We tend to get caught up in the low-spin and high-speed chase when it comes to release season, but that often leaves out a large swath of golfers which have totally different needs. For 2022, Cobra Golf is committing to providing an option for everyone, and the key to that is the transition from their previous FMAX offerings to the new AIR-X lineup.
What is AIR-X?
Simply put, the AIR-X line is one aimed at segments which Cobra believes are far too often left unaddressed. From senior golfers who are losing speed as time goes on, to casual golfers entering the game in a price conscious manner, and beginner women who make up the fastest growing demographic in golf.
The goal here is a simple and intelligent one. Lighter weights, more efficient weighting for the needs of the aforementioned golfers, maximum forgiveness, and an aesthetic which is more broadly appealing than what they have produced in the past with FMAX.
This is a complete lineup, from drivers, fairways, and hybrids all the way to irons 4-SW with a 14-club set option to boot.
2022 Cobra AIR-X
Up first in the AIR-X release are drivers, fairways, and hybrids, all with that same focus of maximizing speed through lighter weights. These are the lightest clubs Cobra has ever made, with the driver being 8g lighter than the FMAX was, and a staggering 50g lighter than the LTDx MAX driver. Why the focus on weight? Because lighter means easier speed for those who need it. No, stronger swingers aren’t going to flock to a 285g total weight driver, but those people are not who this is aimed at. However, for the segments we mentioned earlier, it can make this game infinitely more enjoyable.
From top to bottom, the AIR-X have been adjusted, adapted, and shaped to hit their specific goals better than any other club in the segment, according to Cobra. The carbon fiber used is lighter, the shafts are sub 50g, the grips are lighter, and the weight placement in the heads are low and back to maximize both ease of elevation as well as draw forgiveness.
Speaking of draw, though the driver will be offered in a straight neck option, the main course for the AIR-X is the offset options (fairways and hybrids are offset only). With 20% more offset, this is about slice correction (18 yards of draw bias according to Cobra), yes, but that offset also makes it even easier to increase launch for golfers at the sub 85 MPH swing speed realm these clubs are targeted at. Loft options are as follows:
Driver – Straight 9.5°, 10.5, Offset 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°
Fairway – 3 (16°), 5 (20°), 7 (23°)
Hybrid – 3 (19°), 4 (22°), 5 (25°), 6 (28°), 7 (31°)
The looks are much more premium here too, with a carbon fiber crown that with its speed indentations looks clean and quality. Yes, the offset isn’t for everyone, but for those looking into this line it is likely to be a non-issue, remember who the target audience is here. The black and red color combo looks good in the men’s versions, as does the black and elderberry in the women’s. These aren’t overly busy, which was a smart change for Cobra.
As mentioned, there are also irons as part of the AIR-X lineup, with 4-PW, GW, and SW being available. The name of the game here is much the same, lightweight means faster. The AIR-X irons are actually 57g lighter in total weight than the LTDx irons. Naturally, these have wider soles with a deeper and lower CG, as well as variable face thickness for forgiveness on off center strikes. What might surprise some is that the lofts are actually 1° to 4.5° higher lofts, but that makes perfect sense for slower swingers of the club where maximizing launch is critical. The irons follow the same color motif as the woods, and they are surprisingly good looking.
The Details
The Cobra AIR-X clubs will hit retail on 1/28/22 with drivers at $349, fairways $229, hybrids $199, and iron sets (both combo and standard) $799. Additionally, in March of 2022 a complete 12-club set (including a bag and putter) for $1,499. Both men’s and women’s versions will follow the same pricing.
What do you think of Cobra’s commitment to establishing a foothold in this segment? Are the AIR-X the type of club that appeals to you or someone you know? Let us know either below or directly on the THP Community!
Another good write up.
I hope I don’t need these clubs for a few more years…
Now those look like something that Jen could definitely use – she wouldn’t need the draw bias driver as she hits a lovely draw with the current driver, but these clubs sound like a great option for someone like her
Will have to keep an eye out for these once they become available over here and see if our home club will be getting any as I am sure they did Cobra clubs the last couple years
Thanks [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
I really want to hit the 31 degree hybrid. I’ll take a set if I go back to the Morgan Cup this year ?
Those look really good, considering some other clubs in that segment. The lighter weights, though, wow! 57g lighter than the LTDx irons? Those things must feel like swinging air.
Another great write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]! You’ve been busy! That senior segment seems to be growing in clubs available. That’s awesome!
Good on Cobra!
Pretty cool they are targeting this part of the market, but holy offset on those irons!
So… uh. Does that 23* 7W come in lefty?
But the price… why should I look at this when I can get an Epic Speed Max for the same price? Sure, it’s last seasons but still…
Ok… what’s up? Is there an embargo on these in the US or something? The only sites I’m seeing Air-X appear are in Australia. Even Cobra’s US site doesn’t show this line… or I’m doing something wrong. If that’s the case, I blame google.:ROFLMAO:
But regardless, I’m not seeing a left hand option in any of the Air-X fairway options. Bummer.
I’d like to see performance they look good though
Another fantastic write up. Cobra targeting all golfers this year regardless of ability. The looks of these rival some of the best game improvement clubs out there. Heck I would game them. Now it’s time to get my wife to take up the game…or should I?
[QUOTE=”Scorpion12, post: 10397219, member: 22025″]
Ok… what’s up? Is there an embargo on these in the US or something?
[/QUOTE]
Literally just released today. Everything will be hitting websites soon.
[COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Nice write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]! I really like the looks of these and they way I have been playing lately something like these clubs may be closer to being needed that I want to admit. [/COLOR]
I like the woods, but considering the demographic, would have gone to 17° on the 3-wood and offered a higher lofted driver than 11.5…
overall, though, a set that would benefit many. I hope it does well, but this segment is always a hard sell.
Aspiring linksters generally understand the least about what might help them, and are thus a problem as a target group.
They want to play the cool stuff that the stronger players play because they don’t understand ewuipment yet.
Many never really get into the weeds about it at all.
I remembers 25+ handicappers all wanting 1-irons back in the day, once they heard that they existed.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10397238, member: 3″]
Literally just released today. Everything will be hitting websites soon.
[/QUOTE]
[media=giphy]vO8F4fYQd39h6[/media]
[QUOTE=”BostonSal, post: 10397264, member: 67651″]
I hope it does well, but this segment is always a hard sell.
[/QUOTE]
Based on previous generations of this and from a number of companies that isn’t really the case.
I’m not the market for these but kudos to Cobra for continuing to offer a club for this segment. I do miss the blue though. Why does everything have to be red this year? :ROFLMAO:
[QUOTE=”Scorpion12, post: 10397205, member: 22025″]
So… uh. Does that 23* 7W come in lefty?
But the price… why should I look at this when I can get an Epic Speed Max for the same price? Sure, it’s last seasons but still…
[/QUOTE]
You probably shouldn’t. But, the target audience of these will get more from these, than a traditionally weighted or designed club, no matter when it was released.
I had a buddy that bought an FMax driver right when he started, and absolutely loved it. Definitely would recommend this line to others in similar situations
[QUOTE=”BostonSal, post: 10397264, member: 67651″]
I like the woods, but considering the demographic, would have gone to 17° on the 3-wood and offered a higher lofted driver than 11.5…
overall, though, a set that would benefit many. I hope it does well, but this segment is always a hard sell.
Aspiring linksters generally understand the least about what might help them, and are thus a problem as a target group.
They want to play the cool stuff that the stronger players play because they don’t understand ewuipment yet.
Many never really get into the weeds about it at all.
I remembers 25+ handicappers all wanting 1-irons back in the day, once they heard that they existed.
[/QUOTE]
As mentioned in the article, these are designed specifically for these segments, loft tells you nothing without taking into account what the internal weighting has done.
And trust me, they’ve don’t more research than pretty much anyone on the target groups and what they need, excel with, and respond to.
But is there a LS version? I kid I kid. :ROFLMAO:
Love that Cobra has the entire golfing public in mind with produce. Good write up as always [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
Pretty cool to see a great option for my wife when she gets more serious about golf and me in a couple years !!
great review [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ??
I’ll have to mention these to my wife. She will most likely be in the market for some new irons this year and I think she could benefit from these.
Great write up. I think that driver crown looks great with the cut outs and I like the black/red colour way. Is there less of a shaft option available with these since it’s aimed at a smaller segment [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]?
[QUOTE=”ryang13, post: 10397490, member: 67512″]
Great write up. I think that driver crown looks great with the cut outs and I like the black/red colour way. Is there less of a shaft option available with these since it’s aimed at a smaller segment [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]?
[/QUOTE]
These are fine tuned for the three segments, so there’s not any need for a variety of shaft options, they’re a very specific release.
Really enjoyed reading this James. Love that Cobra is making the committment to providing quality clubs for all golfers. Those woods look pretty darn good!
[QUOTE=”Sox_Fan, post: 10397609, member: 9583″]
Really enjoyed reading this James. Love that Cobra is making the committment to providing quality clubs for all golfers. Those woods look pretty darn good!
[/QUOTE]
Thank you!
Definitely a step forward aesthetically for this segment, and I agree, it’s nice to see more trying to get a piece of that segments market share.
I’ll be honest when I first saw the name I thought of apple products!
I love the idea of the full bag set, I think for people just getting into the game that would be a great option to upgrade from maybe their big box store set or hand me downs
Great write up – looks like Cobra is again got something for everyone this year. I think they are hitting their sweet spot in catering to all player abilities and really making great products for each segment
Nice writeup about the Cobra Air-X. I am an almost senior with a slow swing speed. And I trust that Cobra has something good in these clubs. So, I’ll look at these a little more closely. I don’t think that they are for me specifically as they are likely too light but I do know some people who could benefit from them.
I’ve forwarded this article to a friend of mine who has recovered from cancer but is still chasing his former game with little to no success. He buys new stuff all the time but his drivers are always 9 degree with a low spin stiff shaft and his irons have a too heavy and too stiff of a steel shaft. Maybe this write-up will help him think about something that will help his game.
Thanks, [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. Stellar job as always.
When I hear light weight my mind immediately goes to XXIO, but maybe not anymore. These look really good and will be great for the intended market segment.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10397367, member: 1579″]
As mentioned in the article, these are designed specifically for these segments, loft tells you nothing without taking into account what the internal weighting has done.
And trust me, they’ve don’t more research than pretty much anyone on the target groups and what they need, excel with, and respond to.
[/QUOTE]
We already know that we disagree on loft, I guess. Having played the game for decades, I’ve alwys found loft to be a primary factor.
Your experience is different, Jman, which is fine,
but I can’t ignore my own personal experience.
I have a reason for liking weaker length / loft correlations, regardless of clubhead and shaft technologies.
I play better with them, plain and simple.
Published lofts have always been a guideline on which I could rely.
I’d have no other reason to care, would I?
In the end, it’s all academic because unless I want to play completely with ancient gear, I have to buy what they’re selling now.
You have a relationship with the company reps. That’s a good thing to have.
I don’t. The only thing that influences me is my experience. In my personal experience, and I have a lot of it, published loft does indeed tell something.
That’s not to say I have your expertise, obviously, but I do know my own game.
I wish Cobra nothing but success with that new line.
[QUOTE=”BostonSal, post: 10398432, member: 67651″]
We already know that we disagree on loft, I guess. Having played the game for decades, I’ve alwys found loft to be a primary factor.
Your experience is different, Jman, which is fine,
but I can’t ignore my own personal experience.
I have a reason for liking weaker length / loft correlations, regardless of clubhead and shaft technologies.
I play better with them, plain and simple.
Published lofts have always been a guideline on which I could rely.
I’d have no other reason to care, would I?
In the end, it’s all academic because unless I want to play completely with ancient gear, I have to buy what they’re selling now.
You have a relationship with the company reps. That’s a good thing to have.
I don’t. The only thing that influences me is my experience. In my personal experience, and I have a lot of it, published loft does indeed tell something.
That’s not to say I have your expertise, obviously, but I do know my own game.
I wish Cobra nothing but success with that new line.
[/QUOTE]
No dude, my discussion on loft isn’t about experience here, it’s about science. 11.5 with the majority of the internal weight BACK in the head means higher launch, compare it to a 12.5 head with forward weight and this (11.5) would launch easier, that’s not a preference or belief thing, nor me arguing with you, it’s just engineering.
My discussion on stuff like this isn’t about being right or any relationships I have with companies, or don’t have, it’s about what matters most to us here, accurate information without assumption and helping golfers become more educated.
This truly isn’t an argument thing, it’s a discussion on tech and club engineering. They really do know what they’re doing.
Might be time to trade in Mrs. Rejects’ Cobra driver!!
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10397238, member: 3″]
Literally just released today. Everything will be hitting websites soon.
[/QUOTE]
Still not on Cobra US’s site.:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
I didn’t realize they were [I]that[/I] new.
But I’m interested-ish in the 7W unless it’s right hand only.????
Great writeup especially considering this is outside something you would game. I give you credit that you write for others and not for yourself.
Applause to Cobra for setting something that is for growing the game or keeping those that love the game happy. Awesome job!
They shaved a ton of weight out of that driver for 8 grams. My goodness.
It may not fit me at all, but that would be a fun one to try just to see fun things.
While this line might not be for me, it would be perfect for both of my boys that need the additional loft and less weight.
I like the idea of having multiple options for all.
The offset driver head is intriguing. I’d actually like to give that a thwack just to see
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10398859, member: 1579″]
No dude, my discussion on loft isn’t about experience here, it’s about science. 11.5 with the majority of the internal weight BACK in the head means higher launch, compare it to a 12.5 head with forward weight and this (11.5) would launch easier, that’s not a preference or belief thing, nor me arguing with you, it’s just engineering.
My discussion on stuff like this isn’t about being right or any relationships I have with companies, or don’t have, it’s about what matters most to us here, accurate information without assumption and helping golfers become more educated.
This truly isn’t an argument thing, it’s a discussion on tech and club engineering. They really do know what they’re doing.
[/QUOTE]
I’m sure that they do, Jman. I don’t doubt their competence at all.
Look at my signature. My three fairways woods were all manufactured in the 20th Century, and this is 2022.
All three of them still seem perfectly fine to me, so I’m obviously not presenting myself as an expert on modern equipment.
Look at my set configuration. Because I have four woods and a driving iron in the bag, I’m limited to three wedges on the short end of the bag.
This is how published lofts influenced my purchase of new irons this year. With only three wedges in the bag, I needed a nine iron of at least 42° loft.
That’s as weak as we can still gat anymore.
(My first 9-iron, a used Wilson staff, had 48º loft. It was staight 4° increments from a 20° 2-iron to a 56° sand iron..)
True, if I had access to every iron model and wedge model on the market, I could see on a simulator how far I actually hit them. Then I’d know for sure how much loft mattered.
But I don’t. I have to figure it out as best I can. AND, I have to trust the published specs.
Plus, some clubs are chosen for making particular shots, not hitting to particular distances.
Thus, my prefrence for a very low bounce lob wedge for example, or my overlap of fairway wood and driving iron lofts.
Perhaps my view on lofts, as well as my interpretation of my experience, is very strongly affectd by my limited access to all the available equipment.
You’ve got a great job in that you hve access to almost all of it.
Thanks for your insights.
[QUOTE=”BostonSal, post: 10400835, member: 67651″]
I’m sure that they do, Jman. I don’t doubt their competence at all.
Look at my signature. My three fairways woods were all manufactured in the 20th Century, and this is 2022.
All three of them still seem perfectly fine to me, so I’m obviously not presenting myself as an expert on modern equipment.
Look at my set configuration. Because I have four woods and a driving iron in the bag, I’m limited to three wedges on the short end of the bag.
This is how published lofts influenced my purchase of new irons this year. With only three wedges in the bag, I needed a nine iron of at least 42° loft.
That’s as weak as we can still gat anymore.
(My first 9-iron, a used Wilson staff, had 48º loft. It was staight 4° increments from a 20° 2-iron to a 56° sand iron..)
True, if I had access to every iron model and wedge model on the market, I could see on a simulator how far I actually hit them. Then I’d know for sure how much loft mattered.
But I don’t. I have to figure it out as best I can. AND, I have to trust the published specs.
Plus, some clubs are chosen for making particular shots, not hitting to particular distances.
Thus, my prefrence for a very low bounce lob wedge for example, or my overlap of fairway wood and driving iron lofts.
Perhaps my view on lofts, as well as my interpretation of my experience, is very strongly affectd by my limited access to all the available equipment.
You’ve got a great job in that you hve access to almost all of it.
Thanks for your insights.
[/QUOTE]
I have even less golf experience than either you or Jman. Have only been playing for a few years.
And yeah, for us who don’t have access to all of the clubs, it’s more of a trial and error I guess. Which is fine, you work with what you’ve got. May have to buy. New wedges or rearrange the top of the bag as necessary.
I used to play the Cobra FMax Superlite irons from 2018, which have pretty weak lofts for modern irons. 9i was 40* and PW was 45* that carried for me 125y and 115y respectively. Last year I switched to PXG 0311XP’s, which are decided more loft jacked. 9i is now 37* and PW is 42*. And they’re 1/2 inch longer.
Just on paper I thought they’d surely be 10-15 yards longer for each club.
Nope. They’re about 5 yards longer on the short irons, maybe 10 more on the mid irons.
As a senior I like the concept, but I am not too enamored with all that offset (I have my driver set at Neutral). My driver shaft is 40 grams, and fairway wood shafts are 45.
This wasn’t made for me. It was obvious. But it was so much fun to hit in my random testing today. 10.5 degrees to a high ball hitter (gamer is 6.5) It was a 240 yard pitching wedge. Peak height on one shot was 170 feet…. Its fun to hit, didn’t feel bad at all, and will serve people who need it most excellent. If you are a low ball hitter or a have a slower swing speed, this is perfect. It didn’t look all that bad either with the offset.
While I didn’t hit the Air X model (not in yet locally) I hit the Fmax Airspeed today against the Stealth, Rogue Max and Cleveland XL lite. From hitting these all previously I kinda know what loft is right for me. So that is why they are not all the same.
My best with each:
Cleveland XL Lite 10.5*- 130 ball, 15.2*, 2077, 221 carry, 241 total.
Stealth 12* – 130, 14.5, 2320, 219, 243
Rogue 10.5* – 130 ball, 15.4, 2236, 219 / 240
Fmax 9.5 – 131 ball 12.5, 2182, 215 / 242
sure the Fmax is light and long shafted but it put up numbers equal to the big dogs for me today.
For a monitor sesh the 9.5 was ok. On the course I’d go 10.5 as my launch was too low for my liking. Guess my point is for the moderate swinger don’t sleep on the “B” releases like these. Also $200 cheaper than the “A” releases.
great read [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] –
You pointed out about the irons being weaker lofted by todays standards. I’ve noticed this over their last few Fmax iterations and I think it’s a good thing for those of us who need some extra launch, height and spin. I’ve hit the Airspeed 7i demo against the Rad, KFT, and Trails and had my best numbers with the Airspeeds. Sometimes that extra degree or two can really benefit a player. If I didn’t like my i200’s the Fmax irons would probably go into the bag.
Saw the clubs today. The irons didn’t look bad. These were not made for me but they are good looking
[QUOTE=”echico, post: 10442970, member: 6774″]
Saw the clubs today. The irons didn’t look bad. These were not made for me but they are good looking
[/QUOTE]
I said the same thing about the entire line up. They look really nice.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 10442977, member: 37622″]
I said the same thing about the entire line up. They look really nice.
[/QUOTE]
I took the 5i and tried a half swing. Wow it is light.
Been playing the Iron set with 4 and 5 hybrid, to pw. graphite. Frigging awesome!, I am 63 and these clubs do everything they say they will. Forgiveness is off the chart.