Club Test 2011: Cobra S3 Irons

From Golf Magazine (April 2011)
Category: Game-Improvement Irons
We tested: 20° and 23° hybrids plus 4-GW with Aldila NV-3 graphite shaft

Key Technologies: Long and mid-irons (3-7) have a high-strength steel face that’s 20 percent thinner and more flexible than the S2 irons, resulting in higher ball speeds (+1.5 mph) and longer distances (2-4 yards). The sweet-spot area transitions in each club based on typical ball impact patterns -- elliptical in the long irons to more circular in the short irons -- to improve forgiveness and feel.

OUR TESTERS SAY: These are solid, reliable sticks. One of the highest-rated clubs in terms of accuracy/forgiveness.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Consistent high, straight shots throughout the bag; clubheads handle rough with ease.

ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Very good directional help; high-launching irons that know only straight.

DISTANCE CONTROL: Many testers find these on par with their sticks, while a few get serious distance gains.

FEEL: Good head stability; full-cavity, thermoplastic urethane insert cushions impact.

LOOK: Muscular, compact head looks powerful at address; silver face and topline frame ball well and provide handsome contrast to black head.

CONS
Some testers find the bold graphics to be too much; club numbers written on the toe make it difficult to see in the bag.

$599, steel; $699, graphite

Cobra S3 Max Iron-Hybrid

From Golf Magazine (April 2011)
Category: Max Game-Improvement Irons
We tested: 3h, 4h, 5h, 6-PW with UST Mamiya iHS graphite shaft; 3h, 4h, 5-PW with S3 Max steel shaft

Key Technologies: The low-profile irons have a new face thickness design (slightly thicker than S2 Max) that places more mass behind the hitting area for improved ball speed and feel. Cobra's largest, most forgiving hybrid (S3 Max hybrid replaces long irons) has redesigned rails for more consistent ball contact.

OUR TESTERS SAY: Playable combo set offers above-average accuracy and forgiveness.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Solid contact yields straight shots with higher-than-normal height; some testers find it easier to hit fades than draws.

ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Hybrids provide ample help across the face; irons retain accuracy more than distance on mis-hits.

DISTANCE CONTROL: Average to slightly above-average length, though many testers find yardages to be pretty consistent throughout the set.

FEEL: The hybrids are stable through impact while the mid- and short irons provide a softer than expected sensation on full shots.

LOOK: Oval alignment aid on iron face helps with aim; thick topline frames the ball well.

CONS
Many testers experience a lack of feedback at impact; others don't care for the club's performance out of rough and from tricky lies.

From Sports Illustrated Golf+ (February 7, 2011)
The set features low-profile, wide-sole irons and larger Baffler-style hybrids, which deliver maximum forgiveness and promote a high launch angle.

$499, steel; $599, graphite

More irons on Golf.com
Better-player irons
Game-improvement irons
Max game-improvement irons