Callaway Vs Cobra Irons – Who Makes The Better Clubs?

Callaway Vs Cobra Irons – Who Makes The Better Clubs?

These days we are blessed with a wealth of golf iron options. Whether you are a weekend hacker or a low handicapper, there are irons on the market for everyone. However, the abundance of choices can be overwhelming for those who are new to the game.

A great place to start is to understand the different brands and their strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we are looking at Callaway vs Cobra irons to determine who makes better clubs. We aim to help you identify the brand that you should consider the next time you are looking for a set of irons.

Callaway Vs Cobra Irons Overview & History

Although Callaway and Cobra possess a healthy contingent of professionals in their stable, both companies are renowned for their game-improvement irons which are forgiving and provide consistent launch and distance.

Callaway 

Callaway is a brand that needs little introduction, given its high profile amongst amateur and professional golfers. However, those of us old enough will remember that the company was only founded in 1982.

In less than forty years, Callaway has gone from the brainchild of Ely Callaway to a company that generates over $1.7 billion per year.

Cobra

Cobra’s story began nine years before Callaway. Former Australian amateur champ Thomas Crow realized that players in the US would purchase a club on a whim if they believed it could improve their game.

It took only two years for the company to stamp its mark on the golf world when they released the baffler. The revolutionary club traversed difficult lies with ease and gave players a high, consistent launch.

Best Choice Irons: Callaway Rogue X vs Cobra Speedzone Irons

Callaway Rogue X

Selling Points:

• 360 Face Cup design
• Lighter weight
• Increased length
• Variable face thickness
• Low CG
• Tungsten weighting
• Inserted urethane microspheres

Key Features:

First, let’s look at the feel and performance of the Callaway Rogue X irons. They are designed to maximize your ball speed, enhance forgiveness and provide a consistently high launch. The clubs are primarily aimed at beginners and high handicappers.

Furthermore, these Callaway irons contain urethane microspheres. They are employed to reduce unwanted vibrations and improve acoustics without comprising COR.

When we compare the lofts of the Callaway Rogue X and Cobra Speedzone to the averages mentioned by Golfweek’s Sharon Penn, both sets have incredibly strengthened lofts.

The Rogue X irons start with an 18.5 degree 4-iron and go down to an unheard of 41 degrees pitching wedge.

Callaway Rogue X Pros And Cons

 

Pros:

• Maximum distance
• Easy to launch
• Flexible face
• Accelerated ball speed
• Smooth feel even on mishits
• Crisp acoustics
• Forgiving

Cons:

• Strong lofted long irons may be a struggle for golfers with slow swing tempos to play with.
• The high launch may cause a loss of distance for some players

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra Speedzone Irons

 

 Selling Points:

• Lower CG
• Forged PWRSHELL clubface
• 35% larger sweet spot
• Optimized heel and toe weighting
• Acrylic foam inserted into the face

Key Features:

The Cobra Speedzone irons were built to serve a similar purpose to the Rogue X irons. They contain a low CG that promotes a high, powerful launch, leading to increased carry and distance. They are also aimed at high handicappers but offer more distance and less forgiveness. As such, Mid handicappers will also benefit from the clubs.

The Speedzone irons contain a sweet sport that is increased by 35% to deliver maximum forgiveness on heel and toe mishits. Cobra opted to employ acrylic foam as a counter to unwanted vibrations and clicky sounds on off-center strikes.

The Cobra Speedzone irons have weaker lofts over the Callaway designs’ but not by much. The Cobra irons start with a 19 degree 4-iron and run down to a 42.5-degree pitching wedge.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Enhanced forgiveness
• Rapid ball speed across the face
• Stable clubhead
• Pleasant feedback
• Excellent distance

Cons:

• Strengthened lofts are not suited to slower swinging golfers
• The high launch does not suit golfers looking for a more controlled flight

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Best For High Handicappers – Mavrik Max Vs Cobra F Max Irons

Callaway Mavrik Max Irons

 

Selling Points:

• Flash Face Cup technology
• Uses AI
• CG optimally located in each iron
• Contains urethane microspheres

Key Features:

The Mavrik Max are part of the excellent Mavrik family and these irons are aimed specifically at high handicappers and beginners.

These clubs are more forgiving than the Mavriks which will be slightly longer and they will also produce a higher, more towering ball flight.

The flash cup face produces excellent ball speeds and the urethane microspheres dampen vibrations on mis hits.

The sweet spots are large and the excellent turf interaction means you can excellent ball flights from the Mavrik Max.

Callaway Mavrik Max Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Promotes accelerated ball speeds
• Delivers increased spin
• Powerful launch
• Cushions unwanted vibrations
• Excellent distance

Cons:

• Stronger lofted long irons make it challenging to get your ball airborne.
• Chunky appearance
• Moderate offset reduces workability of the irons

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra F9 SpeedBack Irons

 

 Selling Points:

• SpeedBack Technology
• Forged PWRShell clubface
• Traditional sole width
• CNC Milled face grooves
• Expanded sweet spot

Key Features:

The Cobra F9 Speedback irons are a beginner and high handicappers dream. They provide a ton of distance as well as superior forgiveness.

Tungsten weighting in the heel and toe expand the massive sweet spot while the thick soles provide a huge amount of distance.

The speedback technology also works to dampen vibrations on mishits and the Pwrshell forged face provides exceptional ball speeds on impact.

Like many Cobra Irons, they also come in one length and progressive lengths.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Larger sweet spot
• Increased forgiveness
• Promotes faster ball speed
• Smooth feel at impact on mishits
• CG optimized in the long and mid irons for a consistent launch
• Crisp acoustics

Cons:

• The high launch may cause faster-swinging golfers to balloon shots and lose distance
• Moderately expensive

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Best For Mid Handicappers – Callaway Mavrik Vs Cobra Radspeed

Callaway Mavrik Irons

 

Selling Points:

• Designed using AI
• Flash Face Cup
• Soft feel
• Unique face architecture for every loft

Key Features:

The Mavriks posses the same technology as the Mavrik Max with stronger lofts and more distance.

They are suitable to better players and fast swing speeds and as such are not as forgiving.

AI placed weighting still allows a towering ball flight and the clubs possess large sweet spots with the flash face technology and thick soles that send the ball miles down the fairway, at least, that is the plan.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Longest irons in the Mavrik range
• Optimum launch
• Enhanced ball speed
• Absorbs vibrations on mishits
• Quite Forgiving

Cons:

• Strong lofts make the long irons difficult to launch for slower swingers
• The moderate head shape may not appeal to lower handicappers

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra Radspeed Irons

 

 Selling Points:

• Radial Weighting Technology
• Weight saving 3D printed logo medallion
• One length shaft option or progressive

Key Features:

The Cobra Radspeed irons are the latest and greatest for Cobra and they are packing a ton of the most modern technology along with being available in one length or progressive lengths.

The weighting, included a visible screw in the toe and another in the heel are placed with AI and offering more spin in the shorter irons and towering, high and long strikes in the longer irons.

The sweet spots are large and the thick soles get under the ball well and offer a ton of distance in these thunderingly long irons from Cobra.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Promotes accelerated ball speed
• Excellent forgiveness
• Drowns out vibrations on off-center strikes
• Exceptional feel
• Crisp acoustics
• Solid distance

Cons:

• Chunky appearance, especially the wedges.
• Strong lofts are not ideal for slower swinging players

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Best For Low Handicappers – Callaway Apex 21 Irons Vs Cobra King Forged Tec Irons

Callaway Apex 21 Irons

Selling Points:

• Moderate head size
• A standard level of offset
• Flash Cup Face designed with AI
• Five times more tungsten than Apex 19
• 1025 mild carbon steel iron body
• Urethane microspheres

Key Features:

Callaway have done an excellent job with the new Apex 21, a forged iron with more forgiveness that you would be used to from an iron of this type,

The irons have moderately sized heads with the higher levels of spin that the better players will like while maintaining a high level of forgiveness with the cavity backed design.

The flash face and tungsten weighting all leads to an iron that hits the ball long and high, feels great and provides forgiveness in a new generation of irons that ticks all the boxes for low handicap players.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Generates rapid ball speed
• Amplified spin across the face
• Formidable launch
• Forgiving
• Soft feel at impact
• Excellent turf interaction
• Includes a 3-iron in the set

Cons:

• The standard offset may reduce your ability to work shots
• Not ideal for low single-digit handicappers and Professionals

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra King Forged Tec Irons

 

 Selling Points:

• Forged PWRShell face
• Expanded sweet spot
• Muscle back design
• Hollow Core
• Foam microspheres
• Tungsten fitted in the mid to long irons

 Key Features:

Forged irons from Cobra that are certainly aimed at the workability low handicappers want from their irons.

Unlike traditional players irons, the Cobra Forged Tec irons are filled with foam for a more forgiving club that still allows a tremendously soft feel.

The forged PWRShell face and muscle back shape provide a ton of distance and higher levels of spin than a beginner might be comfortable with, especially in the shorter irons.

All around long, forgiving and workable clubs for low handicap players.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Larger sweet spot
• Increased forgiveness
• Promotes faster ball speed
• Smooth feel at impact on mishits
• CG optimized in the long and mid irons for a consistent launch
• Crisp acoustics

Cons:

• The high launch may cause faster-swinging golfers to balloon shots and lose distance
• Moderately expensive

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Most Forgiving: Callaway Big Bertha B21 – Cobra F9 SpeedBack

Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons

Selling Points:

• Super game improvement irons
• First Big Bertha irons designed using A.I.
• Flexible 360 Face up
• Maximum offset
• Extra-wide sole

Key Features:

The Big Bertha B21 irons are the beginners dream. They are super game imporvement irons with massive sweet spots and a ton of offset to stop players from slicing the ball.

The generous lofts and deep undercuts will ensure you get these in the air and straight every time.

The weighting is placed with AI for optimal COG and the multi material badge will dampen any unwanted vibrations on the backs of the clubs.

Get towering distance and the forgiveness you need to learn how to play or to get better at the game.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Maximum forgiveness
• Straight ball flight
• Easy to launch
• Exceptional ball speed
• Soft feel
• Massive club heads

Cons:

• Oversize profile can be off putting for some
• Limited workability
• The high may cause some players to lose distance.

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra F-Max Airpseed Irons

 Selling Points:

• Lower CG
• Forged PWRSHELL clubface
• 35% larger sweet spot
• Optimized heel and toe weighting
• Acrylic foam inserted into the face

Cobra F-Max Irons Key Features:

Cobra are one of the leading produces of irons when it comes to high handicappers, seniors and beginners, a market the company was formed to serve.

These clubs are light, forgiving and easy to hit consistently, due in part to the large sweet spots, aided by tungsten weighting in the heel and toe.

The clubs also have a low Center of Gravity and excellent turf interactions, making getting the ball in the air, a walk in the park.

The irons are also offset for slicers with lighter options in the shafts for slower swing speeds.

Cobra F-Max Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Optimal launch for each iron
• Draw-bias long irons
• Low launching wedges
• Mitigates against slices
• Helps to increase swing speed
• Forgiving long irons

Cons:

• The lightweight may result in some players ballooning their shots
• Draw bias long irons are off-putting to players looking to work their shots

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Best For Professionals – Callaway Apex Pro Vs Cobra King Mims Tour Set

Callaway Apex Pro Irons

 

Selling Points:

• Players Performance Iron
• I Face Architecture
• Forged body construction
• Tungsten energy core
• Patented urethane microspheres

Key Features:

The Callaway Apex Pros are, as the name suggests, players performance irons aimed at the very best place.

A thin upper line and minimal offset makes the clubs look beautiful at address but only the best players will be able to wield them efficiently.

The irons are forged with urethane microspheres inside to dampen vibrations while the clubs offer an epically soft feel with tons of workability and higher spin rates than a game improvement iron.

The I Face Architecture and tungsten weighting spreads the sweet, ensures good distance and gives the maximum control possible to players who want to hit the exact spot they are aiming for, hit draws or fades, stop the ball dead and go pin hunting like you see on the television.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Maximum COR
• Increased ball speed
• Excellent spin levels
• Minimal offset
• Enhanced workability
• 3-iron included in the set

Cons:

• Not suited to mid and high handicap players
• Minimal forgiveness

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra King Mims Tour Set Irons

 Selling Points:

• Metal Injection Molding technology
• Players iron feel
• Compact design
• Tungsten weighting
• polyurethane insert to damp vibrations

Key Features:

Excellent tour quality irons with the feel and workability of a players iron with the forgiveness and distance of a more game improvement iron.

Tungsten weighting in the heel and the toe is reduced in the shorter irons to allow pin hunters to generate more spin and control the ball more en route to the flag stick.

The clubs have a players iron feel but the sweet spots are also large and plastic polyurethane insert works to dampen any vibrations on off center strikes.

These irons are molded to a high standard for the very best players but can also be used by mid to low handicappers because of their forgiveness and workability.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Buttery soft feel
• Slick look
• Promotes excellent shot workability
• Stable on off-center strikes

Cons:

• Difficult irons for non-professionals to play
• Limited forgiveness

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Best For Seniors & Slow Swing Speeds: Callaway Steelhead XR – Cobra F Max Superlight

Callaway Steelhead XR

 

Selling Points:

• 360 FaceCup Technology
• Shock eliminator technology
• CG located low and back
• Wide sole
• Oversized profile

Key Features:

The Steelhead XR irons are previous generation from Callaway and aimed at beginners and those with slower swing speeds such as seniors.

They clubs are light and wieldy and the sweet spots on the irons are massive, allowing the player to generating long and straight strikes consistently.

The Center Of Gravity is low and in the back for high launching and forgiving shots but the sweet spot is also expanded out offering forgiveness.

The club head is oversized and the cavity back dampens any vibrations which is also great for senior players.

The face provides fast ball speeds and the excellent clubs can be picked up for a very fair price.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Generates exceptional ball speed
• Delivers consistent distance
• Easy launching long irons
• High spinning short irons
• Reduces unwanted vibrations
• Forgiving

Cons:

• Oversized profile
• The high launch may result in ballooned shots for faster swinging players
• Minimal workability

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra F Max Superlight Irons

 Selling Points:

• Lightweight profile
• Progressive hosel length
• Offset design
• Deep undercut cavity
• Premium chrome finish
• Low CG in long irons
• High CG in short irons

Cobra F Max Superlight Irons Key Features:

Everything about the FMax Super Light iron set is about getting the maximum distance and swing speed for players who have traditionally slower swing speeds naturally.

The clubs are extremely light and have offset heads that can straighten out any slice for the player.

They are also progressive, offering distance and forgiveness in the long irons with more workability and spin in the shorter irons.

The Fmax superlights are specially crafted for those with slower swing speeds and allow them to get the absolute most out of their games.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• High launching long irons
• Controlled trajectory with the short irons
• Prompts increased clubhead speed
• Promotes faster ball speed
• Maximum forgiveness

Cons:

• Oversized design
• Reduced workability
• A high launch may cause some players to lose distance with the long irons.
• Not suited to players with fast swing speeds

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Best For Women: Callaway Big Bertha Reva Irons – Cobra F Max Airspeed Irons

Callaway Big Bertha Reva Irons

Selling Points:

• Oversized clubheads
• Extra offset
• Flash Face Cup
• Deep CG
• Inserted urethane microspheres

Key Features:

The Callaway Reva are the perfect set of irons for any women that are getting into the game as beginners or taking their game from where it is at, to the next level.

The clubs have huge heads with massive sweet spots and thick soles that generate a lot of distance.

The club face is massive and the sweet spot is extremely large around the middle of the club for consistent strikes even if you dont the ball dead in the center.

The clubs undercuts the surface well and should certainly be able to get it close to the pin with long and rangy strikes.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Optimized for distance
• Easy to launch
• Straighter ball flight
• Low spin
• Minimized unwanted vibrations

Cons:

• Oversized heads
• Limited workability

Overall Score: 93/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra F Max Women’s Irons

 Selling Points:

• Lightweight construction
• Deep undercut cavity
• Low profile design
• Optimized trajectory for each iron
• Progressive hosel length

Key Features:

Cobra F Max for women are among the lightest and most forgiving in the arsenal from Cobra and they are one of the best overall sets in their entire range.

Tungsten weighting in the back heel alongside a slight offset results in consistently straight strikes that also maximize the distance you will get from the clubs with light shafts and a light head.

The wedges are specially crafted to be a long more workable than the longer irons with CNC milled faces with deep grooves.

These clubs are going to be a dream for anyone with a slower swing speed.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Generates optimal swing speed
• Easy to launch long irons
• Maximum forgiveness
• Combats slice shots
• Standard loft

Cons:

• Not designed for fast swinging players
• A high launch may cause loss of distance

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Best Of All Time: (Callaway Big Bertha 2019 vs Cobra Golf Men’s King Forged Rickie Fowler Iron Set)

Callaway Big Bertha 2019 Irons

Selling Points:

• Callaway’s easiest launching distance iron.
• Thin 360 Face Cup
• Suspended energy core
• Smoked PVD finish

Key Features:

 

Everything about the Big Bertha 2019 irons stands out from the legendary name to blacked smoked metal finish.

These clubs are designed to give as much distance to the regular player as possible while also maintaining straight and consistent strikes.

The irons will suit high to mid handicappers perfectly and you should shave some strokes off your round if you are switching from a lower performing set of irons.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Easy to launch
• Built for distance
• Reduces vibrations on off-center strikes
• Generates increased ball speed
• Slick appearance

Cons:

• Chunky head
• The high launch is not suited to everyone
• Reduced workability

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

2017 Cobra Golf Men’s King Forged Rickie Fowler Irons

 Selling Points:

• Limited edition
• Forged body
• Milled grooves
• Tungsten toe weight
• Commemorative box
• Rich copper finish

Key Features:

Clubs with a copper finish and carrying the name of colorful golf pro, Rickie Fowler, these players irons were always going to stand out from the rest of the pack from Cobra.

The heads are forged and offer a ton of workability from low handicappers from draws and fades to generating back spin on the greens. The rich faces are also CNC milled.

These clubs are modeled on the exact set that Rickie Fowler used in 2017 so certainly a model for the better players among us.

King Forged Rickie Fowler Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Exquisite looking irons
• Outstanding acoustics
• Buttery soft feel on shots out the sweet spot.
• Maximum workability
• Excellent spin levels

Cons:

• Expensive
• Not suited to the average golfer
• Minimal forgiveness

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Conclusion On Who Makes The Best Irons?

Callaway is a superior player when it comes to revenue generated from golf equipment sales. But, Cobra continues to contest when it comes to the quality and performance of their irons.

From our review of Callaway vs Cobra irons, it is clear to see a pattern emerging. Callaway produces better irons for lower handicappers and professionals.

Conversely, Cobra stays true to their initial purpose and makes quality irons for the average golfer, but in our opinion, Callaway also makes the better irons for this market too.

We are not saying that Cobra produce crappy clubs, far from it. It is just that Callaway also produce excellent quality clubs and it is hard to chose between one or the other overall.

Since the beginner and mid handiapper will make up the vast bulk of golfers, we have to say that Callaway produce the better irons but it is certainly up for debate.

Those of you thinking about a new set of irons should take the  Callaway Mavrik iron set out for a test drive.