Cobra Golf has launched first of a new range of products that are manufactured using 3D printing technology.
The new KING Supersport-35 putter, which has been developed over the last two years by Cobra engineers and teams at Hewlett Packard (HP) and Parmatech, features a fully 3D printed metal body with an intricate lattice structure to optimize weight distribution and deliver the highest-possible MOI in a blade shape without the need for additional fixed weights.
In addition to the 3D-printed design, the KING Supersport-35 Putter features a face insert designed in partnership with SIK Golf which utilizes its patented Descending Loft Technology (DLT) to create the most consistent and accurate roll on every putt.
During the final step of the manufacturing process, the surfaces of the putter are precision milled using a CNC machine to ensure precise shaping and detail while adding the finishing touches to the cosmetics. The Supersport features a high MOI heel-toe weighted design for maximum stability, and a plumber neck hosel with a 35-degree toe hang suitable for slight arc putting strokes.
Cobra chose HP as its partner to pioneer 3D printing in golf due to the advantages that its Metal Jet Technology presented over traditional manufacturing and other 3D printing methods. With its quicker processing time, and greater design adaptability, Cobra’s engineers were able to design, prototype and test multiple iterations and bring the product to market much faster than traditional manufacturing methods.
Cobra Golf and HP began working together in early 2019 and, by early 2020, the team had created 35 different design iterations, showcasing the design freedom and speed of product innovation available by utilizing HP Metal Jet. In addition to the putter launch, the brands are working together on a wide range of equipment projects – incuding two new 3D-printed products in 2021, that leverage the design and manufacturing benefits of HP’s additive technologies to raise performance to new levels.
Jose Miraflor, vice-president of marketing at Cobra Golf, said: “To continue innovating and transforming the way equipment is manufactured, we worked with HP and Parmatech to take advantage of the benefits of Metal Jet technology. During the development of the KING Supersport-35 Putter, we saw immediate benefits from this process, including design freedom, rapid design iteration, and high-quality parts that meet our economic demands. 3D printing is accelerating design innovation, and this breakthrough putter will help usher in a new era for the sporting equipment industry at large.”
Uday Yadati, global head of HP Metal Jet at HP Inc, said: “The power of personalisation enabled by 3D printing delivers completely reimagined consumer products and experiences. This first-of-its-kind putter is a shining example of the disruptive design and production capabilities of HP Metal Jet 3D printing technology. Cobra’s commitment to innovation and competitive excellence, combined with the technical expertise and leadership from Parmatech, has led to a breakthrough design win for golf fans around the world.”
The Supersport-35 putter features SIK Golf’s Patented Descending Loft technology re-engineered into an aluminum face insert. This design saves weight from the front of the putter to be repositioned heel-toe and tunes the feel to a slightly softer feel than a traditional all-steel SIK putter face. Their signature face design utilizes four descending lofts (4°, 3°, 2°, 1°) to ensure the most consistent launch conditions for every putting stroke.
The partnership, born out of work with SIK Golf partner and Cobra ambassador Bryson DeChambeau, produces putters that not only provide superior stability and consistency due to 3D printing technology, but also significantly improved consistency and roll performance.
DeChambeau said: “I’ve had a lot of success over the years with my SIK putter and was really excited to work with Cobra to develop a new way to manufacture equipment and bring this new putter to market. HP’s Metal Jet technology is an incredibly advanced production method and very exacting, which is pretty critical in golf equipment. I think golfers of all levels will benefit from the combination of Cobra’s high MOI design and SIK’s Descending Loft technology.”
The limited edition KING Supersport-35 putter is fitted with a Lamkin Sinkfit Smart Grip with COBRA CONNECT powered by Arccos, which features sensors embedded into the grip that automatically record putting data to enable golfers to track their performance. It has an RRP of £349 and will be offered in 34-inch, RH only from November 20.