At Golf Legends we’re all about the weekend hackers, and the blue-collar guys grinding it out every hole. However the Cobra King Forged TEC Irons are not meant for you. Now don’t go getting all upset at us, we’re just the messengers. Though similar, these are not to be confused with what Rickie Fowler carries in his bag
This is free country you can buy whatever you want, but Cobra specifically lists these irons as “Tour to 15-Handicap”. This means professionals, scratch players, and anyone who averages less than an 87 and under on 18 holes. This isn’t meant as an insult it’s just due to the way Cobra designed the clubs to perform. We will get to that later.
What Does TEC Irons Mean?
TEC is Cobra’s solution to shortening Technology Enhanced Cavity. We will keep it shortened TEC for the sake of this review. The TEC is constructed of forged 4140 chromoly steel. The TEC has a carbon fiber medallion that makes the sound on impact sound crisp everytime.
This steel is considerably tougher than typical steel used on golf clubs. It has higher resistance to impact and abrasion (gonna get a lot of both of those in golf in case you forgot). It is commonly used in the oil, gas, energy, and automotive industries due to its toughness and resistance to corrosion. So if you’re a better than average golfer and you are looking for a lifetime set, the Cobra King Forged TEC Irons could fit the bill.
Cobra King Black Edition
The Cobra King Forged TEC Irons are one of the clubs that Cobra offers the Black Edition. They are the same specs are the classic chrome but have DBM. Another fancy acronym from Cobra that stands for Diamonized Black Metal. It is advertised as an extra coating (Black finish obviously) that will prevent wear and keep the clubs looking better over time. They are relatively new so only time will tell.
In our opinion these clubs look about as good as a golf club can look so, but to each their own. Definitely go check them out in person before taking the leap.
Feel
As I mentioned above, the Cobra King Forged TEC Irons are aesthetically phenomenal. The question was can this so-called durable black finish hold up to long-term use. Now I personally do not own these irons so I cannot speak on durability, but I can confirm that they have the signature Cobra feel. I’ve played with Cobra F & P’s (Feel and Performance) for the better part of decade now. I’ve swung many irons in those 10 years, but nothing quite does it for my like the cobra’s do.
Durability
After reading many reviews of the set, we came across a buyer who worked as a teacher and played everyday this summer, totaling 80+ rounds with the Cobra King Forged TEC Irons. He has this to say about the finish:
“The only question I had was the durability of the finish. I’m happy to say now that, after all of those rounds, the finish on mine is just as beautiful as when they were unboxed. Very durable. I don’t take enormous divots on my strikes, but I would think that after that many rounds the sole would show some slight wear or lose color. But they simply haven’t; they have kept their sleek look through the many rounds I’ve played.”
That is a considerable amount a golf and I’d say a fair sample size. We found only one complaint about the durability from a buyer that had this to say:
“after my round today there is an impact mark on the face of the 5 iron. I don’t expect them to stay as new but after 3 rounds and going to the range 1 or 2 times a week for just under 2 months I would expect them to last better.”
That is a bit scary if you ask me, however I want to reiterate that this is the ONLY instance we could find that had an issue with the finish. I am an optimist so I’m gonna chalk it up as a fluke and that this particular buyer was doing something very wrong. We can’t say for sure, but it’s here for you to know about it.
Performance
Rare finish and durability aside, there is nobody, including us, questioning the Cobra King Forged TEC Irons performance. The biggest thing that I noticed was the stronger loft. I needed to adjust my distances by almost 1-club due to the added height and distance.
The TEC Irons also are very light with perfectly place weights to keep the center of gravity more centered on impact for higher club head speeds and higher launch. The forgiveness is better than I had expected. Not quite as playable as a blade iron, but not enough to make a difference for myself at least.
Bottom Line
Due to the adjustments to distance and stronger lofts I would not recommend to a newer player or someone who does not get out a lot. Like any irons these are a slightly different from most irons, and having to adjust your distances without playing consistently is a recipe for disaster.
The stronger lofts however are also a positive for more advanced players in terms of added distance and higher loft. The CNC milled face gave me the ability to stick shots on the green like I never have before (when I hit the green that is). Accuracy is my personal issue, but if you are looking for a professional set of irons that not only perform, but will last over time these are for you.
Each iron comes with built-in Cobra Connect to help cut down on your range work by keeping data on each swing. In terms of price they are slightly less (starting at $1,100) than the TaylorMade P790 Irons. Both iron sets are commonly being compared amongst buyers. The awesome menacing look of the Black Edition is just the cherry on top that will have heads turning the second you pull your bag out of the trunk!
