Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver Review
What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Paul Miller brings you the low down on the Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver.
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 X driver review.
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NCG SUMMARY
Drivers are very expensive these days, but when compared to other major brands, this compares favourably not only in terms of performance but also price. This is a must-consider driver when looking at purchasing your next driver.
The head shape is great, the sound of the club is pleasing, and it will appeal to the majority of golfers. If you are looking for an excellent combination of ball speed, distance and forgiveness, then the Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver might be the one for you!
PROS
- Pleasing to the eye at address
- Produces good performance data
- Low price when compared to other major brands
CONS
- Ball goes slightly higher than normal – which might not suit some
Cobra DarkSpeed Max Driver Review: First Impressions
The word DarkSpeed made me think of Batman and the Dark Knight for some reason! On first sighting, it looks really cool, and with it being predominantly black in colour, you could imagine that if Batman was a golfer, his Driver of choice might just be the Cobra DarkSpeed – giving it some POW, THWACK and BOFF off the tee. I, therefore, could not wait to see how it would perform for a short-hitting mere mortal like myself!
NCG Verdict
Simply put, the Cobra DarkSpeed X has been designed so the widest range of players will experience great ball speed off the club combined with forgiveness that will ensure even the off-centre hits still end up okay. To do this, they have weighted the club in such a way in order to create the desired outcomes – the Corba recipe being a suspended weight that is positioned lower and more forward. In addition to this, they have made the sweet spot across the face larger in order to improve ball speed.
When it came to tasting the new recipe, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I loved how the club was presented, how it felt in hand and how it sounded off the club. It definitely left me wanting more.
I am aged 46, 8 handicap golfer with a slow swing speed. I don’t hit the ball a great distance, but the strength of my game is generally the consistency of my driving. I can hit the ball both ways, but I do favour a fade off the tee. For my initial testing, I used a Foresight Sports GC3 simulator at the Worksop Indoor Golf Centre. The results are set out below.
To put the numbers in context, I tend to compare myself to LPGA Tour averages – these being a carry with the driver of 218 yards, ball speed of 140, launch angle of 13.2 degrees, descent angle of 37 degrees and peak height of 25 yards.
For me, the ball speed was excellent and a slight improvement compared to other major brands – as were the carry and total distances. My worst shots still went straight, and the overall offline numbers were good. When I wanted the ball to go right, it went right, and likewise, when trying to hit the ball left – hence the dispersion.
The only issue is that the ball had a slightly higher launch angle and peak height than normal for a 10.5-degree driver. This might be an issue when playing in the wind, but I am sure with a proper custom fit, those numbers could be addressed if required. It might also be as simple as moving from the 10.5-degree driver tested down to a 10-degree with the adjustable hosel.
This can be easily done courtesy of what Cobra call the MyFly 8 with SmartPad technology. Simply put, the golfer can easily and quickly adjust the loft up or down 1 degree whilst maintaining a consistent face angle.
In summary, Cobra has definitely come up with a winning recipe with the Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver. As Batman famously said – “All Men Have Limits…I Ignore Mine” – the DarkSpeed X just might help you reset your own driving limits!
This is a club to seriously consider for 2024. Irrespective of which club you go for, though, it is definitely worth getting a custom fit to get the most suitable shaft and loft.
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Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver Review: The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £429
Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Stock Shafts: UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X White (XS and S); Project X Hzrdus Limited Edition Matte Black Gen 4 (S), UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X Blue (R and S); MCA® KAI’LI Blue (R and S).
More information: Cobra Website
Paul Miller
Paul has been playing golf for around a fourth of a Century, whilst his time on this Earth is rapidly approaching half a Century!
During that time his handicap, on average, has gone down around half a shot a year and is currently at 8.
His general love of Sport included a time studying the Philosophy and Sociology of Sport.
In 2013 he co-authored a book chapter 'The good and bad of youth sport today'.
His passion for youth sport is equally matched in his role heading up the Buyer's Guides for National Club Golfer.
He wants to inform golfers what gear is the best whilst finding all the best golf deals so you can save money.
Since joining the equipment testing team at NCG he has become a hybrid convert and is ready to tell you to ditch the long irons if you want to hit more greens this season!
Paul uses a Cobra DarkSpeed Max driver, Callaway Ai Smoke hybrids, an Odyssey Ai-ONE Putter and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.
