Putter · 2020
Cobra KING Vintage Nova
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 6 June 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Feel84
- Looks83
- Forgiveness82
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is workability.
You putt with a straight-back-and-through stroke and want a forgiving, alignment-friendly fang mallet with a soft feel and excellent distance control.
You putt with an arc and want toe hang (look at the Nova 40), or you want a compact blade.
Pros
- Really forgiving on off-centre strikes - a high-MOI fang shape
- Excellent, dialled-in distance control from the SIK Descending Loft insert
- A triple sightline that frames the ball for confident alignment
- Adjustable sole weighting up to +30g to tune feel and stability
Cons
- Face-balanced only in the base model - arc players need the Nova 40
- A busier fang look than a clean blade
- A 2020 Vintage design now several generations old
By dimension
Forgiveness
ExcellentThe most forgiving in the Vintage line - compared to other fang models the Nova is really forgiving on off-centre strikes, the fang shape and triple sightline maximising stability, and the adjustable sole weight (up to +30g) lets players tune the head for even more stability. Among the more forgiving milled mallets.
Distance
ExcellentExcellent distance control - the SIK aluminium face insert with Descending Loft Technology delivers a consistent launch and roll for every stroke type, a dialled-in pace. Among the better putters for distance control.
Workability
ModestA face-balanced fang - the base Nova is face-balanced with a single-bend hosel, best suited to a straight-back-and-through stroke, with a separate slant-neck Nova 40 offered for slight-arc players, built for stability rather than shaping. Very limited arc-fit - the base model is built for a straight stroke.
Feel
ExcellentSoft and solid - the SIK aluminium face insert gives a soft, solid feel at impact, a pleasant, responsive strike. Strong feel for a mallet.
Sound
StrongA soft, muted note - the aluminium face insert gives a soft, quiet note at impact. A clean, muted putter acoustic.
Looks at address
ExcellentA clean, well-aligned fang - the triple sightline frames the ball nicely for confident alignment, the fang shape looking modern at address, a clean Vintage finish. A clean, alignment-friendly fang, if busier than a blade.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at Cobra King Vintage Series Putters Review - Golfalot
- Read the full review at Cobra King 3D Printed & Vintage Putters Review - Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at Cobra King Vintage Putters Review - The Golf Guide (TGW)
- Read the full review at Cobra KING Vintage Nova Putter - PlayBetter
- Read the full review at Nova Vintage Putter - COBRA Golf
More Putter ratings
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Cobra KING Vintage Nova best for?
You putt with a straight-back-and-through stroke and want a forgiving, alignment-friendly fang mallet with a soft feel and excellent distance control.
Who should avoid the Cobra KING Vintage Nova?
You putt with an arc and want toe hang (look at the Nova 40), or you want a compact blade.
What handicap is the Cobra KING Vintage Nova suitable for?
The Cobra KING Vintage Nova scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers.
What is the Cobra KING Vintage Nova best at?
In our research the Cobra KING Vintage Nova rates highest for forgiveness and distance, and is softest on workability.