How do Cobra’s new F9 Speedback irons perform?
Cobra F9 irons review: The results
I had a good chance to hit these irons at the brand’s launch event but have not had the chance to do any in-depth testing yet.
Luckily, I did have my SkyTrak launch monitor with me at the event to get an idea of where these irons stacked up compared to some of the other new models I have tested over the past couple of months.
To me, these irons do have a ‘game-improvement’ feel to them by the fact there is a fair bit of visual technology.
As I said previously, Cobra are trying to cover a fairly large section of the market here.
Personally, I’d have to be in love with the performance of these irons to put them in the bag.
The sound of these irons is quite loud which I think is intentional to make you feel like they have gone a long way.
But the feel is still crisp and solid. They are are good fun to hit.
Good fun at the @cobragolfuk 2019 product launch today. Was well worth the long journey. New irons were pretty good too but I don’t like to talk about it pic.twitter.com/5YVX3Tg1OJ
— James Savage (@JamesSavageFJ) October 11, 2018
And they are incredibly long. They could be up there with the longest irons I have tested to date.
The ball speed was fantastic, the ball flight was strong and penetrating.
We look forward to bringing you some more detailed numbers and comparisons in the coming months.
Cobra F9 irons review: NCG verdict
Although the looks of these irons are aren’t quite what I’d go for personally – the performance seems to be right on the money.
You can’t argue with the technology that has been ploughed into these clubs and it does seem to have resulted in a very long and forgiving product.
The game-improvement irons market is absolutely huge as this is where all the big brands have their best-selling products.
So the F9 irons will be competing with the Ping G400 and G700, TaylorMade M4 and M3, Callaway Rogue and Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal to name just a few.
It’s an incredibly competitive section of the market as handicap golfers look for a product to offer them distance and forgiveness.
I’m pretty certain that the Cobra F9 irons will be neck and neck, if not better, than any other iron in this category.
And the price is a bit cheaper.
And you have the option of variable or One Length.
And you have built-in game-tracking technology in the grips.
So there is undeniably a fantastic package being offered by Cobra here.
The challenge for them is to get those who are loyal to Ping, TaylorMade, Callaway and Mizuno to try their products.
If more people tried Cobra clubs out, I’m certain loads more people would buy them.
Cobra F9 irons details
SRP: £699 Steel/£799 Graphite
In-store: January 2019
More information can be found on the Cobra website.
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
