Reader Test: Cobra One Length irons
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What four golfers made of Cobra’s latest irons, including One Length options
Bryson DeChambeau caused a massive stir in the equipment world last year when he burst onto the scene with a set of same-length irons. Cobra quickly signed him up to a major endorsement deal, promising to make their 2017 irons available as both standard and one-length options.
Cobra reckons a set of One Length irons – each is the same length as a 7-iron – can improve accuracy and strike consistency. Will four TG readers agree? They tested them alongside Cobra’s normal-length options, the King F7 and the Forged Tour.
The Readers:
Dean Wood: Handicap 24
John Gavaghan: Handicap17
David Benson: Handicap 21
Ross McCarthy: Handicap +1
What do you make of the Cobra One Length concept?
DB: On paper it sounds good. It should make it really simple for golfers to set up consistently.
JG: It’s clever. I completely understand how it could increase consistency and accuracy, particularly for golfers of my handicap range.
DW: I’m really interested. Anything that helps golfers hit better shots will be a hit in my book.
RM: It’s certainly different. I’d need to see some serious bene ts to warrant making the switch.
How does it feel standing over a pitching wedge the same length as a 7-iron?
DB: I was pleasantly surprised. I would have no difficulty putting the shorter irons into play. I added a few yards, too.
JG: For full shots I didn’t have an issue. I do like standing closer to the ball for shorter shots and pitching, though, and the longer shaft didn’t feel as natural for these.
DW: I didn’t notice a huge amount of difference, which was completely unexpected. RM: I needed to adjust my stance so it would take some time to get used to.
And what about using a 5-iron the same length as your 7-iron?
DB: I prefer the standard length King F7. Being reasonably tall, I felt like I was squatting down over the 5-iron, and struggled to launch it quite as well as the standard-length club.
JG: I’m not that con dent hitting a 5-iron from the deck so the shorter shaft meant I felt like
I got closer to the ball, a good feeling. The data showed I lost a couple of yards.
DW: I’d agree for plenty of golfers it would boost con dence, but the results didn’t quite match my enthusiasm.
RM: It’s just weird. It’s not for me.
Would you go F7’s (game improvement) or Forged Tour (better player)?
DB: Off 21, I’d be looking at the F7 for sure.
JG: The Forged Tour look fantastic, but for me it would be F7 all day long. I like how Cobra have designed each iron as an individual club, so there’s extra playability in the long and mid irons and really good looking short irons.
DW: I’d want the F7’s extra forgiveness.
RM: It would be the Forged Tour. I like the straight top edges, reasonably narrow soles and they feel forgiving too.
Should other golfers try One Length?
DB: Yes, and see how they perform on a launch monitor. I’d still use a standard-length set though.
JG: I liked the standard-length F7s; I guess we’re comfortable using what we’re used to. Other golfers wouldn’t be wasting their time trying a set of One Length, though.
DW: New ideas are always worth a try, but the standard length F7s would be my choice. A launch monitor tting is the way forward.
RM: There’s just so many adjustments to make for me to play One Length, I’m just not sure I’d see enough benefits to make it worth my while.
THE PRODUCT:
Cobra King Forged Tour & One Length: RRP from £649 (s)
Watch our video reviews of the Cobra King Forged Tour and One Length irons
Cobra King F7 & One Length: RRP: King F7 £549 (s), £649 (g)
Watch our video reviews of the Cobra King F7 and One Length irons
