Two release cycles ago, Cobra came out with a head unlike others we have seen. Their technology advanced to the point where they could eliminate large amounts of headweight by wrapping carbon around the traditional ‘edges’ and provided extreme weight saving opportunities alongside a milled face that promoted consistency. They took it a step further in their next release by sending that milled face through the hard edges of the crown and sole to promote better aerodynamics (and let’s be honest, less chance of skymarking), with a brilliantly designed metal exoskeleton that further promoted weight efficiencies. It is simply hard to fathom how you can build off that kind of design. Enter the Cobra RADSPEED Drivers.
A name that absolutely begs to be explained because it is somewhat out of left field after “F9 Speedback” and “Speedzone” by comparison. Where does it originate? A concept we as basic consumers are probably unfamiliar; “Radius of Gyration.”
If you ask Cobra what that means (I thought about Googling but decided to commit to their smart people definition), “The distance away from an object’s geometric center that an engineer or designer can position mass or a technology. The further away from the center it is, the better the performance gain.” In short, locating weight away from the CG offers different benefits. The more forward, the higher the ball speed. Going lower promotes the lowest spin. It seems like that critical give and take between forgiveness (MOI), spin, and speed.
Now that we have mentally unlocked what radius of gyration is, and can only assume based on “RAD” that it is a big part of this release, where does it come into play? For Cobra, it came down to their engineers finding the perfect blend using extreme weighting to maximize the critical elements of performance for all types of players, continuing their trend of low back weighting but also taking into consideration extra weight low and forward to gain on that ball speed metric. And, for the benefit of our golf swings, have three heads to deliver performance where we need it.
First, RADSPEED- the primary source for ball speed and low spin workability. This head is designed for the better player hunting for maximum performance with extra weight forward by comparison. Taking full advantage of their TBar Speed Chassis, they were able to save enough weight to get apply 16g of locked weight in the front of the head, with 8g locked into the back. Weight ports of 12g in the front and 2g in the back (that can be changed out) produce in total, 28g forward and 10g in the very back of the head. It will be available in 9.0 and 10.5 degree heads.
For RADSPEED XB (or ‘xtreme back”), the design lends itself more to forgiveness while maintaining solid speed. In this head, the near-to-face weighting is dropped to 8g and a whopping 14g of secured weighting in the back, with a 6g movable weight. This is definitely looking like the next generation of the Xtreme lineup for those who enjoyed the forgiveness and support of the last offering. It will be available in 9.0, 10.5, and 12.0 degree heads.
Finally, RADSPEED XD (or ‘xtreme draw”) – built on the same basic platform as the XB but have moved 10g of radial weight to the heel side halfway between the hosel and the back of the head to promote a draw bias. There are still 8g of weight locked into the front and 8g in the back, with a 6g movable weight. It will be available in 10.5 and 12.0 degree heads.
It is an awful lot to take in, but the basic reality is, Cobra has taken radial weight placement with their new driver head, and allocated weight to places that promote benefits for all levels of golfers. They were able to do this because of new carbon wrap technology that saved six grams of weight from the crown, and continue to promote consistent performance with their infinity face, which is a 25 minute milling process that results in a level or precision that greatly exceeds hand polishing. Continuing from previous models, the dual roll tech (where the face operates slightly different when hit high vs low), and their tri bulge face (basically autocorrect for golf balls) are still very much present. Slight improvements to the face milling came from solid tour feedback and additional research, which include the decision to introduce a horizontal milling pattern in the central location for moisture management, and a new laser etching of the central circle and infinity logo to further support that moisture control.
It would not be a Cobra driver release, however, without discussing color. To continue with their last couple models, they have added a fresh version of the yellow using what they call “turbo yellow” as an option, offering a matte black in the RADSPEED head, and gloss black in the XB and XD offerings. While this type of discussion will be a totally personal perspective, I believe the yellow they selected was a great transition from former offerings. A little livelier, more ‘current’ so to speak.
Additionally (and from my perspective the greatest thing ever), they have brought in their ever popular peacoat blue color for the RADSPEED and RADSPEED XB heads. A perfect combination of blue, white, and red accents compliment the overall presentation and present two outstanding cosmetic choices for consumers looking for variety in the RADSPEED and RADSPEED XB heads. Anyone who is familiar with Puma knows that Peacoat is a popular color throughout their apparel, and it makes perfect sense to bring that subtle yet solid presentation onto a driver. For the first time, I am not totally for one color and indifferent on the other. This is about two great choices, and it would not surprise me to see people feel the same way (although the right answer is of course, blue).
Each setup comes with a couple popular shaft options, Cobra connect in the grip, and tour length will return with the RADSPEED head. On the junior head, Cobra is still honoring the free shaft upgrade which is a great feature. MAP for all three heads is $449.
I for one am incredibly excited to give RADSPEED a try. F9 came in with a bang, redefining what could be done with carbon fiber, and showcasing that there are numerous ways to achieve consistent performance off the face of the head. They doubled down on Aerodynamics for Speedzone, and are now going another direction to make sure that we as golfers make only the concessions we need to promote the performance we seek.
The Details
Available: January 29, 2021
Price: $449
Website: www.cobragolf.com
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 9789363, member: 5944″]
While I love the reports of gloss I’m still sticking to my guns. Peacoat or bust!!
[/QUOTE]
It is pretty spectacular in hand.
Hit a standard Rad at PGA today, they actually had one in LH. 9* +1.5. Tried a couple of Riptide shafts and a Motore. Preferred the Riptides, but am going to head back another day to try the Xb 10.5 they had. Not sure if they had an Xd in LH. I would like to try a Helium black shaft too, as that is what I currently play in my Mav Max.
The finish was stunning in person.
They had some killer deals on leftover demo Speedzones too.
[ATTACH type=”full”]8991663[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991664[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991665[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991666[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 9789363, member: 5944″]
While I love the reports of gloss I’m still sticking to my guns. Peacoat or bust!!
[/QUOTE]
Just wait until I get the gloss on the photo table…..
oh, and IT SHIPPED! ???
Can’t wait to see your pics! mine is in the build phase!
Hit the RADSPEED and the XB today at Golf Galaxy. Not sure which I want yet but I really like the Fujikura Motore X F1 6S. I will go Tour Length for sure in either head. They both sound and feel great. The ball comes off the face very powerfully feeling from both clubs. The XB was a little softer feeling on misses. I didn’t hit enough to see any difference in numbers.
?
[ATTACH type=”full”]8991882[/ATTACH]
I was messing around with the Radspeed driver configurations today. Does anyone know if it is possible to order the driver with heavier weights than stock?
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 9793550, member: 48932″]
I was messing around with the Radspeed driver configurations today. Does anyone know if it is possible to order the driver with heavier weights than stock?
[/QUOTE]
From Cobra? If you order, call them after you place the order and they can make a note. At least they would in the past.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9793554, member: 1579″]
From Cobra? If you order, call them after you place the order and they can make a note. At least they would in the past.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I think that would be the only option. I don’t know if they even have additional weights available yet.
[QUOTE=”BigDill, post: 9793556, member: 48932″]
Yeah, I think that would be the only option. I don’t know if they even have additional weights available yet.
[/QUOTE]
Not yet I don’t think, but they will be.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9793481, member: 1579″]
?
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”317F2922-5E8A-45E4-826C-F416ECED5E78.png”]8991882[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Looking forward to reading your thoughts and seeing your numbers, James.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9793481, member: 1579″]
?
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”317F2922-5E8A-45E4-826C-F416ECED5E78.png”]8991882[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
You got some stability headed your way. That RADSPEED head is so dang stable.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 9793769, member: 42964″]
Looking forward to reading your thoughts and seeing your numbers, James.
[/QUOTE]
And pics !!
Turbulence and Turbo yellow.
and yes it’s gloss not matte
[ATTACH type=”full”]8991916[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991917[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991918[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991919[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991920[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8991921[/ATTACH]
I’m more excited now.
hmmm, the bass boat feel isn’t bad at all. :unsure:
Mail Day!!!
[ATTACH type=”full”]8991996[/ATTACH]
Also the R/W/B head over is great looking… but the color cube head cover I have is a must game.
[QUOTE=”Jaymo37, post: 9794246, member: 3778″]
Also the R/W/B head over is great looking… but the color cube head cover I have is a must game.
[/QUOTE]
What shaft you get with that Jay? Looks great!
[QUOTE=”Kenomikes, post: 9794381, member: 42216″]
What shaft you get with that Jay? Looks great!
[/QUOTE]
hot the Motore F3 but already put a UST shaft in it.
I forgot to open this box….
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9794989, member: 1579″]
I forgot to open this box….
[/QUOTE]
When I saw you had posted, I was all prepared for your “out of this world” photos. … And then I get this… ?. James, James, James…
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 9795058, member: 42964″]
When I saw you had posted, I was all prepared for your “out of this world” photos. … And then I get this… ?. James, James, James…
[/QUOTE]
Hahaha, no photo table shots yet, this weekend though. For now, crummy camera phone shots will have to do!
[ATTACH type=”full”]8992083[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992084[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992085[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992086[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992087[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992088[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992089[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992090[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992091[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992092[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]8992093[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9795066, member: 1579″]
Hahaha, no photo table shots yet, this weekend though. For now, crummy camera phone shots will have to do!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”3095F8D2-E918-495D-8FD6-C8350B1957BE.jpeg”]8992083[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”F647DB08-6552-48F5-B390-37074AAD26E1.jpeg”]8992084[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”6C55CB87-B20D-45AE-81E9-07B766F36FCE.jpeg”]8992085[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”B7EF2A14-9BD3-4B5C-922B-F34AA1318D88.jpeg”]8992086[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”EC2F054F-EC8C-4BA0-B29A-5800FE0249F0.jpeg”]8992087[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”66E76DB6-64D3-465D-8DC6-A93472386B94.jpeg”]8992088[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”116DF28E-8FA7-46A3-B40F-2A6FA6F7C5B0.jpeg”]8992089[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”C2A98E7B-E0CF-4B9E-A741-84A3C7CFC6B3.jpeg”]8992090[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”DC9B43D8-6819-40F0-95F1-1FBA3D0E6BFF.jpeg”]8992091[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”F3983FED-AB00-4AE9-952F-E26E734184E3.jpeg”]8992092[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”B3A93D9B-6C6E-4964-80FA-18745242B650.jpeg”]8992093[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
What a great looking head! It sets up very nicely. The Infinity Face really blends well into the crown.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 9795076, member: 42964″]
What a great looking head! It sets up very nicely. The Infinity Face really blends well into the crown.
[/QUOTE]
I made the correct choice in color for me, very pleased!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9795080, member: 1579″]
I made the correct choice in color for me, very pleased!
[/QUOTE]
I’m torn. The black and turbo has more turbo accents than the blue and turbo does which I love the turbo lime. I’d probably lean towards your choice though. I think the gloss black crown on the cobra looks kinda cheap looking. The dark grey gloss looks more high end imho.
The gloss does look great, i’ve found the matte black to be cheap looking for me
RADSPEED XB w/Ventus Blue 6X has been ordered!
Hit the Xb today. First with the Motore F1 and then with the HZRDUS RDX. Both in the 10.5 head. Surprised how low spin the combos were. Like really low spin. The RDX produced better numbers of the 2 but it felt STOUT. Maybe a heavier rear weight will help getting the launch and spin up?
[ATTACH type=”full”]8992251[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Mlouis, post: 9795416, member: 44333″]
The gloss does look great, i’ve found the matte black to be cheap looking for me
[/QUOTE]
I can say this, in hand, there’s nothing cheap about either of the matte finishes.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9796168, member: 1579″]
I can say this, in hand, there’s nothing cheap about either of the matte finishes.
[/QUOTE]
Agree! The peacoat in Matte is absolutely stunning.
[QUOTE=”Jaymo37, post: 9796446, member: 3778″]
Agree! The peacoat in Matte is absolutely stunning.
[/QUOTE]
It was hard for me to not go that way, but as a gloss homer, I’m excited they offered the third colorway. Now to wait a week to hit it 🙁
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9795066, member: 1579″]
Hahaha, no photo table shots yet, this weekend though. For now, crummy camera phone shots will have to do!
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”3095F8D2-E918-495D-8FD6-C8350B1957BE.jpeg”]8992083[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”F647DB08-6552-48F5-B390-37074AAD26E1.jpeg”]8992084[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”6C55CB87-B20D-45AE-81E9-07B766F36FCE.jpeg”]8992085[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”B7EF2A14-9BD3-4B5C-922B-F34AA1318D88.jpeg”]8992086[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”EC2F054F-EC8C-4BA0-B29A-5800FE0249F0.jpeg”]8992087[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”66E76DB6-64D3-465D-8DC6-A93472386B94.jpeg”]8992088[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”116DF28E-8FA7-46A3-B40F-2A6FA6F7C5B0.jpeg”]8992089[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”C2A98E7B-E0CF-4B9E-A741-84A3C7CFC6B3.jpeg”]8992090[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”DC9B43D8-6819-40F0-95F1-1FBA3D0E6BFF.jpeg”]8992091[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”F3983FED-AB00-4AE9-952F-E26E734184E3.jpeg”]8992092[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”B3A93D9B-6C6E-4964-80FA-18745242B650.jpeg”]8992093[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Sorry that I miss it but any upcharge for 16g weight ?
[QUOTE=”LDUBFIREGOLFER, post: 9796781, member: 1854″]
Sorry that I miss it but any upcharge for 16g weight ?
[/QUOTE]
Nope (y)
I ordered it short of standard and they adjusted without me asking.
Loving having to stare at this for two weeks. 🙁
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9798853, member: 1579″]
Loving having to stare at this for two weeks. 🙁
[/QUOTE]
Wish I knew a timeline of when mine would be in.
Finally got to hit the RADSPEED this weekend. First of all, it’s a freaking looker! I had the black and green one with the matte top. May be one of my favorite drivers I’ve seen in person recently. Only had the 9* in LH so the 10.5* may be different but this thing is a low spin monster. Granted, I paired it with the RDX Blue, but I wasn’t seeing anything above 2000 spin. So if I mishit it, I wasn’t seeing it go very far since it wasn’t staying in the air. But my goodness when I centered one, it felt incredible and was farther than my SIM. If I could get a 10.5 head and get the spin to a little more forgiving number, this thing has the chance to put up big numbers distance wise! I also put a Motore shaft in there but just didn’t get along with that combo at all. First impression hands on was very good overall for this driver!
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 9798918, member: 56094″]
Finally got to hit the RADSPEED this weekend. First of all, it’s a freaking looker! I just had the black and green one with the matte top. May be one of my favorite drivers I’ve seen in person recently. Only had the 9* in LH so the 10.5* may be different but this thing is a low spin monster. Granted, I paired it with the RDX Blue, but I wasn’t seeing anything above 2000 spin. So if I mishit it, I wasn’t seeing it go very far since it wasn’t staying in the air on a mishit. But my goodness when I centered one, it felt incredible and was farther than my SIM. If I could get a 10.5 head and get the spin to a little more forgiving number, this thing has the chance to put up big numbers distance wise! I also put a Motore shaft in there but just didn’t get along with that combo at all. First impression hands on was very good overall for this driver!
[/QUOTE]
I didn’t get along with Motore either, but I know some that love it. I enjoyed it with PX RDX though
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9798925, member: 3″]
I didn’t get along with Motore either, but I know some that love it. I enjoyed it with PX RDX though
[/QUOTE]
The RDX is something special! It’s a really good choice as one of the stock shafts!
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9798925, member: 3″]
I didn’t get along with Motore either, but I know some that love it. I enjoyed it with PX RDX though
[/QUOTE]
I still can’t get over how well they crushed it on stock options this year. It just keeps getting better.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 9798918, member: 56094″]
Finally got to hit the RADSPEED this weekend. First of all, it’s a freaking looker! I had the black and green one with the matte top. May be one of my favorite drivers I’ve seen in person recently. Only had the 9* in LH so the 10.5* may be different but this thing is a low spin monster. Granted, I paired it with the RDX Blue, but I wasn’t seeing anything above 2000 spin. So if I mishit it, I wasn’t seeing it go very far since it wasn’t staying in the air. But my goodness when I centered one, it felt incredible and was farther than my SIM. If I could get a 10.5 head and get the spin to a little more forgiving number, this thing has the chance to put up big numbers distance wise! I also put a Motore shaft in there but just didn’t get along with that combo at all. First impression hands on was very good overall for this driver!
[/QUOTE]
Yeah. Based on what [USER=5944]@jdtox[/USER] and I saw in the Club Lab, it’s a low spinner, which makes me downright giddy.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9799384, member: 1579″]
Yeah. Based on what [USER=5944]@jdtox[/USER] and I saw in the Club Lab, it’s a low spinner, which makes me downright giddy.
[/QUOTE]
It was lower than I expected. So much so if I go with the regular head which I think I will I may go 10.5 instead of 9. Last year I played the Xtreme at 8* 😳
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 9799405, member: 5944″]It was lower than I expected. So much so if I go with the regular head which I think I will I may go 10.5 instead of 9. Last year I played the Xtreme at 8* :oops:[/QUOTE]
Ok I like hearing that.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 9799412, member: 782″]
Ok I like hearing that.
[/QUOTE]
I’m going off memory but I think the best fit for me was 9* head turned up to 10* in the Tech Studio with the weight back though we didn’t have 10.5 regular head to try thats why I’m thinking the 10.5 might be a better option with the ability to go down or move weight forward.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 9799405, member: 5944″]
It was lower than I expected. So much so if I go with the regular head which I think I will I may go 10.5 instead of 9. Last year I played the Xtreme at 8* 😳
[/QUOTE]
Yup, seeing what we did, it’s why I went 9 so I could turn it up and get some draw bias as well as going weight back .
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 9799487, member: 1579″]
Yup, seeing what we did, it’s why I went 9 so I could turn it up and get some draw bias as well as going weight back .
[/QUOTE]
Love this concept!
Ill be super curious when we start giving away full bags of these clubs for the THP Experience, which driver is the most requested.
[QUOTE=”e1iterate, post: 9795747, member: 21958″]
RADSPEED XB w/Ventus Blue 6X has been ordered!
[/QUOTE]
Excited to hear about this one. Looked fantastic on the numbers at CC.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 9801646, member: 3″]
Ill be super curious when we start giving away full bags of these clubs for the THP Experience, which driver is the most requested.
[/QUOTE]
Im hearing the weight back in the standard head provides similar performance to the XB, and if that’s the case I’d bet most go for the Standard knowing they could always move the weight to the back
[QUOTE=”Jaymo37, post: 9801900, member: 3778″]
Im hearing the weight back in the standard head provides similar performance to the XB, and if that’s the case I’d bet most go for the Standard knowing they could always move the weight to the back
[/QUOTE]
Its not quite the same in our testing, but subtle differences for sure.