but would occasionally get some lower ball flights. I have not had that happen one time with this set.
Thanks for the feedback- similar thoughts on Speedback but I am very intrigued by the 3D printing as well the screw in the toe (also the OL feedback has been stellar)
ohhh this is a fantastic comparison!
I like my irons swing weighted lighter, but the ability to alter that with little to no fuss through a fitter is a very nice add.
During our tech call I asked if changing the screw would alter the ability to square the club up and was told that it would not. That their testing showed needing a bit more weight to change that.
I’m having the same thoughts here in regards to the 3d printing and the screw affecting weighting. Also, this OL ponder has continued to grow before the reveal, so I’m sure it will only continue to go up.
I think OL in a different length than 7i really has piqued my curiosity
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That looks pretty thin and compact to previous offerings from Cobra though
Same, I feel most comfortable with my 8i. This is something I believe @oumagic addressed in his OL journey thread about the possibility of it being adjusted if you’re more comfortable with an 8i.
Thanks!!! So much iron goodness coming… it’s going to be tough for those looking at new irons…
Probably feel and sound… I think there is a purpose.