Cobra made a huge leap forward last year with the AeroJet driver, so can they build on their success and produce another top-tier driver? Find out in our Cobra DarkSpeed Max driver review.

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NCG SUMMARY

The Darkspeed Max driver makes it extremely easy to hit high, towering draws, which is what we all dream of.

If you need more height on your shots, this is a high-launch machine and will get you launching the ball in the air and carrying your shots further in no time.

If you struggle with a slice, this provides great draw bias technology as it has sole weights which can increase or reduce this so you can create your ideal shot shape.

Overall, this provides easy, straight distance which is what we all want.

PROS

Easy to hit
Great dispersion
High launch
Good balance of speed and forgiveness

CONS

Not everyone needs draw bias

Cobra DarkSpeed Max Driver Review: First Impressions

How good does the all-black matte head look behind the golf ball? I also really like the fact that although this is Cobra’s most forgiving driver model it doesn’t look too big behind the ball, yet is still confidence-inspiring. It’s a big win for Cobra in the looks category this year.

NCG Verdict

This driver is called Max for a reason, Cobra is aiming to deliver maximum forgiveness, maximum height, and maximum draw bias.

The back of the driver features a 12g weight that can be positioned at the heel of the club for the most draw bias or at the rear for a more neutral option. During my testing, I kept this at the back as I don’t need excessive amounts of help hitting a draw. I was seriously impressed with the results in terms of dispersion and consistency.

This driver literally does what it says on the tin. It makes it extremely easy to hit high, towering draws, which is what we all dream of. Easy, straight distance should be the strapline for this club as it was remarkably easy to hit.

This flew 30 feet higher than the Cobra Darkspeed LS driver, which shows you the versatility in this line-up. The Max flew over 105 feet, so if you are someone who needs to add extra height to your shots, this is a perfect option. This, perhaps, is a tad high for me, especially paired with the higher spin, but I am aware the majority of golfers are in need of more height on their shots.

The overall dispersion was definitely slightly draw-biased; I didn’t have one shot that finished right of the target, which would be amazing out on the golf course for consistency and course management.

My average carry distance ended up at 229.8 yards, which I was really happy with. I really liked the fact my carry distance was very consistent across all three models in the Darkspeed range, which meant you could pick the best model based on ball flight, spin and shot shape rather than simply going for the model that flys the furthest.

I would say, in general, my spin was potentially a touch on the high side, but this is just a stock sample at this point, so it would have been extremely lucky to get perfect numbers straight away. Having said that, I do think airing slightly on the high side with spin is better than generating too little, as it will help keep your ball in the air and stop it from dipping offline as much.

Overall, I was really impressed with this driver. From purely reading the tech sheet, I wouldn’t have necessarily thought it was the right model for me to game, but actually, I was really impressed with how easy this made finding the fairway. The towering draw bias ball flight was super consistent, and maybe a 9° model that flies a tad lower could contend to get in my golf bag.

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Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver Review: The Details

Available: Now

RRP: £429

Stock Shafts: Project X Hzrdus CB Red (A and R flex) | UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X Red (R and S flex)

Grip: Lampkin Crossline

Lofts: 9°, 10.5° & 12°

More information: Cobra Website

Hannah Holden

Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.

As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.

Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.