Cobra

What it does: Cobra’s E9 face is one of the company’s most venerable technologies, and it’s featured here – with a twist. The ST118 stainless steel goes through a multi-step forging and machining process. The result is a super-thin face (as slim as 1.6 millimetres in the upper area) that promotes rebound at impact. The slimming down also resulted in a weight savings of three grams that were moved low to boost launch angle. The irons have a new shape aimed to appeal to a higher-handicap player compared to the Forged Tec model. These have a thicker topline, a shallower blade height, increased offset, wider sole widths and stronger lofts.

Why we like it: The slightly beefier clubhead gives off the vibe that a powerful strike is achievable. In some ways it’s like a good IPA – not for everyone, but thoroughly enjoyable by those who appreciate it. The hollow-body 4 to 7-irons have a lot of tungsten welded into the sole (65 grams, which is 45 grams more than the Forged Tec) that helps with launching the ball high without having to rely on a super-wide sole to do so. The irons also use the same soft-foam core as the Tec model to enhance sound and feel.

7-iron loft 27 degrees pw loft 42 degrees