Cobra BAFFLER Irons Review

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The Cobra BAFFLER irons are actually a combo set consisting of five unique, progressive constructs from hybrid through wedge.  Designed for higher handicap and new golfers, the BAFFLER irons are easy to hit with plenty of forgiveness.

Introduction

Many readers may cringe at including hybrids as part of what’s called an iron set – and I won’t argue.  But golf nomenclature is full of misnomers.  And to be fair, I can understand the reasoning when I take into account that the key feature is right there in the name – BAFFLER.  Not coincidently, Cobra is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BAFFLER Rail Technology that was invented by Cobra founder Tom Crow and debuted in 1975.

I’ll delve into the BAFFLER rails in Performance below, but it’s important to understand the five constructs of the Cobra BAFFLER irons set – and their names say it all:

  • Hybrids, 4H and 5H
  • Hybrid irons, 6 and 7
  • Hollow irons, 8 and 9
  • Cavity back iron, PW
  • Wedges, GW and SW

Looks

Setting up a tad closed at address, the two hybrids of the BAFFLER set have rounded silhouettes with sizes that are approachable.  I haven’t seen BAFFLER rails on Cobra hybrids since the RADSPEED [review HERE], but it’s a look that shouldn’t surprise most golfers.

As for the Cobra BAFFLER irons, they have strong super game improvement looks – thick toplines and wide soles.  Interestingly, the blade lengths are modest.  The hybrid irons have the oddest look of the set with their ultra-wide soles and thick trailing edges.

Across the irons, the backsides have a lot going on.  The Cobra branding is large, and the badge is busy with multiple textures and finishes.  While I’d normally say all of this is too much, it fits with the overall non-traditional looks of the set.

Sound & Feel

With four different models in the Cobra BAFFLER irons, I’ll stick with the highlights of each.  The pitching wedge felt firm and produced a “thwack” at impact.  The 8 and 9 irons had the nicest feel: a powerful pop, and had a pleasant “knock” sound.  Moving to the 6 and 7 irons the feel became firmer and the sound switched to a “click.”  The hybrids retained the “click” sound and offered some feedback – an attribute that was missing with the irons.

Overall, the sound and feel weren’t memorably good or bad, which is perfect for the target golfers:  higher handicap men and woman, younger golfers, and anyone new to the game.

Performance

Overall, all the clubs of the Cobra BAFFLER irons set were easy to hit.  I wrote in my field notes “point and shoot.”  Across the set I found the trajectory mid-high and distances solid, with a nice dose of forgiveness.  As for spin, the set was split.  The hybrids and hybrid irons produced low spin.   The low spin kept balls on a straight flight, or minimized left and right curvatures.  Moving into the 8, 9, and pitching wedge, spin moved up to the medium range – much more conducive to holding greens.

When it comes to the BAFFLER rails, integration was divided in the same fashion as spin.  From 4H through the 7 iron, the BAFFLER rails are full, or what Cobra calls “steep.”  In the 8 iron through PW, the rails are shallower.  I didn’t test them, but I should note that in the gap and sand wedges, there are no BAFFLER rails.

Designed to reduce digging and assist in gliding through the turf, the BAFFLER rails performed as advertised.  My practice range has a section of 2” deep heavy rough below the hitting area.  On a quiet late afternoon, I was able to venture down the hill and test the Cobra BAFFLER irons in some challenging lies.  Swing after swing, the club slipped through the turf and the ball launched freely. 

I want to share one additional observation – the Cobra BAFFLER irons seemed conducive to a variety of swing styles.  Whether I came down steep, i.e. chopped, or swung slow with a smooth sweep, performance didn’t seem to vary.  Obviously swing speed directly impacted carry distance, but the point is the BAFFLER irons are versatile – a great attribute for the target golfer.

Conclusion

Not many technologies can sustain relevance for 50 years, but the Cobra BAFFLER Rail Technology continues to deliver positive outcomes.  Whether lessening a heavy divot or conquering challenging lies, the Cobra BAFFLER irons performed admirably.  For golfers who have lost swing speed or beginners who need help with everything, this BAFFLER combo set can make the game more enjoyable.

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Cobra BAFFLER Irons Price & Specs

Matt Meeker
Latest posts by Matt Meeker (see all)

5 Comments

  1. I can see where the rails would help on fluffy and thick grass but what about tight firm fairways. Are the rails going to be a detriment make the club head prematurely bounce preventing the club face from meeting the sweet spot on the face of the irons?

    • I find the rails glide along firm and or tight turf. The leading edges of the rails are beveled for engagement.

      – Meeks

  2. How much are your clubs

    • Matt Saternus

      Jason,

      Plugged In Golf doesn’t sell clubs. The price for the Baffler iron set is listed in the post above.

      Best,

      Matt

  3. I’m 66 yrs old and recently returned to playing as we’ve moved into a community with 3 courses. Currently using a set of Taylor made Burners. Probably a 15 handicap or so and improving slightly. Definitely room for improvement. I’m looking seriously at either these or the Halo set. I figure every little bit helps. Thanks for the great review.

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