Cobra Golf updates Bafflers for 2005

Cobra Golf is entering 2005 with something old, in a way, and many things brand new.

It's been nearly 30 years since the company introduced the original Baffler utility design to the world of golf. This season, Cobra returns to its roots with the introduction of the King Cobra Baffler Utility Metals, targeted at players of all levels seeking to replace long irons with a versatile and forgiving utility club.

Along with the new Baffler, the company has two new series of irons, introduced in late fall and reaching full distribution this season: the King Cobra Forged CB iron line, which as the name implies represents a set of forged cavityback clubs; and the King Cobra Inertia Series irons, which actually comprises three different sets designed for ultra forgiveness.

Also on the innovation front, Cobra most recently unveiled a two-model Inner Mallet putter whose unique design focuses a golfer's attention at address on a smaller inner mallet to help with alignment.

Here's a closer look at the latest from Cobra Golf.

BAFFLER UTILITY METALS

It was 1975 when Cobra introduced the original Baffler and many golfers took to the idea of a versatile utility club to help their games.

The new King Cobra Baffler Utility Metals are available in four models each for men and for women, with numbers meant to represent irons they would replace. For men, the four models are 2/R, 3/R, 4/R and 5/R; for women, it's 3/R, 4/R, 5/R and 6/R.

All the new Bafflers combine a contoured sole plate with low and back center of gravity to help players get the ball airborne from a variety of lies and turf conditions. A large face area features an expanded Sweet Zone representing nine "hot" points across the front of the club. A unique brushed steel topline helps square the club at address.

"As more and more golfers understand and accept the benefits of utility clubs, they are adjusting their set compositions accordingly," said Jeff Harmet, Cobra Golf president. "There is a distinct difference between a utility metal and a utility iron. The new King Cobra Baffler is a utility metal with features such as bulge and roll, and a low and back center of gravity location for higher trajectory."

Suggested retail prices are $160 each with steel shaft, $180 with graphite.

FORGED CB IRONS

"The King Cobra Forged CB irons will appeal to golfers. .. that prefer the combination of solid forged iron feel with a large, forgiving sweet spot," said Harmet. "The result is straighter, more consistent golf shots."

The new clubs, in a classic style, are forged from a soft carbon steel alloy to promote feel while the cavityback design promotes accuracy and forgiveness. A variable "muscle arch" transitions through the set, forming a lower center of gravity in the longer irons and a higher CG in the shorter irons. Progressively offset, a modified soleplate should generate shallow divots for greater playability from a variety of lies.

Outfitted with True Temper steel shafts as standard, and custom lie options ranging from 2 degrees upright to 2 degree flat available via custom order, suggested retail price is $999 for a set of eight irons (3-PW). A matching 2-iron, plus gap, sand and lob wedges, are available.

INERTIA SERIES IRONS

The series is derived from the technological attribute known as moment of inertia, or MOI, which measures a clubhead's resistance to rotation or twisting caused by off-center impacts. The names of the three basic models in the Inertia Series approximate the inertia (I) value and launch trajectory of each type of iron. A larger inertia value would translate to a higher launch trajectory and more forgiveness.

"The Inertia Series is the. .. broadest family of irons we have ever produced," said Harmet. "(The clubs) feature distinct launch, Sweet Zone and workability characteristics. .. (offering) a unique first step in personal customization."

• The 3400I/XH set offers eight irons (4-GW) with steel or graphite shafts.
• The 3100I/H set is stocked with 3-PW irons with steel or graphite shafts.
• The 2300I/M set comes in 3-PW with steel shafts only.

Designed for the 10-plus handicap golfer, King Cobra's 3400I/XH extra high-launch irons features a hollowback transition in the 3-7 irons and a cavityback in 8 through lob wedge. This design has the largest and most forgiving Sweet Zone in the series.

The Inertia Series is the broadest family of irons Cobra Golf has produced. (Provided to GolfWeb)

The 3100I/H set is geared to the 5-plus handicapper seeking a balance of accuracy, forgiveness and carry distance. An undercut design distributes weight low and back in the clubs for a moderately high launch.

The most "workable" set in the series is the 2300I/M with a mid-high launch trajectory, undercut design, thinner topline and mid sole width. It would be geared to a wide range of golfers, from scratch to 15 handicap.

All the irons in the Inertia Series feature a vibration dampening urethane insert.

Both the 3400 and 3100 models are additionally offered in senior and women's lines with features that are customized to those types of players. Those features would include lighter shafts and tailored loft gaps.

Suggested retail prices are: $750 per set (4-GW) for the 3400 irons with steel shafts, $875 with graphite; $560 per set (3-PW) for the 3100 irons with steel shafts, $680 with graphite; $620 per set (3-PW) for the 2300 irons with steel shafts only.

INNER MALLET PUTTER

There are two models in the new putter line: oversized IM-01 and mid-mallet IM-02.

Both measure 3.86 inches across the face with similar semicircular shapes and an inner mallet to help focus attention for better alignment. Both are geared for a high moment of inertia, which means enhanced stability and forgiveness.

Made with a soft alloy aluminum, the oversized IM-01 measures 3.64 inches in depth. The IM-02 is 3.07 inches deep.

Suggested retail price is $150 per putter.

Editor's note: Chuck Stogel writes about golf equipment. Look for his columns each week on GolfWeb and PGATOUR.COM.