The players distance iron is one of the most popular categories in the iron market. TaylorMade P790s have taken the world by storm and shown both manufacturers and golfers that you can have good looking irons which still provide distance and forgiveness.
Before the introduction of this type of iron there was always a sacrifice to be made, but nowadays with the technology available you can have it both ways.
Cobra have added two more models in to this very popular category with the updated Forged TEC and Forged TEC X irons.
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The Tech
Cobra's iron offering ranges from game improvement (LTDx and AIR-X) to players irons (King Tour MIM) and even blades (King RF Forged MB).
Sitting in the middle are the Forged TEC and the Forged TEC X.
The Forged Tec is built to rival the likes of the TaylorMade P790, Ping i525 and Callaway Rogue ST Pro.
A thinner topline and reduced offset compared to the previous Forged Tec is designed to improve ball-striking as it inspires 'precision and playability'.
There is 20g of tungsten (6g less than P790) hidden in the hollow forged head, which is also packed with lightweight foam to dampen the sound and improve feel.
The Pwrshell technology is said to increase ball speed and the head is five-times forged, a treatment which is usually reserved for players irons, for a softer feel that is said to be preferred by better players.
Arccos performance tracking isn't already placed in the top of the Lamking grip, although you can order the tags free of charge if you want to take advantage of this technology.
Cobra King Forged TEC 2022 Irons Review
Looks and Feel
It's an extremely good looking head with a brushed steel finish, and subtle branding on the back of the head. There is a weight screw in the toe and in comparison to the Forged TEC X, it has a thinner topline and sole, which makes the head look more elongated at address.
The head looks like a fuller version of a blade, similar to the Callaway Rogue ST Pro or the Mizuno Pro 223. It also looked as if one piece of metal had been used to make the head, as you would see on a forged blade.
The irons felt positive in their feedback, with the strike feeling nice and full off the face. It's a hollow head but you don't really hear it, thanks to the foam that has been packed inside.
There is no click to the strike so you do instantly know whether you haven't caught it well or if you've turned the face at impact.
You can easily manipulate the blade, which is useful for shaping shots but will also punish poorer shots.
These irons sound better than my Ping i525s and similar to a P790. It is a very nice sounding and feeling golf club.
Performance
It is worth noting that the Forged TEC 6 iron loft is 29.5 degree, which makes it a little weaker than the TaylorMade P790, as well as being 2.5 degrees weaker than the Forged TEC X.
Testing the 6 iron at Stockport GC with the Flightscope Mevo+ launch monitor, I recorded an average spin rate of 6236rpm with a launch angle of 17.6 degrees.
If I discounted my first shot of the session which was a warmup, then the dispersion between my shortest (141 yards) and longest (146 yards) shots was really excellent.
I was swinging within myself but still managed to produce ball speeds over 100mph which was pretty impressive.
They aren't quite as forgiving in strike as the Forged TEC X Irons, and the ball flight produced was straighter to slightly more fade biased in comparison too, as the Forged TEC X has a little more offset so encouraged more of a draw.
Cobra King Forged TEC 2022 Irons Verdict
This is my favourite Cobra iron I have ever tested, and it has to be right up there in my best irons of 2022.
I felt like I could easily step on one of my swings and increase my club speed to gain a couple more yards if I wanted to. However I still did not fear the jumper which flies over the green, due to the consistent spin numbers that I was creating.
The lowest spin I had was 5610rpm and the highest was 6600rpm, which is pretty good considering you're not going to strike the ball the same every time.
I would encourage anyone who is looking for a set of players distance irons to consider these. Once again Cobra have produced a good looking, good performing and great value for money product. You simply have to try these irons.
Who Are They Aimed At?
Women with a single figure handicap, or men with a handicap between 5 and 15.
Would I Use Them?
Absolutely. These rival my i525s for feel and performance and I think they sound better too.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like:
Ping i525 Irons Review
Cobra LTDx Irons Review