We put a major focus on accuracy in our iron testing this year. Accuracy saves strokes on the course. However, if you are in the market for player’s distance irons, chances are you care a bit about distance. In this Head2Head, we’ll compare the COBRA KING Forged Tec X (the longest) with the MacGregor MT-Milled (the shortest).
Distance
The COBRA KING Forged Tec X is the longest player’s distance iron of 2024. When we test distance, we look at both carry distance and total distance results. We tested the pitching wedge, 7-iron and 5-iron, so distance was measured throughout the set.
The COBRA KING Forged Tec X was long throughout the entire set, easily earning first place and scoring 9.7/10.
The MacGregor MT-Milled finished last.
When it comes to the difference in distance, a COBRA KING Forged Tec X 7-iron had a carry distance of 177.9 yards and a total average distance of 183.2 yards. The MacGregor MT-MIlled had 166.2 yards of carry and 172.8 yards total with the 7-iron.
The COBRA KING Forged Tec X is more than 10 yards longer.
Accuracy
Here’s where this iron comparison gets fun. Typically, the more distance an iron gets, the less accurate it is. We’ve seen results throughout all iron categories in 2024, where the longest irons were some of the least accurate in the entire test.
As hot off the face as testers found the COBRA KING Forged Tec X to be, we were quite surprised when it earned a second-place finish for accuracy.
Accuracy is calculated according to Strokes Gained so the COBRA KING Forged Tec X is long and can help you lower your scores at the same time.
The MacGregor MT-Milled earned a fifth-place finish for accuracy. In a test of 18 irons, that isn’t bad. However, to make up for its lack of distance, we had high hopes for it to be a little more accurate but it just wasn’t.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is how consistent an iron is in producing similar shot outcomes. For instance, if the COBRA KING Forged Tec X gives you a perfectly straight shot seven yards longer than your current irons, can you repeat it?
Unfortunately, forgiveness was one of the worst features of the COBRA KING Forged Tec X. You won’t find nearly as much consistency with this iron as you do with the MacGregor.
The MacGregor MT-Milled finished with an overall forgiveness ranking of fifth, the COBRA finished 15th. For an accurate and consistent iron, MacGregor is a good choice.
Value
The COBRA KING Forged Tec X finished second overall in the 2024 Best Player’s Distance Irons test and the seven-piece set retails for $999. The MacGregor MT-Milled starts at $549 for a six-piece set.
The MacGregor MT-Milled is undoubtedly cheaper but it finished 11th overall.
Bottom line
What’s the most important takeaway from this head-to-head? The COBRA KING Forged Tec X is a pretty impressive golf iron, given its accuracy and distance numbers.
Although it’s not the most consistent of the players’ distance irons, if you go for a fitting, you may be able to work around that and get these fine-tuned to work for your golf game.
COBRA versus MacGregor: Which is right for you?
Who is it for?
✅ Someone looking for more distance. The longest player’s distance iron of 2024.
✅ The golfer who wants more accuracy. The second most accurate player’s distance iron of 2024. A rare combination of accuracy and distance.
Who’s it not for?
❌ Anyone who needs forgiveness and lacks consistency.
❌ Players who like a soft feel coming off the face of the club.
Who is it For?
✅ Golfers who want forgiveness. The MacGregor earned a top-five finish for forgiveness, proving it’s a consistent golf iron.
✅ The golfer looking for a deal. Priced at $549 for a six-piece set, this is one of the more affordable golf irons in the player’s distance test.
Who’s it not for?
❌ Any player looking to maximize distance.
❌ Golfers looking for the best value when analyzing performance for the price.
Looking for more detailed info on player’s distance irons? Check out our Best Player’s Distance Irons 2024.
Drew
2 years ago
I just want to know why we need to add the “distance” in players irons. Who started this nonsense and why???