Cobra’s King and King Max irons utilize 3D-printing to boost launch

Cobra is continuing to go all-in on 3D printing, and their latest set of irons utilizes the technology in a much less intimidating package for the game-improvement player.

Cobra’s new King and King Max irons, the latest in a long history of Cobra products by that name, are still made from a cast construction, but they feature a 3D-printed medallion to help optimize weight position in each head.

“We are huge believers in 3D-printed technology,” said Jose Miraflor, Cobra’s VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections. “Using 3DP to reposition the CG of the new King and King Max irons perfectly illustrates our dedication to continuing innovation and makes them our most advanced max-game improvement irons to date.”

Keep reading below for more on the Cobra King and King Max irons, including my take on the release.

What’s actually new with Cobra King and King Max irons — and why you should care

Using 3DP for the game improvement player

While the groundbreaking 3DP iron line is now Cobra’s flagship option, with solutions for players of all skill levels, some players still prefer the traditional look of a cavity back design at a lower price point.

But with many game improvement irons, stronger lofts meant to give players a distance boost can also make it difficult for them to get the ball airborne.

That’s where Cobra can leverage its 3D-printing technology to give players a boost to get the ball airborne while still playing stronger lofts.

“With that style of iron, being that it has a stronger loft, the trends that we’ve seen over the years… stronger lofts don’t make those irons as playable for a lot of people,” Cobra Senior Product Line Manager Caitlin Farley told GOLF. “So I wanted to make sure we’re making the iron not only fast and long … but also more playable. Lower CG helps get the ball up in the air.”

A lower CG is accomplished by placing a 3D-printed medallion in the cavity of the irons, resulting in a 2mm CG drop in each head.

“We want to make sure that it is creating better performance because we’re using 3D-printing,” Farley said. “Not just to put a 3D-printed logo on it.”

Built for speed

While the optimized weighting takes care of the launch, a 360 Speedshell face insert which allows the face to flex 23 percent more.

That’s paired with an 80 g weight suspended in the bottom of the iron in a polymer the company calls a “catapult” weight to maximize energy transfer. Thanks to weight savings from the 3D-printed medallion, the catapult weight is 15 g heavier than in the DS-Adapt irons.

The polymer also helps dampen vibrations and improve feel.

Borrowing from wedge tech

In what’s becoming way more of a focus from OEMs, the new sole of the Cobra King irons has been derived from the famous Cobra Phil Rogers wedge Skid Sole.

The Skid Sole has a pre-worn leading edge and a flatter mid-sole to help the club sit closer to the ground. This improves launch and contact for multiple different swing types.

The 2026 Cobra King lineup

King Irons

What is it: A classic, cavity-back game improvement iron with an ultra-low CG for higher launch.

Who it’s for: Players seeking maximum speed with a little boost in launch for a steeper descent angle.

King Max Irons

What is it: A larger cavity-back, super-game improvement iron with more offset and higher lofts to give players maximum launch.

Who it’s for: Players who need maximum forgiveness and launch and fight a slice.

My take: A solid game-improvement option

The Cobra King irons will undoubtedly get overshadowed by the 3DP line, but they serve an important role. Not everyone is going to be able to afford the $330 per head price of the 3DP irons, but with the new King irons, they can still benefit from the technology.

Stronger lofts often come at the price of lower ball flights, which means more shots hitting the green and ricocheting through. It’s pretty hard to keep the golf course in front of you that way.

With the optimized weighting in the King Max irons, you can still benefit from the stronger lofts, but also get the ball up in the air.

Cobra is also making a play I really support here by separating their game improvement irons from their metalwood lines. This way, they don’t have to force a new product to market, allowing people to invest in King or King Max without fear of them being obsolete so soon after their purchase. We’re seeing a growing trend toward game improvement irons being on a two-year release cycle and I hope it continues.

It’s also cool to see this focus on turf interaction and sole reach the game improvement category as the trend of triple cut soles and V soles has largely been reserved for players and players’ distance clubs.

While the 3DP X irons might be out of price range for some players in this category, the new King and King Max irons offer a lot of the same benefits, for a more friendly cost.

Price, Specs and Availability

Cobra’s new King and King Max irons are available for pre-order starting Feb. 3 and will arrive at retail locations on Feb. 6.

Both sets are available in 5-GW for $999 in steel and $1,099 in graphite. The King irons are also available in 4-PW.

Want to find the best driver for your game in 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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