Our Cobra F9 vs. Titleist TS2 driver test took place at Moor Allerton in Leeds.
We have already done a ‘first look’ review of the Cobra F9 driver but haven’t gone into any detail in terms of launch monitor numbers yet.
So we thought we’d put it up against the other big driver which was launched at the back end of 2018 to see how the numbers compare.
We tested both drivers using a SkyTrak launch monitor using premium golf balls.
Cobra F9 vs. Titleist TS2 driver test: The methodology
As well as hitting a load of shots with each driver on the launch monitor to compare the numbers, we also took both drivers out on to the course at Moor Allerton to see how they performed in proper conditions.
We used the Project X Hzrdus Smoke shaft in each head with a loft of 9.5˚.
I had been for a full custom fitting with both the Titleist TS2 and the Cobra F9 so both products were set up correctly for me.
When it comes to the data, I’m looking at ball speed first and foremost but obviously launch and spin are very important too.
With the on-course testing it’s very much about how the driver looks and feels over the ball.
Does it feel me with confidence to be able to find the fairway time after time? Do I feel like I can hit draws and fades with them?
Cobra F9 vs. Titleist TS2 driver test: The technology
I’d put both of these drivers into the ‘fast and forgiving’ category.
They have been designed for maximum speed through the air with a big focus on aerodynamics.
There’s a big focus on both with the CG placement being low and deep to promote high launch, more stability and forgiveness.
Cobra have raised the back section of the F9 slightly which they say will further improve the aerodynamics.
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There’s also the CNC milled face which we first saw on the F8 models. This improves consistency and actually results in different lofts across the face to help improve the performance on heel and toe strikes.
Titleist have their thinnest ever face on the TS2 which is so thin they had to laser the lines on it rather than etching them in.
OK, enough of the small talk, find out which driver performs best on the next page…
Cobra F9 vs. Titleist TS2 driver test: The results
One of the reasons I wanted to do a bit more on-course testing with these drivers was the fact the launch monitor numbers were so similar.
You can see from the results below that it would be very difficult to say one was performing better than the other.
Both have really good ball speed and distance for me.
They are both very impressive on off-centre strikes.
So maybe the on course testing would throw up some results to help draw a more definitive conclusion.
Both drivers are fairly large and inspire a lot of confidence but I prefer the shape of the Titleist. It’s a bit more traditional.
The F9 is moving more towards a triangular shape – a bit similar to the Callaway Big Bertha Fusion which was released a couple of years ago.
Both have a lovely sound and feel off the face – high pitched and sweet.
On my first tee shot, I hit the Cobra F9 right out of the heel so it started left and faded towards the fairway.
The ball still went about 240 yards down the fairway so for a miss, I was pretty happy.
I caught the TS2 out the sweet spot and it went about 20 yards further right down the middle.
So far more to do with me than either of the drivers but good to know the Cobra F9 works when I hit a little necky fade.
On the second tee shot I stuck both drivers out of the toe as was trying to hit a draw. Both finished in a similar place just missing the fairway to the left. The Cobra went five yards further.
So which is going in our equipment editor’s bag for 2019? Find out his verdict on the next page…
Cobra F9 vs. Titleist TS2 driver test: NCG verdict
From both the launch monitor numbers and the on-course testing it’s still very hard to say which driver is performing the best.
This is going to sound like a massive cop-out but I would put these two drivers neck and neck.
I have to because from the data I have gathered it’s impossible to say one is better than the other.
This is just from my testing – other golfers may have much better performance with one over the other.
But I suspect if we put these two drivers on a robot there would be very little to split them.
So golfers may need to make a purchasing choice based on other factors – looks and price being two of them.
The Titleist TS2 really suits my eye – it’s simple and clean. The F9 is quite busy and loud. So I’d be leaning towards the TS2 on looks.
However, the Cobra is quite a bit cheaper, has adjustablility on the sole and comes the Cobra Connect Arccos system built into the grip.
So as a package, it would be fair to say you are getting a bit more bang for your buck with the F9.
More information, full SRPs and shaft options, can be found on the Titleist and Cobra websites.
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