Cobra Forged CBs impressively built

[sandy]

very suprised at quality control on heads

I took apart a set of Cobra Forged CBs to reshaft them with project Xs for my brother. Having just done Mizunos, Taylor Mades, Titleists, Miuras, Daiwas, Hogans just to mention a few and experienced every conceivable means of correcting head weights (dowels, sleeves, weights in hosel, lead plugs, brass plugs) since most manfacturers take head weights all over the map to make the production sets (this by the way is an area that a tour club will be "better" as the head weights are all sorted). Well to my suprise there were no weight correction items in any of the heads 2-60L (12 pieces). They did all have the same length plastic sleeve (with a tiny hole in the end) in the end of the shaft (maybe 1/2 inch long) which weighed nothing. They must use these to prevent the epoxy from traveling up the shaft when assembled which can sometimes lead to rattling. The plastic sleeves that Titleist uses are quite long and of different weights to control headweights in addition to the black plugs in the 735 and 660. Since these were sensicore shafts it certainly wasn't for vibration reduction.

The clubs all SW't at D2.5 to D3 throughout the 2-P. When the project Xs were used I made them 1/4 inch longer than the dynamic gold and the SW's changed to D2 to D2.5 throughout the set. I must say I was floored that Cobra is evidently selecting heads or getting heads that are that close as far as weights. Probably the worst case of lead plugs I found was in a set of Mizuno MP-37s The had everything from a 2 gram to 8 gram lead plug in every iron except one that had a brass plug (I never weighed it so I can't imagine why they switched materials). But every other set has had at least 4 irons with some treatment out of the 8. Most people won't notice (except when it gets to be 8 grams) most of the time.

[sergizmo]

That's really interesting Sandy. Who would think that Cobra would have top notch QC and Mizuno's would be so bad (at least in this case). An 8 gram plug, that's horrible! I guess the guy grinding them fell asleep or got into a conversation, and took off waaaaaaaaay too much.

 

Overall poor quality control in heads doesn't really surprise me though. Clubheads aren't made in China for the purposes of quality. Cheap, readily available labour is the name of the game these days.

 

Was there more weight correction in cast or forged clubheads?

[sandy]

That's really interesting Sandy. Who would think that Cobra would have top notch QC and Mizuno's would be so bad (at least in this case). An 8 gram plug, that's horrible! I guess the guy grinding them fell asleep or got into a conversation, and took off waaaaaaaaay too much.

 

Overall poor quality control in heads doesn't really surprise me though. Clubheads aren't made in China for the purposes of quality. Cheap, readily available labour is the name of the game these days.

 

Was there more weight correction in cast or forged clubheads?

 

In my experience more variation in forged heads. The problem is the raw forging that the companies get. And now for a scary thought Mizuno now is getting heads from a factory in China. They are marking them so only they can tell where they were forged because they aren't being made to the same specs as in Japan. I guess they will monitor how many bad sets come from China. Great eh?? How much worse could they be??? Really really light only helps with 2 inch long clubs. And usually that is the problem. Heavy can always be used with graphite.

[Ryun]

Good to hear, I've got a set of forged CBs coming.

 

Thanks for the insight

[sandy]

That's really interesting Sandy. Who would think that Cobra would have top notch QC and Mizuno's would be so bad (at least in this case). An 8 gram plug, that's horrible! I guess the guy grinding them fell asleep or got into a conversation, and took off waaaaaaaaay too much.

 

Overall poor quality control in heads doesn't really surprise me though. Clubheads aren't made in China for the purposes of quality. Cheap, readily available labour is the name of the game these days.

 

Was there more weight correction in cast or forged clubheads?

 

I suppose it could be simply Cobra can afford to be picky with this model as it isn't a big seller. It might be a different story if it suddenly sold like a Mizuno for instance. Then they might start using everything they have.

[Asleep]

Sandy,

 

I'd love to see you start a thread in which you list your top-rated forged players irons based on your materials/manufacturing/quality control knowledge and, most importantly, playing impressions. I'm not talking about a 1st, 2nd, 3rd type ranking....just a listing of models(MBs & CBs) that make it into your top 5 or top tier. You could update the list as needed. I think the members would appreciate it and the topic would be pretty active.

 

Just a thought. :)

[kmrev]

Very interesting information. Thank You.

[sandy]

Sandy,

 

I'd love to see you start a thread in which you list your top-rated forged players irons based on your materials/manufacturing/quality control knowledge and, most importantly, playing impressions. I'm not talking about a 1st, 2nd, 3rd type ranking....just a listing of models(MBs & CBs) that make it into your top 5 or top tier. You could update the list as needed. I think the members would appreciate it and the topic would be pretty active.

 

Just a thought. :beee:

 

I will think about how to do that. Many have asked in the past but like I told Eassy I have to be careful not to write too much detail about the inside workings of the industry as I would then be fairly easy to identify. If I just participate on the various threads as needed it is much less of a risk. I can certainly help out dispelling urban rumor as it comes about. As a retired engineer and material supplier I find it very difficult to believe what people will accept as gospel about manufacturing processes (usually promoted by people that have never spent a day in any factory other than the cheesecake factory).

 

I'm waiting for the next big thing to be a totally milled hollow titanium driver made from military grade ti blocks. Then we could have it finished with laser or chemical etching. Look for that to cost $10,000 per copy at the home shopping network. :)

[carpediembp]

i have a set in my store, and i hit them ALOT the have TX90 Stiff in them and the set is 4-GW, they feel great, although they are +1/2" they are fantastic!!!! making me doubt my Titleist's :)

[Asleep]

...I will think about how to do that. Many have asked in the past but like I told Eassy I have to be careful not to write too much detail about the inside workings of the industry as I would then be fairly easy to identify...

If you minimized the "why" information and just posted your list, I'd think it would be tough to i.d. you. Those who know your background will give your picks the appropriate consideration/regard. Others who are less informed will b!tch and moan because their favorites didn't make the cut..... It'll be more of a take it or leave it kind of exchange as I see it---you either find it useful or you just move on to the next topic. :)