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
Infinity face is a good thing and they improved on the original version
I too hope I end up with the Cobra Radspeed XB on my CC fitting when I go. Such great value and guys are killing it.
?
This is why I love the Cobra drivers… I just have full confidence to swing away. Not that I’ve ever skyed one…….. ?
Also, its the small things but the new headcover seems much easier to put on. That SZ headcover was TIGHT (at least the Pars and Stripes one is)
Looks awesome, was yours built by club champion? If I remember correctly you got fit there correct? Did you ask them to set the shaft with the VeloCore graphics on the top side?
Yes I was fit at CC and that is just the way they built the club.
Yes sir! Playing this weekend and will share some thoughts post round!
THP’ers never do stuff like that…
I wasn’t a big fan of the last year’s SZ Extreme sound, does the Radspeed XB sound better? I loved the sound of the F9 the best. Does the XB head in the Matte color look any bigger than SZ Extreme? Hard to tell in pics.
Here are the heads side by side:
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Sound wise, I feel the RAD is a touch more muted.
By that pic it almost looks smaller…the XB I mean
Closer view. The pictures make it seem that way, but I don’t think it is.
View attachment 8995373
Thanks for that I agree. Have you hit them side by side yet? I’m so curious the difference in spin between those 2.
Matte finish def plays a role but the Radspeed appears to have a more pointed back to it and/or the SZ looks more rounded. This seem that way to you? Btw thanks for the pics and info.
I did when I got fitted. RAD was better all around.
I would agree with you there.
I was gonna say that it looks bigger lol
This is why I went with the RDX over the F1. Low/low shaft with an ultra low spin head sounds like a disaster for my swing. Kinda of getting nervous that I ordered the wrong head tbh
If someone is in the Los Angeles area, you can fit yourself too…haha..
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I couldn’t agree with this more, same here, the feel of being in a closed setting just throws me off. On top of that I honestly need to see the ball flight outdoors and for me this is the only place I’d feel comfortable getting fit. This and Demoing clubs on the course is key for me.
Same here, where you playing? I’m not far from you at all.
My home club is The Palisades. Hit me up if you want to tee up.
I can’t wait until I get fit at CC still waiting on heads to arrive there. This XB is definitely one of my top choices.
14 clubs is all I will carry. weight of extras not worth it…Ha
Part of this THP job my guy! I had 19 in while carrying the other day
The sound is great and it just feels stable and solid. Miss hits didn’t go as far but didn’t have massive curve to them. Hitting the center of the face shots were amazing. Really excited about this driver this year. It feels more stable than the Speedzone I had last year. The Peacoat is ??
Hole 1: Fairway
Hole 2: Missed Right
Hole 3: Fairway
Hole 5: Fairway (nearly drove green) super wet.
Hole 9: Missed Right
Hole 11: Missed Left
Hole 12: Fairway
Hole 14: Fairway
Hole 15: Fairway
Hole 16: Fairway
Hole 18: Missed Left
64% Overall.
Some thoughts about the misses. Hole 2 was a poor swing and then @Prince94 helped with my alignment and it was game on. The miss on 9 was solidly struck, but just had a slightly open face at contact. 11 & 18 were both very well struck balls that were just off the fairway. Very playable.
The feel and sound are both improved IMO from the Speedzone and I very much enjoyed the Speedzone offering. Even @Prince94 commented on the sound difference.
Generally @Prince94 is longer than me off the tee and I’m not short by any means either, but I was keeping up with him on his well struck balls and even past him on occasion.
As of this moment, I’d say I’m smitten with the set up. I feel I can swing through and it goes pretty straight. Nothing to really complain about thus far.
If you’re considering a new driver, be sure you give this a look. You might be surprised.
Buy one and then get another for MC!
I wonder what the distance on 15 and 16 were, back to back bombs.
I think this is a very valid response! I’ve still not had a chance to try these, or even see them in person but I’m hoping so much things start easing up so that the retailers open up and we can get going again. I am very excited for these!
Yup, SS is only one component of the stiffness you need but for now it’s the best we got if you can’t get fit. I can use a stiff based on my SS but after taking lessons, my tempo and transition calls for a regular flex.
It’s also hard to ignore what the Xtreme did for me last year as well so I’m going to go out on a limb and say the XB will likely be in the bag this year unless something crazy changes.
Did you switch the weights at all on the Rad to see a difference?
I think the 9 degree XB with a low launch/spin shaft would be really good for you based on what we saw today.
Yep, launch is significantly lower but so is spin. It seems too low. If playing regular head need 10.5* head I think and maybe a mid launch shaft. I think with these heads a fitting is key but if not going to do one XB is a safer choice