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
Hope you find success with the XB.
With that said, after trying out the XB on the range and on the course, I have some random observations:
– I immediately paired the XB driver head with the Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 shaft from the aforementioned Pars and Stripes driver…and I can’t even begin to describe how amazing that combo looks. The color of the shaft and the top of the driver head go together perfectly. I’ll see if I can get a picture soon (the colors are dark enough that it’s hard to get a good one). I know how a driver looks isn’t the most important quality, but I much prefer the peacoat color to the all white Pars and Stripes, and I find it easier to look at and focus on when setting up my swing.
– Along those lines, I was surprised to determine that I also prefer the black Infinity Face on the XB to the blue Infinity Face of the Pars and Stripes. I’ve obviously put in a few more rounds on the Pars and Stripes then the XB, but I’ve noticed what I can only describe as chip marks clearly visible across the blue face, where as the black face (so far) shows none. I also think it’s far easier to see where the ball impacted on the black face as opposed to the blue face, where the ball strike marks are very muted.
– This might just be me, but I think the XB sounds a bit better then the Speedzone Xtreme. To my ears the XB has a slightly more muted yet satisfying sound, while the Xtreme sounded more like a sharp crack on good strikes. Again, though, that’s probably just me.
– This is probably more a result of my recent lessons translating well to range sessions and the course, but I have definitely noticed better ball flight and distance with the XB. I’m still very much a beginner, and my swing speed is currently in the mid 80’s, as I tend to slow down my swing a bit to focus more on consistently hitting the ball (losing my balance when swinging too fast is a real problem for me). Even with that, I consistently saw probably 5-10 yards more distance on well-hit shots with my XB over the Xtreme. Even on not-so-good shots, where I was pushing the ball right, the ball wouldn’t go as far right as it might with my Xtreme, thus keeping more of my shots in play, even if in the rough. Also, my ball flight in terms of height was much better with the XB – with the Xtreme, I was often prone to hitting drives that would go too far up in the air, so they would lose distance even if hit well and straight. Just about all of my drives with the XB have been lower in trajectory, and I suspect that has contributed a bit to the extra distance I’ve been seeing.
In conclusion, other then the fact I probably shouldn’t be trusted with money when it comes to buying golf clubs, I have zero regrets picking up the XB. As a high handicapper still learning how to play, this driver looks, sounds and feels amazing.
This may be the time to take a longer test drive and see if the shorter length leads to more centered contact.
I’ve used the Tour Length for years. I prefer it, I can control it better for sure.
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Hitting mid-160 ball speed this early in the year is impressive, my friend.
I am going Tour Length. I think it’s easier to get solid strikes with a shorter driver. Obviously there is a bit of clubhead speed loss, but if on average strikes are better ballspeed can be the same or higher.
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i glad I am on your team with those numbers!
I wish I had number close to that.
Callaway Epic Max LS
Callaway Epic Speed
Titleist Tsi3
TaylorMade Sim2
I am pretty confident that the RadSpeed is the longest for me of any of these drivers. Arccos has my Smart Distance at 287 yards and most of this play has been in cold weather. Today, I had another drive of over 300 yards. Thus, each of the three times that I have had it out, I have had at least one 300 yard drive. I can’t remember doing this at any time in the last several years. I am hitting a little over 50% of fairways. I need to get this up another 10%. Below was today’s long drive:
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Fairways…that is what it will bring to the table!
???
Hope you enjoy long walks in the desert! ?
I think that the regular head with the heavier weight in the back is a very good compromise between the two.
The peacoat colorway is awesome look. Love the matte blue finish. Also kudos to Cobra for putting together one of the better stock driver covers I’ve seen in a while. I’m not a fan of carbon fiber accents but this one isn’t too bad. Looks really good in person.
Finally, the fact that Arccos sends you free sensors when you buy a Cobra club is pretty sweet. Been wanting to try Arccos and this tipped me on it.
The Peacot is absolutely stunning, imo. Congrats and enjoy.
Best descirption of this driver! Was fitted for 3w this weekend and with 5 minutes left I just decided to try the driver as well.
Was hitting bombs straight away!
Radspeed @ 9 w/ RDX Blue 70 6.5 – such a good combo. 165-166 bs, 2200rpm, 12-13 launch with 1.48 smashfactor on average with Trackman outdoor.
Was hard to not walk away with both 3w and driver on order!
That sounds just the ticket to me! Have similar on order just the 10.5 rather than the 9. Anxiously awaiting the postman
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Still waiting for mine to come to hand… but based on my fittings I would say yeah, go for it!
:clapp:
Here we go again.
So I had a driver fitting yesterday and it came down to the XB and SIM2. Numbers were slightly better on SIM2 but that was with a 9* head and they only had the XB in 10.5. I wasn’t biting on a $444 up charge on the RDX Blue USA theme shaft for paint so Budget had a lefty 9* in stock and I just pulled the trigger. 90 day Test Drive at Budget is a nice feature.
Honestly I couldn’t believe the lower spin and increased carry over my G400 MAX with a V2 shaft. Not even close. 14 yards carry increase and over 800 spin drop. I guess I needed a fitting.
Cobra Radspeed XB 9* with Project X HZRDUS RDX Blue 60 S in Peacoat/Red. Should have it in 2 days.
wow that’s a big drop in spin. Can’t wait to hear how it works for you when you get it in hand.
What was the spin with the G400 Max?
I was struggling mid 3000’s and even higher.
XB averaged 2477, similar to Sim2.
you and me both. Can’t wait to hit my RadSpeed XB
Finished it for you! ??
I like this finish better
(although the peacoat looks sharp and will be on my fairway woods)
Count me into that camp as well. Am so excited to get it in hand, have a feeling this could be the one!
I agree and doubt that most would discern a difference.
I’m exactly like you, I have a scale and I’m sensitive to swing weight. My preferred grip now is the TV Plus4.
Seems like there is very little out there on the xd model!? It obviously won’t be selling as well as the speed and XB, but I too wonder if it might not be just the ticket for many golfers.
Call me a vain internet golfer but, if they had offered it in Peacoat that would be in my MC bag.?
great shaft I’ve played one for years, but their stock offerings are legit so might be though to beat