It all really depends on what model make Iron Cobra pedal and what cam assembly were talking here.
In my experience of the iron Cobra pedal, I use the traditional black board models.
It was one of the newer models in the late 90's into the early 2000's back in the day.
But, before that model was announced, they had the (Which I prefer as my master pedal out of the Iron Cobra line) the silver board with horizontal black stripes that was announced early 1990's. It dropped in 1995. If i'm not mistaking, I found a archived article somewhere on the internet, explaining this specific pedal.
I can tell you one thing, the older model's foot-board felt amazing when I was using it (Silver). The butt plate of the pedal where your heel sits on was very stable, while the rest of the board was in motion. Almost felt like it was hugging my foot when I was playing. It just seemed to respond a lot better than the rest and it has a wider foot-board.
I go with this one as my master pedal (if you can even find one now days) and use the black model pedal as my backup, which are built like a tank and are pretty much lifelong in respect. They even have a part called the Tama Coil Spring that you attach to the base of the plate, its typically for playing faster, because it bounces up on the rebound landing back on the foot, that I use. The only thing that might cause a issue on the Tama Iron Cobra pedals, would be the beater holder. If you got one, don't over tighten the beater, mines broke when I was doing that. I just recently had to buy a replacement, only downfall with the IC.
I haven't used the newer Speed Cobra (long-board) models, but heard good things from them. Especially the long-foot-board and the speed to which it plays at is almost technical in it's own. I was thinking about getting one but stuck with the traditional models... If you can get one, i would just to have it with me.
Also, don't forget what cam assembly you have with the Iron Cobra. They usually advertise the power glide the most for some reason, but if you can find the one with the rolling glide cam piece, try that one. It has a 1:1 ratio, instead of a "halfway feel", then a instead drop. That's where the power comes from. Some people like it, me, not so much. I have used the power cam because I have one, but I'm switching over to a Rolling Glide Cam. Its more traditional in playing feel in my experience. They sell them separately like on Reverb or eBay instead of having to buy a whole new pedal.
There is also a Flexi Glide cam that I heard of but haven't used. Can't get into much details about that, as much as I would like to.
Also, one thing to know when using any pedal, is maintenance. Always have a lubed up pedal. Meaning, dissecting and lubing the bearings. Sounds like a pain but it won't squeak or grind, making it more smooth while playing and studio guys seem to like that. Just putting that info out whether you knew that or not lol
I have used the DW pedal before switching over to the IC pedals and have to say the feel of the Tama IC is much more smoother in action. Though, I read the DW 9000 is just like the Tama IC, perhaps smoother and responsive as the older models, but I'm pretty much sold on Tama pedals. Simply because they've been doing it for years and will never wear out, that is budget friendly.
Yeah, I do like them better in my opinion
Final tip: always get use to what pedal you choose and it should be second nature before to long.
