golf gear
Made To
PERFORM
This month we stopped off at Cobra to have a look at their latest stock of what's available in store and online in South Africa
Golf technology and equipment is evolving at a pace which rekindles the old phrase of 'you snooze, you lose,' but Cobra are trendsetters in a variety of ways and always among the forefront of advances.
Their latest offering off the production belt is Cobra 3DP (3D-printed) irons, which in layman's terms are a new type of golf club made using advanced 3D-printing technology, rather than traditional forging or casting.
Instead of shaping solid metal, Cobra builds each iron layer by layer from stainless steel powder using lasers. This allows engineers to create complex internal lattice structures inside the clubhead – something impossible with older methods.
These internal structures save weight, which is then re-positioned around the head (often with tungsten) to improve forgiveness, stability, and launch. The result is a club that combines the soft feel and compact look of a blade with the forgiveness of a larger game-improvement iron.
Cobra 3DP irons are used by a wide range of golfers. Sushine Tour professionals Rupert Kaminski and Deon Germishuys have tested or used custom 3D-printed versions on tour, while different models are designed for low-, mid-, and higher-handicap players.
TOP-CLASS FACILITY
Enjoy a tour of the state-of-the art fitment studio and workshop at Cobra PUMA Golf South Africa HQ.
COBRA 3DP X Irons
What Cobra say: 'These irons combine super-game improvement performance into a more compact, player's-inspired shape. You get the highest moment of inertia (MOI) possible in a smaller, more elegant profile, proving you don't have to sacrifice looks for performance.'
Random review: 'I was impressed with the huge ball speeds, high levels of forgiveness, and a surprisingly compact look. It's one of the longest game-improvement irons you're likely to hit. While it won't suit players who rely on higher spin for control, golfers looking to gain distance without sacrificing looks or feel will find a lot to like here.' – nationalclubgolfer.com
Who are they aimed at? Mid- to higher-handicap golfers (10–20 range) seeking maximum forgiveness, high launch, and superior distance without sacrificing a compact, premium look.
COBRA 3DP MB Irons
What Cobra say: 'These irons combine the look and feel of a traditional forged blade with a massive amount of forgiveness. The most forgiving blade you'll ever hit, the MB has captivated Tour players by checking all the boxes and exceeding expectations with its exceptional stability and feel.'
Random review: 'The Cobra 3DP MB irons are a triumph of engineering and aesthetics. They offer one of the purest visuals and impact sensations I have ever experienced in testing, with a surprising amount of playability for a muscleback. However, the price tag for a six-iron set will test the resolve of many golfers who would love them.' – golfmonthly.com
Who are they aimed at? Elite amateurs, low-handicap golfers (0-10 range), and touring professionals who demand the precision, look, and feel of a traditional muscleback blade, but desire superior modern performance.
COBRA 3DP Tour Irons
What Cobra say: 'These irons unlock a new level of performance. Cobra's proprietary internal 3D printed lattice optimizes weight distribution to deliver more forgiveness than was previously possible in an iron this size.'
Random review: 'Overall the Cobra 3DP Tour irons are unicorns in the iron world. I am very close to calling them in for the starting job in my bag as they give me the confident look at address, with the performance of a much larger game-improvement iron.' – golfwrx.com
Who are they aimed at? Better players (low handicappers) to mid-handicappers (roughly 10-20 handicap) who desire the compact, traditional look of a blade with the high stability and forgiveness of a game-improvement iron.
HOW TO ORGANISE A FITTING AT THE CPG STUDIO
The team works extensively with all major golfing retailers where you can start your process. By purchasing from your local retailer, they then set up a time at the CPG studio with the team to fine-tune the elements around your club/s of choice.
As the studio is based in Johannesburg, this does naturally cater for those close to it geographically in Gauteng. The CPG team does have a footprint across South Africa, though, with a committed team that also goes on the road each year with their Cobra gear van, which offers all the essential resources of the workshop.
To find out more about the fitting process, and the Cobra range, follow them on Instagram @CobraPumaGolfSouthAfrica
COBRA GOLF / supplied
