“The benefit for me of going to more loft is more control, but at the same time I didn’t sacrifice any speed or spin”
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cobra ambassadors Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland and Justin Suh played a version of speed-dating on Wednesday evening with members of the media at Continental Golf Club before taking part in some after-hours glow golf.
All three players have transitioned into the club maker’s newest driver, the Darkspeed, which comes in three models (X, LS and MAX) and features a forged titanium face with carbon fiber crown and sole panels, moveable weights and adjustable hosel. Golfweek’s equipment expert David Dusek says, “it’s designed for golfers who want an aerodynamic driver that delivers more ball speed and trajectory control.” The pros all have opted for the LS, which stands for low spin, but according to Cobra’s Ben Schomin, former major winner and gearhead Jason Dufner is looking to use the Darkspeed Max.
Not surprisingly, all three players at the Cobra media event gushed about the new club but they were refreshingly honest about the process to find the right specs and shaft combination to maximize performance. And to hear them tell it, that search isn’t necessarily over. Here’s what we learned about how Fowler, Woodland and Suh made the move to Cobra Darkspeed LS.
Check out Golfweek’s list of the best drivers available to purchase in 2024.
Everyone wants to hit the ball farther, so distance is always going to be important when it comes to new drivers, but if there is a buzzword or concept that is going to dominate the scene in 2024, it’s moment of inertia or MOI.
In golf equipment – and specifically, drivers – the higher a club’s MOI, the more it will resist twisting on off-center hits, so shots hit toward the toe or the heel will fly straighter and farther.
The USGA and R&A cap the heel-to-toe MOI in drivers at 5,900 g/cm2, but several major golf equipment makers are offering their highest MOI drivers ever in 2024, including Ping and TaylorMade, which are both now featuring a driver than as a combined MOI (heel-to-toe plus sole-to-crown) over 10,000 g/cm2, which should make the Ping G430 Max 10K and the TaylorMade Qi10 Max the most stable and forgiving drivers those brands have ever made.
These gains in driver stability are now possible because more companies are using weight-saving materials like carbon fiber in drivers, which allows engineers to redistribute mass into performance-enhancing locations. Several driver makers are also offering multiple models in 2024, with each driver being ideally suited to golfers who are looking for different specific traits. For instance, Callaway is offering four different Paradym Ai Smoke drivers including the high-MOI Max, the low-spin LS, the Max D for slicers and the Max Fast for slower-swinging players. Ping offers four G430 drivers and Titleist has TSR drivers available too, while Cobra, Mizuno, Srixon and TaylorMade each have three different options.
The key to finding the driver that best suits your game and your budget is to work with a custom fitter and hit several different clubs using a launch monitor so you can accurately compare things like ball speed, spin rate, launch angle and carry distance. Good fitters can help you find the ideal shaft, tweak the lie angle and the loft of your driver and explain why one model might be a better option for you than another.
Pro tip: During a driver fitting, be sure to wear your golf shoes and test clubs using the golf ball that you use when you play so you can get information that will translate more accurately to the course.
Below are many of the most popular drivers that you are likely to see in pro shops and golf specialty stores this season, along with a brief description of each club and a link to Golfweek’s fuller review. Use this as a jumping-off point to educate yourself about the new drives for 2024 before you go for a fitting.
All three Darkspeed drivers have an aerodynamic shape, fast face and moveable weights.
Gear: Cobra Darkspeed Max, Darkspeed X, Darkspeed LS drivers Price:$549 with Project X HZRDUS CB Red shaft or UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X Red shaft and Lamkin Crossline grip. Specs: Forged titanium face with carbon fiber crown and sole panels, moveable weights and adjustable hosel. Available: Jan.11 presale, Jan. 19 in stores
Who They’re For: Golfers who want an aerodynamic driver that delivers more ball speed and trajectory control.
The Skinny: Available in three models, the Darkspeed drivers have three different weight systems that allow golfers to obtain the ideal blend of forgiveness, ball speed and spin.
The Deep Dive: If you still think about bright orange, blue or red clubs any time someone mentions Cobra drivers, you might not recognize the new Darkspeed X, Darkspeed Max or Darkspeed LS. As with Henry Ford’s Model T, the Darkspeed drivers come in any color you like as long as it’s black. In this case, matte black. But don’t let the dialed-down cosmetics fool you into thinking these clubs lack technologies and features to help you gain distance and find more fairways.
[afflinkbutton text=”Shop all Cobra Darkspeed drivers” link=”https://worldwidegolfshops.pxf.io/5g0LD9″]
The Darkspeed LS has an aerodynamic head shape. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
All three Darkspeed drivers have an aerodynamic shape, with the edges and seams around the hitting area, the heel and toe being rounded. The highest portion of the carbon fiber crowns has also been pushed farther back and away from the topline, so as you swing down to the ball, air flows over the head more efficiently. The back of each head has also been raised, the hitting area is more oval and the sole has been smoothed. These are details golfers might overlook, but they work together to make it easier for golfers to generate more clubhead speed.
Each of the three Darkspeed drivers also has features an updated, laser-welded PWR Shell face. This manufacturing technique allows Cobra to make the face plate larger, which naturally helps enlarge the sweet spot and protect ball speed on off-center hits.
The Cobra Darkspeed X has been designed with a H.O.T. Face. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
In the high-toe area of each Darkspeed driver, you will see “H.O.T. Face” etched. It is an acronym for Highly Optimized Topology. This involves computers dividing the hitting area into 15 spots and making those regions thicker or thinner until the best-performing face is revealed. With the hitting area of the Darkspeed drivers being larger than last season’s Aerojet, the 15 regions are spread farther apart, which once again aids in protecting ball speed on mis-hits.
Finally, all three Darkspeed drivers have been made with an internal bar that Cobra calls a PWR Bridge. It is positioned inside the head and connects the heel and toe areas directly behind the face. The PWR Bridge in the Darkspeed drivers is slightly lighter than the one found in Aerojet drivers, but it still lowers the center of gravity and helps reduce spin.
As with the other Darkspeed drivers, the Max has a large carbon fiber sole panel to reduce weight. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
Along with a large carbon fiber sole panel and an adjustable hosel system that allows players and fitters to increase or decrease the stated loft by as many as 1.5 degrees, those are the things the Darkspeed Max, Darkspeed X and Darkspeed LS drivers have in common. Several things make them different and ideally suited for different golfers.
The weight saved by opting for a carbon fiber crown and sole gave Cobra designers a significant amount of discretionary weight. In the Darkspeed LS, that weight was repurposed as a 12-gram weight and two 3-gram weights. The weights can be affixed into any of the three ports, with two ports designed into the front of the sole and one in the back. When the 12-gram weight is in the front, it pushes the center of gravity forward, encouraging a lower launch and less spin. It also allows players to set up the club with a slight draw or fade bias. When the 12-gram weight is in the back, the spin rate increases, the launch angle goes up slightly and the Darkspeed LS becomes more stable.
The Cobra Darkspeed X driver (David Dusek/Golfweek)
The Darkspeed X – available in lofts of 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees – comes with two moveable weights, one 12 grams and the other 3 grams, with the forward port being more in the center of the sole. Cobra chose this location because several staff players added internal weight (called hot melt) to last season’s Aerjet to lower its spin rate. For the Darkspeed X, adding weight in that area is as simple as positioning the 12-gram screw there.
The Darkspeed X, which has a neutral weight bias, creates a slightly higher launch and more spin than the LS, but it delivers a high moment of inertia and added stability.
For golfers who battle a slice, Cobra is offering the Darkspeed Max, which will come in lofts of 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees. This is the most forgiving Darkspeed offering and features a 12-gram and 3-gram weight like the X, but the Max’s two weight ports are in the back and the heel area. Putting the 12-gram weight in the heel encourages the face to close more easily on the downswing and square as it impacts the ball, resulting in less sidespin and a straighter shot. When the 3-gram weight is in the heel, the club still has a draw bias, but its moment of inertia and stability are elevated.
[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Cobra Darkspeed LS driver” link=”https://worldwidegolfshops.pxf.io/q46NL5″]
[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Cobra Darkspeed MAX driver” link=”https://worldwidegolfshops.pxf.io/DKd1Zj”]
[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Cobra Darkspeed X driver” link=”https://worldwidegolfshops.pxf.io/rQNbyQ”]
Below are several images of the Cobra Darkspeed drivers:
Here’s what we know about the latest drivers from Cobra, Ping, PXG and TaylorMade.
The holiday season is almost upon us, and while that means getting ready for Thanksgiving, starting your holiday shopping, and preparing for the bombardment of Black Friday and Cyber Monday ads to hit your email box, it also means golf equipment companies are quietly making next season’s gear available to pros.
On Monday, the United States Golf Association added new drivers to its List of Conforming Driver Heads. That means the USGA has tested the heads to ensure they meet equipment standards and comply with the Rules of Golf. Once added to the list, a driver head can be used by anyone in a competitive round or official event like this week’s PGA Tour event, the RSM Classic, or the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
We don’t have official information on the drivers that were added to the conforming driver list this week, but from the images and notes published by the USGA, there are a few things we can learn.
Last season, Rickie Fowler used a Cobra AeroJet LS driver and nearly won the U.S. Open, then broke through and won the Rocket Mortgage Classic, which helped him earn a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team. On Monday, we may have been given our first look at Fowler’s next driver because the Cobra Darkspeed Max, Darkspeed X and Darkspeed LS were added to the USGA’s List of Conforming Driver Heads.
Adding a driver to the conforming list makes it legal for play in official tournaments like this week’s PGA Tour event, the RSM Classic, as well as DP World Tour and LPGA events.
While Cobra has not released any official announcement about the Darkspeed drivers, using history as a guide, along with the USGA photos and descriptions, there are few things we can learn about them.
Lofts: In the past, Cobra has released a standard version of its driver, along with a low-spin model and a high-stability or slice-fighting version. We can see in the USGA notes that the Darkspeed LS comes in an 8-, 9- and 10.5-degree version, while the Darkspeed Max and Darkspeed X will be available as a 9-, 10.5- and 12-degree club. Based on that, we can assume that the LS is a low-spin club for faster-swinging golfers while the Max and the X are likely going to be for recreational golfers.
Cobra Darkspeed X driver (USGA)
Carbon fiber: Cobra has used carbon fiber on the sole of drivers in the past, and in images of the Darkspeed drivers we can see what appears to be carbon fiber on the sole as well. The USGA images do not show the top of the club, but Cobra has used carbon fiber in the crown of its drivers for years, so we can assume the Darkspeed drivers will have that too.
Cobra Darkspeed LS driver. (USGA)
Moveable weights: For several seasons, Cobra drivers have featured moveable weights to allow players and fitters to create a draw or fade bias, and in some cases increase or decrease the spin and launch angle. The Darkspeed Max has a weight port in the heel and the back areas that can hold a 12-gram and a 3-gram weight. The Darkspeed X has weight ports in the back and center of the sole while also holding a 12-gram and a 3-gram weight. The Darkspeed LS, however, has three weight ports, two in the front and one in the back, and appears to come with a pair of 3-gram weights and a 12-gram weight.
PWR Shell: The words “PWR Shell” appear on the sole of all three Darkspeed drivers. PWR Shell is a face technology Cobra has used in the past. Instead of being flat, the PWR Shell face in last season’s AeroJet drivers wrapped under the leading edge, forming an L shape, which Cobra claimed helps to enlarge the sweet spot and improve performance on low-struck shots.
Cobra Darkspeed Max driver. (USGA)
PWR Bridge: In images, we can see “PWR Bridge” on the sole of all three drivers. This is another technology found in last season’s AeroJet drivers. The PWR Bridge is an internal piece of metal that extends from the heel to toe that drives the center of gravity (CG) downward.
Release date: Traditionally, Cobra releases its new product lines in early January, either in the days leading up to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, or at the show itself. We don’t have word on when the Darkspeed drivers will come out, but that time period would make sense.
World Long Drive’s tag line is “This is golf at full throttle,” and this year’s championship did not disappoint.
World Long Drive’s tag line is “This is golf at full throttle” and this year’s championship did not disappoint.
World Long Drive announced its return to the sport in 2023, and after a long season, three new world champions were crowned at the Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta.
Ryan Reisbeck took home the title of the Senior Division Champion. His winning drive totaled 372 yards as he faced Robert Oristaglio.
“I’ve been chasing this goal for 13 years now and it’s great to finally achieve it,” said Reisbeck.
Kyle Berkshire faced Sean Johnson in the finals and won his third world title with a drive of 398 yards. Berkshire had a season full of breakthroughs as well as drawbacks, but he delivered when it mattered most.
Monica Lieving faced four-time world champion Phillis Meti in the womens finals and took home her first championship title with a drive of 288 yards. This is not anywhere near Lieving’s typical driving distances, but Meti went out of bounds on all six balls resulting in a win for Lieving.
Prior to the World Championship, Lieving set a new personal best of 125.2 mph clubhead speed and 187 mph ball speed. These numbers are faster than most PGA Tour players.
All three champions train out of One Stop Power Shop in North Carolina coached by Bobby Peterson. Peterson has coached all three athletes for multiple years and these wins came with a lot of sweat and tears.
“I’m pleased with the effort of the entire OSPS team. We’ve worked hard all year and for the team to us in this position it awesome,” Peterson said. “Congratulations to Monica Lieving Ladies World Ling Champion and Kyle Berkshire open World Long Drive Champion and Ryan Reisbeck Senior World Long Drive Champion. That’s a clean sweep for the OSPS.”
Celebrate America’s birthday with our list best red, white and blue golf equipment and apparel
Celebrate the 4th of July in style and showcase your love for the red, white and blue with a look that would make Uncle Sam jealous.
We’ve gathered some of the best styles from across the golf apparel landscape. From simple and classic to brash and loud, we’ve found something for everyone.
If you’re wanting to capitalize on some stellar sales, check out the list of July 4th sales to cash in on big savings. Be sure to check out our summer favorites to stock up on hats, shorts, polos, shoes and more to keep your wardrobe as fresh and clean as your short game all summer long!
Cobra’s push to help golfers swing faster, create more ball speed and develop the shot shape their desire.
In this video, Golfweek’s David Dusek speaks with Tom Olsavsky of Cobra as they break down the new 2023 Aerojet line of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons.
“More speed and distance for golfers. We’re trying to get that in every club.” Olsavsky said. “And one of the keys in that technology is something called the Powershell face, which actually was pioneered in our irons for about five years.”
The new Cobra Aerojet lineup does not come in every color on the rainbow, but they continue Cobra’s push to help golfers swing faster, create more ball speed and develop the shot shape their desire. They are for different types of golfers but share many technologies and features.
Get more details on the new Cobra Aerojet family of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons in the link below.
[afflinkbutton text=”Learn More – Cobra Aerojet” link=”https://sr.studiostack.com/c/link?l=1148966&s=1148958″]
By modifying the shape of the head, Cobra is helping golfers swing faster, while an updated hitting area protects ball speed on mis-hit shots more efficiently and moveable weights in the sole generate shot-shaping biases.
Gear: Cobra Aerojet, AeroJet LS, Aerojet Max drivers Price: $549 with Mitsubishi Kai’Li White or Blue, Project X HZRDUS Black GEN4 or UST Mamiya Helium Core shaft and Lamkin Crossline grips. Specs: Carbon fiber crown and sole pieces with adjustable hosel, moveable weights and internal weight bar. Lofts – 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (standard, Max), 9, 10.5 degrees (LS) Available: February 10
Who It’s For: Golfers looking for an aerodynamic driver to help create more clubhead speed.
The Skinny: By modifying the shape of the head, Cobra is helping golfers swing faster, while an updated hitting area protects ball speed on mis-hit shots more efficiently and moveable weights in the sole generate shot-shaping biases.
The Deep Dive: There was a time when Cobra drivers may have been known more for their bold cosmetics than for their performance. Remember the AMP Cell drivers from back in 2013, which were offered in orange, blue, red and silver models? But the Carlsbad, California-based company has done a lot of performance innovation as well, including milled driver faces, unique weight systems and the aggressive utilization of carbon fiber and aerodynamic shaping.
The new Cobra Aerojet, Aerojet LS and Aerojet Max drivers do not come in every color on the rainbow, but they continue Cobra’s push to help golfers swing faster, create more ball speed and develop the shot shape their desire. They are for different types of golfers but share many technologies and features.
Cobra’s new drivers – the Aerojet, Aerojet LS and Aerojet Max – are eligible for use on tours and for recreational players.
When Cobra Golf’s headliners such as Rickie Fowler, Bryson DeChambeau and Lexi Thompson return to action in 2023, chances are good they will have new drivers in their golf bags. Several new Cobra models have just been added to the USGA and R&A’s Conforming Driver list.
Before any new club can be used in tournament play, the game’s governing bodies test it to be sure it meets standards and complies with the Rules of Golf. Now that the Aerojet, Aerojet LS and Aerojet Max have been added to the list, they can be used on the PGA Tour, at LPGA events and by recreational golfers, too.
Cobra has not released details regarding the Aerojet drivers, but based on the photos below that were included on the Conforming Driver list and the company’s history, here are a few things we can infer:
There appears to be three types of Aerojet drivers. All of them clearly have an adjustable hosel and the word “PWRSHELL” on the sole, directly behind the leading edge.
All three Aerojet drive types appear to have a checkered or woven pattern in the back half of the sole. In the past this look was created by the use of carbon fiber on the crown and on the bottom of the club.
The standard Aerojet appears to have a singe 12-gram weight in the back.
The Aerojet LS has two weights positioned in the front of the sole. In the USGA photos there is a 12-gram and a 3-gram weight. In the past those swappable weights allowed players and fitters to create a draw or fade bias, and LS drivers have been low-spin versions of the standard driver.
The Aerojet Max also has two weight ports, but one is in the back and the other is in the heel. In the USGA photos, a 12-gram weight is in the back and a 3-gram weight is in the heel. With extra weight in the heel, this club could be a draw-bias or anti-slice driver.
