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There is so much to like about these stylish Cobra irons. But is there enough for them to go in equipment editor James Savage’s bag?
We gathered data using a SkyTrak launch monitor during multiple sessions at Leeds Golf Centre.
Cobra Forged Tec Black irons review: First impressions
As I’m sure you all know, I’ve been using the Cobra Forged One irons this year.
But Cobra have since releases the Forged Tec Black – which are also available in One Length.
Bryson Dechambeau uses the Forged One so there is a bit of a nagging voice in my head telling me I should be using something a bit more friendly and forgiving.
So maybe the Forged Tec Black – released this spring but we’ve only just been able to get out hands on – could be the answer?
They are still fairly compact but have a little bit more bulk than the Forged One.
I’m a big fan of the black finish and black shaft which gives these irons a really modern feel.
I’d say they filled me with a bit more confidence from the address position than the Forged One but I already know I can play comfortably with the slightly sleeker model.
Cobra Forged Tec Black irons review- The technology
Cobra have tried to offer the best of both world’s with the Forged Tec Black by still providing a crisp sound and feel but also adding a bit more speed and distance.
These irons have a multi-material TEC (Technology Enhanced Cavity) construction with a faster forged steel face, a carbon fibre medallion behind the cavity and tungsten weighting for stability.
Cobra say these elements work in unison to deliver the ultimate blend of distance, forgiveness, and precision.
And the black finish is not all about aesthetics.
The DBM (Diamonised Black Metal) technology provides extreme wear resistance and reduced glare.
[skylab_video id=”153370″]Forged Tec Black YT[/skylab_video]
We’re told the process chemically implants the black finish into the club head, increasing durability, without affecting playability, for longer lasting, better looking irons.
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That’s the lowdown on the Cobra Forged Tec Black irons – but how did they perform? Find out the results and our verdict on the next page…
Cobra Forged Tec Black irons review: The results
I’ve gathered some data with both the Forged Tec Black and the Forged One using our SkyTrak monitor.
And I’ve also played a couple of rounds with the Forged Tec Black to compare them with the models I have been using all year.
Looking at the launch monitor data, it is clear that the Forged Tec Black are offering a little bit more ball speed and distance.
But there’s not enough information to say they are performing loads better than the Forged One.
I prefer the feel off the face when using the Forged One but they seem to launch a bit higher than the Forged Tec.
This is something for me to think about as we head towards the winter and windier conditions.
Out on the course, I can’t say that the Forged Tec Black have offered me anything extra to help me shoot better scores.
There is possibly a bit more forgiveness on heel and toe strikes but not an amount which is going so save me shots.
If anything, there seems to be a bit more stopping power from the Forged One due to the extra spin.
Despite some fairly extensive testing, I’m still torn when it comes to trying to make a definitive conclusion.
My iron play this year has been reasonable. I have adapted to using the One Length irons and feel like my long iron play in particular has improved.
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Had I not been in a job where I have constant access to new equipment, I wouldn’t have been thinking about a change.
The Forged One have a better sound and feel than the Forged Tec. I feel like they offer me a bit more feedback which should only help me improve.
I’m looking to improve, I want to get my handicap down.
The Forged Tec Black do offer me a bit more forgiveness and distance. They have a nice, crisp sound and feel without being soft and buttery like the Forged One.
Having played rounds with each, I wouldn’t say that one model is helping me shoot better scores than the other.
So for now, I’m going to stick with the Forged One and try and improve my ball striking to a level where that extra forgiveness of the Forged Tec won’t be needed.
I have to take into account the fact I have used the Forged One for about six months and have got comfortable with them.
Had I started using the Forged Tec Black six months ago, chances are I’d be keeping them in the bag because I really like them.
They look great, have a nice feel produce good numbers and a penetrating ball flight.
