Golf Monthly Verdict

A serious alternative to your long irons, the Baffler will offer control and consistency ideal for mid handicappers. The ball zips nicely off the face and is definitely easier to drive through rough than a thin bladed long iron.

Reasons to buy

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This ultility club plays particulalry well from the rough in comparison to a long iron.

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By Neil Tappin

published 16 May 2008

Cobra actually invented the Baffler 30 years ago, ahead of the game as far as rescue woods go. But, this little beauty combines old world charm with modern day technology. The Baffler has a thin face enlarging the sweetspot to offer the trajectory of a fairway wood with the control of an iron. And it's control that's key here – unless you can rely on a solid strike every time with your long irons, this provides all important forgiveness. Available in 18, 20, 23 and 26 degree options with a contoured sole plate to cope with good and bad lies it can also be used all over the course.

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he went on to become a feature writer interviewing many of the biggest names in the game including Tiger Woods, Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy and Arnold Palmer.

A 5-handicap golfer, Neil is a club member who takes a keen interest in the health of the game at grassroots level. You’ll often now find him writing about club-related issues such as WHS, membership retention and how best to bridge the gap between the range and the course.