Cobra Bio Cell Irons
Price: $699 steel
WE TESTED: 4-GW with True Temper Dynalite steel shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Heavy tungsten plugs boost forgiveness in long irons and enhance spin control and feel in short irons. A large unsupported face creates more flex at impact.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Consistent mid-high ball flight and easy-to-launch long irons; subtle fades and draws are no problem; pretty nifty from trouble lies; Bio Cell is a solid performer around the greens.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Its greatest strength is that it forgives and forgets — even misses seem to fly high and straight with minimal distance loss; they don’t create a ton of sidespin so shots are on target more often than not; good strikes are rewarded, poor ones are acceptable.
DISTANCE CONTROL: One of the higher-rated models; consistent yardages are the norm, even on less-than-perfect contact; easy to vary distances when needed.
FEEL: A subtle sensation at impact but enough feedback to indicate a solid strike; light through the swing but very stable through the hitting zone; smooth at impact with little in the way of vibration.
LOOK: Sizable blades and medium topline provide confidence over the ball; black-and-silver color combo is a hit; high-tech cavity is impressive; cavity badges come in a choice of four colors.

CONS
For a number of testers, the clubhead/blade size seems larger than they prefer; overall weight can be a bit light; not quite as long as a few testers expect.

BOTTOM LINE: One of the better-performing models. The club produces repeatable distances with very good forgiveness and playability.

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strong>Price: $1,099 steel; $1,299, graphite

WE TESTED: 4, 7, 9 with True Temper XP95 steel shaft; 4, 7, 9 with UST MamiyaRecoil 660 graphite shaft

KEY TECHNOLOGIES: A thin, hot Carpenter 455 steel face increases ball speed. The forged carbon steel body combines with a cavity medallion to soften feel.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: One of the highest-rated in its class; nimble and easy to hit out of the rough and from tight lies; consistent mid-trajectory is simple to alter; hitting draws or fades is a snap; longer irons launch shots easily.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Sidespin is adequately reduced on misses; highly accurate, as expected, on solid strikes.
DISTANCE CONTROL: Testers give it very high marks — terrific distance control; panelists are able at will to take a little something off or add a bit of force; many guys pick up a half-club versus their own irons; typical misses don’t lose much distance — very predictable outcomes.
FEEL: One of the better-feeling models tested; crisp and solid at impact with little unwanted vibration; very stable through the ball—you can really feel the weight of the clubhead; a sharp but pleasing sensation, not mushy at all.
LOOK: Classic appearance says “I’m a player” to many guys; midsize heads with a bit of offset look just right; a traditional design that masks game-improvement qualities.

CONS
Not the most forgiving club in its group; trajectory is a bit lower than a few testers prefer.

BOTTOM LINE: One of the top-rated models. A game-improvement club that better players can play and enjoy as well.