Last year, Cobra introduced the AeroJet, which was aimed at improving clubhead aerodynamics. Today, they’re releasing the new, highly anticipated DARKSPEED driver lineup, which continues to enhance the shaping of their drivers to move through the air more efficiently, ultimately giving golfers more speed.
Golfers worldwide can attest to the importance of shaping, as for many, a clubhead not only needs to perform well but also look good. Cobra R&D understands this and continues pushing the limits of driver shaping to enhance their aerodynamic properties while ensuring an attractive appearance. With the release of the DARKSPEED driver lineup, they have made significant advancements in producing one of the most aerodynamic drivers on the market.
The three drivers under the DARKSPEED umbrella have undergone a series of refinements to distinguish themselves. Each one features a different skirt height to enhance their unique characteristics, and a slight increase in curvature around the crown and toe is apparent compared to the previous year’s model. Furthermore, the crown peaks have been strategically altered across the range to ensure optimal aerodynamic properties throughout the models. These improvements help illustrate how Cobra has meticulously ensured that their drivers meet the highest performance standards.
“The aerodynamic package in the new DARKSPEED family of drivers is our most advanced to date,” said Mike Yagley, Vice President of Innovation at COBRA Golf. “We continue to push aerodynamic shaping, mass properties, and resilience to drive technology and innovation, providing golfers the most advanced and high-performance clubs possible.”
DARKSPEED is a driver that prides itself on its advanced aerodynamics, which is its primary feature. However, it also integrates various other cutting-edge technologies to enhance speed. Among these advanced features is the PWR-BRIDGE, Cobra’s suspended weight design. This design has undergone significant improvements with the aid of artificial intelligence (A.I.). Thanks to weight savings from a 30% thinner carbon fiber crown, this refined design has been repositioned lower and more forward, which increases its proximity to the clubface while still allowing the face to flex freely. Additionally, the PWRSHELL face insert has been enlarged by 13% compared to its predecessor and features Cobra’s A.I.-designed H.O.T. Face Technology to mitigate speed loss on contact points across the entire face. Combining these technologies with aerodynamic improvements, DARKSPEED is poised to deliver impressive performances on the course.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over ten years since Cobra introduced their SmartPad technology, and once again, it has found its way into their driver lineup. SmartPad works in conjunction with the MyFly8 adjustable loft sleeve so that the face angle will look square regardless of the loft. MyFly8 allows golfers to raise or lower the loft by as much as 1.5° while having eight different settings, including three draw settings. For example, a 9° driver head can drop to 7.5° or top out at 10.5°.
As has been the case with Cobra over the past several releases, there are three separate driver heads to choose from within the DARKSPEED family. All of these come in this stealthy black finish, which gives the DARKSPEED driver a look that it’s out there to take care of business.
Cobra DARKSPEED LS Driver
DARKSPEED LS is tailored toward golfers with faster swings seeking a club that can deliver lower spin rates and enhance shot shape control. This L.S. model features three weight ports that house two 3g weights and one 12g weight, offering enough configurations to suit every tinkerer’s needs.
DARKSPEED LS’s design incorporates key aerodynamic features to enhance its performance. Specifically, it boasts a high rear skirt height, an elevated crown peak, and a compact address profile.
An interesting note within the L.S. family is that Cobra has produced an 8° model that is an evolution of a long-drive prototype head that Kyle Berkshire previously used. This 8° model has a smaller and even more aerodynamic head shape, offering extreme speed for those with the propensity to chase the long ball.
DARKSPEED LS is offered in three lofts (8°, 9°, 10.5°) available in both right-hand and left-hand options. Stock shaft options include UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X White (XS and S), Project X HZRDUS Limited Edition Matte Black Gen 4 (S), and UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X Blue (R and S.)
Cobra DARKSPEED X Driver
DARKSPEED X is likely to be the most popular driver of this launch because it’s built to fit the broadest range of golfers. This driver’s profile is well-suited for the golfer who wants that magical combination of fast ball speeds and plenty of forgiveness. Like the MAX, it offers two swappable weights, one in the rear and one front and center. Moving that 12-gram weight in the back will aid in forgiveness, while in the forward position, it can help reduce spin and increase ball speed.
Being the driver head in the middle of the line, it should be no surprise that it has a medium skirt height and enjoys what Cobra refers to as a streamlined shape.
DARKSPEED X has three loft options (9°, 10.5°, 12°) and is available in RH and LH configurations. Being a driver head that will fit the masses, it is offered with four different 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).
Cobra DARKSPEED MAX Driver
DARKSPEED MAX is an excellent choice for those searching for a clubhead with the most forgiveness, highest M.O.I., and most draw bias weighting in the lineup. Along with the adjustable MyFly8 hosel, golfers will be able to adjust the weighting profile by choosing whether to place a 12-gram weight in the heel, creating a more draw bias club, or in the back to give the MAX a boost in M.O.I. and forgiveness.
At this point, it’s evident that aerodynamics is a massive part of the DARKSPEED story. DARKSPEED MAX features the lowest skirt height of the three drivers in the lineup.
DARKSPEED MAX has two separate shaft options: Project X HZRDUS CB Red (A and R flex) and UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X Red (R and S flex). All three lofts (9°, 10.5°, 12°) come in RH and LH models.
Cobra’s DARKSPEED MAX Driver is also available in a women’s edition that features a gloss crown and sole with cool blue accents and comes in 10.5° and 12°. For the ladies, a UST Helium Nanocore shaft is the stock option.
Preorders for DARKSPEED LS, X, and MAX drivers begin today, and they will hit store shelves on January 19th for $549.
More information is available at www.cobragolf.com.
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 12066509, member: 15992″]
X weight forward sound like a lot of fun to test
[/QUOTE]
What I would love is some feedback from somebody who has hit the X with the heavy weight forward and the LS with the heavy weight back.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12069589, member: 5944″]
One thing of note and maybe not many pay attention to the lie angle of drivers but the lie angles on these heads are very different
In standard positions…Each head gets a little more upright as you go. Could be significant for some
LS 9* (55.20*) LS 10.5* (55.70*)
X 9* (56.20*), X 10.5/12* (57.20*)
Max 9*(58.20*), 10.5/12* (59.20*)
[/QUOTE]
That LS is super flat. Titleist standard lie is 58.5*.
First round tomorrow
[ATTACH type=”full”]9236081[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”MSEASU, post: 12070984, member: 46570″]
First round tomorrow
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0154.jpeg”]9236081[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Wait, is that two new drivers for you this week?
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12070999, member: 42964″]
Wait, is that two new drivers for you this week?
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”Ron Swanson GIF by Parks and Recreation”]https://media0.giphy.com/media/4ahFliSdvT3iIgjq6k/200.gif[/IMG]
I need to hit these asap, I’m slowly losing the fight against just picking one and ordering. I promised myself I wouldn’t do that again this year
[QUOTE=”MSEASU, post: 12070984, member: 46570″]
First round tomorrow
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_0154.jpeg”]9236081[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
You might as well pick up a Callaway Smoke now to go with your other 2 new heads. What shaft did you get with the Darkspeed?
Really good first round with the Darkspeed LS. I hit all over the face but managed 71% FIR. The ability to put more weight in the back of the head seems to help quite a bit while maintaining ball speed.
I am weak.
Website is showing Tour Length is available.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12071012, member: 42964″]
I am weak.
[/QUOTE]
No sir, you are strong. You chased your dreams. You faced your fears. You showed conviction.
Enjoy your new boomstick.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12070890, member: 42964″]
I am just starting to read this thread and I have really been wondering how much more spin one would see by putting the heavy weight in the back. It seems like a really solid way to go.
[/QUOTE]
It’s not like it’s a whole different head or anything, but it’s not nothing either. Little more forgiveness, little more launch maybe, little more spin. It can help.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12071035, member: 53737″]
It’s not like it’s a whole different head or anything, but it’s not nothing either. Little more forgiveness, little more launch maybe, little more spin. It can help.
[/QUOTE]
It seems as though I am going to have a chance to find out for myself.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12071037, member: 42964″]
It seems as though I am going to have a chance to find out for myself.
[/QUOTE]
[IMG alt=”Happy Star Trek GIF”]https://media3.giphy.com/media/R0TrhAtNeUC0E/200.gif[/IMG]
I’m so proud of you Craigers!
Who thinks a Darkspeed driver will look incredible paired with the new Graphite Design Tour AD VF shaft?
[QUOTE=”Bernoulli, post: 12071021, member: 42734″]
Website is showing Tour Length is available.
[/QUOTE]
Why would you do this to me? I was having a hard enough time not ordering before a fitting.
[QUOTE=”sweetnlow, post: 12071011, member: 16338″]
Really good first round with the Darkspeed LS. I hit all over the face but managed 71% FIR. The ability to put more weight in the back of the head seems to help quite a bit while maintaining ball speed.
[/QUOTE]
Wow how do you have one already?
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12071078, member: 42964″]
Who thinks a Darkspeed driver will look incredible paired with the new Graphite Design Tour AD VF shaft?
[/QUOTE]
I think it looks incredible with the stock UST LinQ
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12071211, member: 5944″]
Wow how do you have one already?
[/QUOTE]
There have been places selling them right out of the embargo gates.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12071273, member: 53737″]
There have been places selling them right out of the embargo gates.
[/QUOTE]
Guess my advance copy got lost in the mail. Thanks FedEx ?
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12071211, member: 5944″]
Wow how do you have one already?
[/QUOTE]
Remember the days when people used to sleep outside to be in line when the box office opened for concert tickets?
That was [USER=16338]@sweetnlow[/USER] on Thursday morning at the mall. I think they were available for retail sale the day they released so if you wanted something stock it was gtg.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9236138[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Wonger, post: 12071280, member: 74038″]
Remember the days when people used to sleep outside to be in line when the box office opened for concert tickets?
That was [USER=16338]@sweetnlow[/USER] on Thursday morning at the mall. I think they were available for retail sale the day they released so if you wanted something stock it was gtg.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1705157633123.jpeg”]9236138[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
?
They’re not technically allowed for retail sale yet but Cobra had their stuff out to places earlier than most and places do what they do.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12071212, member: 5944″]
I think it looks incredible with the stock UST LinQ
[/QUOTE]
That wasn’t my question, LOL. The Lin-Qs are great, I am sure. I have moved into driver shafts that are stable, but sub 60 grams. Unfortunately, there are no such shafts in the Lin-Q line. It certainly is no knock on that shaft.
Wow 699$ CAD, they are basically giving these away.
I’d probably fit into the X with a Kaili Blue……might take a flyer on one of these badboys
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12071212, member: 5944″]
I think it looks incredible with the stock UST LinQ
[/QUOTE]
Is the stock the purple or Blue?
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 12071464, member: 15992″]
Is the stock the purple or Blue?
[/QUOTE]
White or blue or red I believe depending on head
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12071472, member: 5944″]
White or blue or red I believe depending on head
[/QUOTE]
You are correct. X has all three as stock shafts. LS has white and blue as stock. Max has red as stock. That all makes sense, given the head designs and properties. However, they all are available as no charge options for any head.
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 12071464, member: 15992″]
Is the stock the purple or Blue?
[/QUOTE]
The Purple has been discontinued.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12071484, member: 42964″]
You are correct. X has all three as stock shafts. LS has white and blue as stock. Max has red as stock. That all makes sense, given the head designs and properties. However, they all are available as no charge options for any head.
[/QUOTE]
I may or may not have been just building a club on Cobra’s website and you are correct as well about the no upcharge. Also the red is sub 60g haha
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 12071496, member: 5944″]
I may or may not have been just building a club on Cobra’s website and you are correct as well about the no upcharge. Also the red is sub 60g haha
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I looked hard at the Red. What I would love is the White in a stiff at around 55 grams.
I discovered a couple of years ago that my swing really comes together with a low launch, low spin shaft in mid 50s. It is an age-related thing. I put a Tensei Pro 1K 5 into a Stealth Plus and it was magic. I recently put a Graphite Design VF 4 S into my driver and it has been amazing. These types of shafts are hard to come by. Most of them (and I am fearful the Red would be one of them) give me horrible dispersion. I can’t seem to deliver a square club face and I get high right spinny shots.
I ordered a DarkSpeed 9* with a Graphite Design VF 5S. I still do really well with the low spin heads when I have these unicorn shafts. I plan to play it at 10*, draw (upright) lie, heavy weight back. I have a feeling that it will be a monster. My goal is 155 ball speed, with spin at around 2300 and launch around 15*. That will maximize my distance.
Lots of hopes in there. At least I have a plan. We will see.
I always forget how much waiting sucks. But waiting on two new releases to arrive is even worse! Haha
Just stopped by a PGASS to hit the X. I wanted so badly to like it. It looks amazing. I could not stop hooking it no matter what I did. Hit it with the white and blue in both F4 and F5. Thought maybe I was having a bad swing day. Took 5 swings with the AI Smoke and all 5 were straight or a nice playable cut. Think I may have to put some thought into a different driver.
Stopped by the PGASS near me to check out the Darkspeed line and while I was looking an associate asked if I’d like to hit the driver. I quickly said of course and he got me setup with the Darkspeed max w/lin-q blue regular Flex. Was hitting it decently but it seemed a little low and was still leaving some out right. Associate swapped in the Lin-Q red and the nice little baby draw with good height showed up that I have gotten used to with the Aerojet Max. I have a feeling this will be the driver I end up with, but I go for a fitting at Golf Galaxy next weekend. Love the look and feel of the driver. Was hitting with whatever random balls they had in the bay which looked all chewed up, but liked the results I saw.
[QUOTE=”TWright971, post: 12071713, member: 11048″]
Stopped by the PGASS near me to check out the Darkspeed line and while I was looking an associate asked if I’d like to hit the driver. I quickly said of course and he got me setup with the Darkspeed max w/lin-q blue regular Flex. Was hitting it decently but it seemed a little low and was still leaving some out right. Associate swapped in the Lin-Q red and the nice little baby draw with good height showed up that I have gotten used to with the Aerojet Max. I have a feeling this will be the driver I end up with, but I go for a fitting at Golf Galaxy next weekend. Love the look and feel of the driver. Was hitting with whatever random balls they had in the bay which looked all chewed up, but liked the results I saw.
[/QUOTE]
It’s nice to know that you found a combination that works for you.
[QUOTE=”Bernoulli, post: 12071795, member: 42734″]
It’s nice to know that you found a combination that works for you.
[/QUOTE]
I still have a fitting next weekend to make sure, but I’d be surprised if it doesn’t end up the Max with Lin-q red.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12068893, member: 1193″]
I’m very curious how the LS with the weight back compares to the X with the weight forward. Is there any overlap there?
[/QUOTE]
That’s something I was thinking about…. Can it increase the spin or launch good enough for someone like me who has decent speed, but typically launches with lower ish spin.
[QUOTE=”TWright971, post: 12071797, member: 11048″]
I still have a fitting next weekend to make sure, but I’d be surprised if it doesn’t end up the Max with Lin-q red.
[/QUOTE]
You can use the fitting to confirm if this is the right configuration for you.
I’m going to try this same combination in a couple of weeks.
[QUOTE=”TWright971, post: 12071713, member: 11048″]
Stopped by the PGASS near me to check out the Darkspeed line and while I was looking an associate asked if I’d like to hit the driver. I quickly said of course and he got me setup with the Darkspeed max w/lin-q blue regular Flex. Was hitting it decently but it seemed a little low and was still leaving some out right. Associate swapped in the Lin-Q red and the nice little baby draw with good height showed up that I have gotten used to with the Aerojet Max. I have a feeling this will be the driver I end up with, but I go for a fitting at Golf Galaxy next weekend. Love the look and feel of the driver. Was hitting with whatever random balls they had in the bay which looked all chewed up, but liked the results I saw.
[/QUOTE]
I am unashamedly jealous.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12071552, member: 1579″]
I always forget how much waiting sucks. But waiting on two new releases to arrive is even worse! Haha
[/QUOTE]
I keep checking for a shipping notification.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12069398, member: 3″]
If you follow my driver journey, my two main misses used to be toe side and high on the face. That has shifted during the lessons to be toe side still, but lower. Some drivers are just better equipped at these areas than others.
[/QUOTE]
I’ve actually noticed it for a bit now… cobra drivers on the toe and even slightly hi toe side give great results! All anecdotal of course but I always seem to have a good result when I miss there in the face.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12071523, member: 42964″]
Yeah, I looked hard at the Red. What I would love is the White in a stiff at around 55 grams.
I discovered a couple of years ago that my swing really comes together with a low launch, low spin shaft in mid 50s. It is an age-related thing. I put a Tensei Pro 1K 5 into a Stealth Plus and it was magic. I recently put a Graphite Design VF 4 S into my driver and it has been amazing. These types of shafts are hard to come by. Most of them (and I am fearful the Red would be one of them) give me horrible dispersion. I can’t seem to deliver a square club face and I get high right spinny shots.
I ordered a DarkSpeed 9* with a Graphite Design VF 5S. I still do really well with the low spin heads when I have these unicorn shafts. I plan to play it at 10*, draw (upright) lie, heavy weight back. I have a feeling that it will be a monster. My goal is 155 ball speed, with spin at around 2300 and launch around 15*. That will maximize my distance.
Lots of hopes in there. At least I have a plan. We will see.
[/QUOTE]
Where were you able to order with the VF?
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 12071843, member: 47057″]
I keep checking for a shipping notification.
[/QUOTE]
SAME! ????
Unfortunately no Darkspeed to hit at the shop today. However I was able to narrow down who will compete with the Darkspeed line for my next purchase
[QUOTE=”MH, post: 12071877, member: 38594″]
Where were you able to order with the VF?
[/QUOTE]
I ordered through Fairway Jockey. I have ordered a few shafts from them and have been pleased. They must have the same option as a Club Champion-type fitter, to just get the heads. I had to pay the upcharge for the shaft, but it wasn’t more than other Graphite Design shaft options straight through the OEMs. I figure it might take a little longer to get it, but that is ok. It is winter here and I have a driver that I love.
[QUOTE=”Redd, post: 12071828, member: 5622″]
I am unashamedly jealous.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah dude at the PGASS said he had one in stock if I wanted it, he was gonna sell it to me. So tempting.
[QUOTE=”TWright971, post: 12071911, member: 11048″]
Yeah dude at the PGASS said he had one in stock if I wanted it, he was gonna sell it to me. So tempting.
[/QUOTE]
That is both the good and bad of where I live. I’d have to make 2-hour drive (one-way) to get my hands on one. It helps when temptation is there and protects from (most) impulse buys, but it sucks when I need/want to make a well thought-out purchase.
The head over is fantastic. Fur lined, most other leather type don’t have this nice lining inside.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9236215[/ATTACH]
I was able to see and try the Darkspeed today on course. [USER=46570]@MSEASU[/USER] was nice enough to let me try it out. During warm up I hit it once on the range and it was awesome. Nice high straight ball flight. After our match was over I asked him if I could use it on hole 18. I hit one of the best drives I have ever had on that hole. I crushed that ball into a slight breeze and ended up 111 from the pin. I have not heard all of the drivers out yet but the leader in the clubhouse for sound is the Darkspeed to me. The all black head looks awesome also. He has the LINQ white in there and I apparently like that shaft line because it felt really good.
The headcovers look even better in person. I would have liked to try it a bit more so will try it at a fitting soon.
I may be smitten… ?
This thing is pretty low spin. Also I was hitting the 8 degree head which i probably shouldn’t but I like the shape of it the best..
I think it would look killer with a certain green shaft I havve as well. [ATTACH type=”full”]9236266[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9236267[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9236268[/ATTACH]