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This is a review of the Cobra BiO CELL iron, a game-improvement iron said to pack “game-changing technology”. The BiO CELL line serves as the predecessor to the Fly-Z.
How do these irons perform? Are they worth the buy? How do they stack up against other similar offerings in the game-improvement class?
Read on to find the answers.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, stock shafts and stock grips are used when evaluating this club. In most cases, the golf clubs reviewed on Golfstead are acquired temporarily for testing purposes and are not purchased. The review that follows is based on the personal experience and research of the author. Because everyone’s swing and body are different, results with a particular club may differ from person to person.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.7/5 (Excellent)
Classification: Game-Improvement
Pros
- distances are reliable and repeatable throughout the bag
- amount of forgiveness is considerable
- many people love the bold and high-tech look
- feel is comfortable
- price point is competitive
Cons
- look doesn’t suit traditionalists
- some would like some more length
- some find the stock steel shaft to be lighter than preferred
- strong lofts can result in low trajectories for golfers with slow swing speeds
Recommended For
Although any golfer can play BiO CELL irons, they’re most recommended for stronger swingers and high handicaps looking for forgiveness.
Skilled golfers may want something with more workability.
Best Places To Buy Online
Naturally, there is less availability now since the BiO CELL is an older model. The upside is that you can often get them at crazy low prices.
Global Golf used to have a good amount of these in stock, but they don’t at the time of writing.
However, they are readily available on eBay at very low prices. I would definitely recommend looking through the eBay listings.
Want a high-resolution look at the BiO CELL iron? Click on the image at the top of the page and navigate the photos on the left-hand side of the screen.
What are the reviews like?
The BiO CELL irons have been received very well overall.
What People Like
- solid and reliable distance
- great forgiveness (preserves ball speed and direction even on mishits)
- cool futuristic look
- solid feel
- affordable price
What People Don’t Like
- these irons don’t appear to suit everyone
- some people rather dislike certain attributes like the relatively light weight, longer lengths, strong lofts and more upright lie angles.
What are the features?
The BiO CELL irons, according to Cobra, are packed with “game-changing technology”, which consists of the following:
- heavy tungsten weights that are strategically positioned in the toe and heel of the long and mid irons for more forgiveness
- tungsten centered behind the hitting area in the short irons for increased spin control, better feel, flexibility and additional distance
- a large face that is unsupported through a “perimeter undercut” — this results in more face flex (twisting ability) and thus more ball speed and distance
BiO CELL & E9 Face Technology
The E9 Face Technology allows engineers to have more freedom with weight movement.
This, in turn, allows weight to be moved into positions which promote a low center of gravity (CG) and high moment of inertia (MOI) for more distance and forgiveness.
Stock Info
The BiO CELL irons are available in four colours — silver, blue, red and orange — as well as two stock shafts, the Cobra BiO CELL graphite and True Temper Dynalite 85 steel.
For full specifications, see the tables below:
Cobra BiO CELL Iron Specifications
| Name | Loft | Lie | Length (steel) | Length (graphite) | Swing Weight (steel) | Swing Weight (graphite) | Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 18° | 60° | 39.75" | 40" | D2 | D1 | RH/LH |
| 4 | 20° | 61° | 39" | 39.25" | D2 | D1 | RH/LH |
| 5 | 23° | 61.5° | 38.25" | 38.5" | D2 | D1 | RH/LH |
| 6 | 26.5° | 62° | 37.5" | 37.75" | D2 | D1 | RH/LH |
| 7 | 30.5° | 62.5° | 37" | 37.25" | D2 | D1 | RH/LH |
| 8 | 35° | 63° | 36.5" | 36.75" | D2 | D1 | RH/LH |
| 9 | 40° | 63.5° | 36" | 36.25" | D2 | D1 | RH/LH |
| PW | 45° | 64° | 35.75" | 36" | D3 | D2 | RH/LH |
| GW | 50° | 64° | 35.5" | 35.75" | D3 | D2 | RH/LH |
| SW | 55° | 64° | 35.25" | 35.5" | D4 | D3 | RH/LH |
| LW | 60° | 64° | 35.25" | 35.5" | D4 | D3 | RH |
Cobra BiO CELL Stock Shaft Specifications
| Model | Type | Flex | Shaft Weight | Torque | Kickpoint | Flight | Tip Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COBRA BiO CELL | Graphite | Lite | 52g | Mid | Low | - | 0.370 |
| COBRA BiO CELL | Graphite | R | 60g | Mid | Mid | - | 0.370 |
| COBRA BiO CELL | Graphite | S | 62g | Mid | Mid | - | 0.370 |
| COBRA BiO CELL | Graphite | X | 63g | Mid | Mid | - | 0.370 |
| True Temper Dynalite 85 | Steel | R | 85-90g | - | - | High | 0.370 |
| True Temper Dynalite 85 | Steel | S | 85-90g | - | - | High | 0.370 |
How do these irons perform?
Forgiveness
Although not as forgiving as some other max game-improvement irons, the BiO CELL irons are still quite forgiving. Both shot dispersion and distance loss on mishits are fairly minimal.
The BiO CELL irons also don’t tend to generate much sidespin, which can be very helpful for golfers who would otherwise fade or draw more than they would like.
Solid strikes on or near the sweet spot are rewarded with a long and straight ball flight, but even mishit shots hold the line and carry acceptably well.
Distance
The BiO CELL irons are fairly long (results will differ depending on the person), although by no means are they the longest irons out there. Those looking for maximum distance with game-improvement irons may want to look into other options.
However, carries and distances are very consistent/repeatable throughout the bag.
As mentioned above, mishit shots still retain a very solid ball speed and distance.
Playability/Trajectory
The BiO CELL irons have relatively strong lofts compared to other game-improvement irons, but in spite of this, long irons are still pretty easy to get up in the air.
The irons are workable to an extent, with baby draws and fades quite easy to achieve.
They also do well around the green and out of trouble lies like the rough or sand.
What about look, sound & feel?
The Look
The clubhead has a “futuristic”, bold cavity design with a black/white/blue colour scheme. I personally think it looks great, but I suspect there are people out there who think there’s too much going on.
The thickness of the topline, offset and blade size are about what you would expect for a game-improvement iron.
Overall, it’s a pretty sweet package that addresses the ball well and inspires confidence.
The Sound & Feel
Two of the best attributes of these irons.
They feel light yet smooth and stable through the ball, and the impact sound can be characterized as a solid, muted “thud” — very satisfying, but nothing earth-shattering.
Impact vibrations are also minimal.
Where should you buy these irons?
The manufacturing of new BiO CELL irons has been discontinued by Cobra.
These days, the best place to find BiO CELL irons online (new and used) in all different configurations is eBay. Be assured that you’re completely protected by their money-back guarantee.
I would recommend buying irons with a shaft type and flex that you believe best suits your swing. In general, the faster your swing speed, the stiffer your shaft should be.
Conclusion
The Cobra BiO CELL irons don’t really have any glaring weaknesses.
They do a great job of addressing the needs of low, mid and high handicap golfers, although those who are at the professional level may want something with more workability.
The best thing to do is try them out for yourself and discover if they are or aren’t for you.
Are you interested in the BiO CELL irons? Do you have any thoughts about them? Feel free to drop a comment below!
I am looking to replace the old set of clubs I have been using since college. I like the larger tip diameter as well as the more modern look and feel. Lightweight yet sturdy. I can’t say for sure about my old set of clubs, but I would definitely like to trade up to a set of Cobra Bio Cell Irons.
I would think that the BiO CELL irons would most likely be a step up from your old clubs; just make sure you take into account the stronger lofts and your natural trajectory.
This review was very detailed. Would you recommend these for a beginner?
Darren,
I think that, in general, they would be great for a beginner. Beyond that, it depends on your budget as well as what you want out of your irons. Do you want average-quality irons with average forgiveness that will encourage you to hit the ball solidly? Do you want absolute maximum forgiveness? Maximum workability from a tour-like iron?
If you want an all-around solid set of irons with solid distance, forgiveness, etcetera, and your trajectory isn’t already really low, the BiO CELL irons are certainly something to look at. Otherwise, there are plenty of quality game-improvement and better-player irons to choose from after you take your budget into account. See some of my other reviews or this Amazon page for ideas.