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If you are searching for a fairway wood that truly matches your swing, Cobra’s OPTM line-up might just have what you’re looking for
Cobra has produced one of its most complete fairway wood line-ups in recent years with the release of the OPTM range.
It consists of three models; the OPTM Max, the OPTM X, and the OPTM LS. Each head is designed for a different type of golfer and all promise different types of performance.
We have tested all three fairway woods head-to-head and have noticed some fairly wild differences. Find out which model will best suit your game below…
The Max model prioritises launch, forgiveness, and draw bias for players who need help keeping the ball airborne and eliminating a slice.
The X is the core model out of the trio. It provides strong ball speeds, a balanced launch, and all-round usability to make it the most versatile option for the majority of club golfers.
Then there is the LS, which is reserved for better players seeking further distances. It promotes explosive ball speeds and is the lowest launching of the three.
PROS
Ball speeds are strong across the range
There is a model that will suit all golfers
Plenty of adjustability through the FutureFit33 sleeve
Cobra OPTM Fairway Woods Review: First Impressions
I must stress that the Cobra OPTM LS is, visually, a lot different to the other two models. As you might expect with it being a low spinning metal wood, this is a lot more intimidating at address than the X and Max models.
It has a deeper face than the other two heads which makes it sit taller behind the ball. This won’t help those who struggle to get the ball airborne by any means as its not a profile that inspires confidence in that department.
NCG Verdict
Let’s start with the Cobra OPTM Max fairway wood. Comparatively, this produced the lowest ball speed, the highest spin rate and the shortest carry of the three models.
But, that doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story. This is a club that is designed for players who are looking for a more draw biased fairway wood to help eradicate any slice and a club that is a touch easier to launch.
This is a fairway wood built to prioritise ease of use and control into greens rather than outright distance. I found it to be consistently easy to launch and simple to turn over, which will inspire confidence for a lot of club golfers.
It launched higher than the other two and had the greater descent angle.
The Cobra OPTM X is perhaps the best all-rounder for most golfers. It delivered average ball speeds of 146mph, with carry distances sat around 237 yards and total distances reaching upwards of 260 yards.
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These numbers are seriously competitive to the point that this would gap really nicely into a bag.
I found the launch to be a little low for me which was a bit strange considered it is a core model. There is a more adjustability in the CG of this head compared to the Max and the ball came off the face like a rocket.
Despite this I didn’t find it difficult to control and it’s a pleasant club to hit.
For me, the main event and the one I was most excited to test out of the three was the LS. I thought the X was a rocket, I was wrong, this is what a quick fairway wood feels like.
I was seeing ball speeds of 151mph which is up there with some of the fastest ball speeds I’ve ever had from a fairway wood. This resulted in carry distances of 246 yards and totals of 70 yards, truly remarkable.
With an average launch of 12°, this offers a much flatter ball flight than the other two models, peaking considerably lower.
It makes sense when you consider this model is clearly aimed at faster swingers who want to reduce spin and maximise distance, whether from the tee or off the deck.
Final Verdict
I really like what Cobra has done with their fairway wood range here. I have no issues with the performance of any of the different models and I think its really beneficial as to how Cobra has targeted different types of golfers with each club head.
Its about time someone gave Cobra their flowers, so I’ll take that mantle upon myself.
Whether you need help launching the ball, want a dependable all-rounder, or are chasing low-spin distance, Cobra has produced a fairway wood to match your game.
