This is Golfer Geeks’ Cobra Darkspeed irons review.
Summary: Darkspeed irons feel great, are plenty forgiving, are excellent through the turf, and go forever. But they launched low with a trajectory lower than expected for me. And, I’m a high-ball hitter. Their target market is 12 – 20 handicaps – golfers who generally need help elevating the ball. I’m not convinced they’re a good fit. Test before you buy…as usual.
In this review of the Darkspeed irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives.
- Incredible feel
- Tons of distance & forgiveness
- Chews through the turf
- Low ball flight
About Jamie
I’m an avid golfer, with an 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (I’ve been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.
- Average score: 85.9
- Handicap: 8.6
- Expertise: reviewing clubs since 2015
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical ball flight: Mid-High Tight Draw
- Golf ball used: ProV1x, ProV1
Club Specs
- Model: 2024 Cobra Darkspeed Irons
- Set: 4-iron – pitching wedge
- Shaft: KBS Tour Lite 105 g
- Shaft flex: Stiff flex
Club | Loft | Angle | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
4 | 18.5* | 62* | 39.25″ |
5 | 21* | 62.5* | 38.5″ |
6 | 24* | 63* | 37.75″ |
7 | 27* | 63.5* | 37.25″ |
8 | 31.5* | 64* | 36.75″ |
9 | 36.5* | 64.5* | 36.25″ |
PW | 42* | 65* | 36″ |
How I Tested
I played 3ish rounds with the Darkspeeds with howling Houston wind for each of them.
Had 1 range session with them.
I hit them off my Fiberbuilt mat and used my Garmin R10 to get launch and spin numbers.
7-iron Launch Monitor Data
Club Speed | Ball Speed | Carry Distance | Vertical Launch | Peak Height | Descent Angle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
80 | 113 | 173 | 14 * | 57 ft | 31* |
Performance Review
Category | Grade |
|---|---|
Looks | B |
Sound/Feel | A |
Distance | A+ |
Forgiveness | A |
Flight/Playability | B |
Value | A |
Looks: (B) Solid – industrial – nothing flashy. Head is game improvement size, but not cartoonish. Soles are thick.
Sound/ Feel: (A) Superb. A welcome surprise for me. I’d never hit Cobra irons before and now I want to try their other models. Rivals the best in the category.
Distance: (A+) Loads and loads and loads. These things go.
Forgiveness: (A) You’ll get descent results most anywhere on the face. Slightly fat shots are a non-issue. These irons get through the turf like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
Flight / Playability: (B) Low trajectory. Too low for the target audience, I think. But, I had no issues holding greens through the bag.
Value: (A) ~$142/club. Not high or low.
Overview & Why Consider It
Darkspeed irons excel at three things:
- Exceptional sound and feel.
- Distance, lots of it.
- Forgiveness.
I played the 105g Tour Lite shafts from KBS. This combo felt incredible in my hands. Our resident +1 handicap Wes also tried them. The look in his eyes said it all.
Cobra used hollow-body construction for them. The tech they use in metal woods. This let them build in more forgiveness, the exceptional sound and feel I spoke of, and the speed and distance they were shooting for.
Why consider Darkspeeds: You want to max out distance in your irons, and you want added forgiveness.
You don’t need perfect contact for good results. You’ve got some margin of error working for you. Especially if you hit a little behind the ball. Turf interaction is impressive.
My Experience with the Darkspeed Irons
Range Sessions – 1 range session. Part of it is in the video above.
3ish rounds of golf
I got around the course well with the Darkspeeds. As mentioned, their ball flight was on the low side. But, they held the green beautifully. From wedge to 6-iron for me. (I don’t hit greens often with 5 and 4-irons.)
There were 3 surprises for me. 2 good and 1 not so good.
First, the good.
- The sound and feel were incredible — exactly what I like from an iron. I had no idea what to expect, and I was most pleasantly surprised.
- Next is the way they chew through the turf. I hit a lot of marginally fat shots in my time with them. The Darkspeeds get through the turf like it’s not even there as long as you aren’t too steep.
Now, the bad. They fly too low for their target market – mid-handicappers with 12 – 20 handicaps.
I highly suggest you test the Darkspeeds against their competition before you buy.
Who are the Darkspeeds for?
I think high-ball hitters who suffer from inconsistent contact and need help with distance.
Low handicaps: (Nah) The size of the clubheads alone may scare you off. Never hurts to test if you’re unsure.
Mid handicaps: (Yes, if) I think their low trajectory may be a problem for you. Make sure you test before you buy.
High handicaps: (Probably no) See above.
Potential Alternatives
Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal irons – My favorite game improvement irons until Mizuno releases their next ones. THE best sound and feel in the game of golf. Surprisingly forgiving and long. Great price too.
Titleist T350 irons — I had the pleasure of testing these great irons this summer. The sound and feel are a little clicky, but still pleasant. There is loads of forgiveness and distance. They are maybe the best-looking irons in this category. They’re expensive, though.
Taylormade Stealth irons – Good sound and feel. Good distance and forgiveness. Solid performers and at a good price. Worth a look if you’re in the market.
- Exceptionally Soft & Solid Feel
- Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
- Absolute Eye Candy
- Great Price
- Nada
- Launch the ball High & Straight
- Forgiving & Long
- Beautiful Clubs
- Expensive
- Long & Forgiving
- Good Sound & Feel
- Elevates ball easily
- Easy to hit
- Looks...not the best
Customer Reviews
5 reviews, and all of them 5 stars at cobragolf.com.(1)
Final Verdict
I like these irons a lot. However, I don’t think they fit their target market because they lack an essential element mid-handicappers require – Help launching the ball on a high trajectory.
As usual…
My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on them before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our Cobra Darkspeed irons review, and let us know how they work for you.
- Incredible feel
- Tons of distance & forgiveness
- Chews through the turf
- Low ball flight
