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
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This is me. Not the same driver, but I have had a swing change and I’m seeing the left side of the course now with some draws. Now aiming at the right side of the fairway, which still just feels weird to me. I have the occasional miss to the right now, but not bad. But when you have 28 years of a right miss, shifting to aiming at the right side of the fairway feels so weird and I have to just convince myself to trust the new swing lol.
I can relate to this so very much. My swing is coming on leaps and bounds but I just can’t fully commit to aiming where either straight down the middle or slightly to the right. It will come though, just need to trust the swing!
So the big boy has arrived, and I managed to get out and hit half a dozen with it at the range last night. First impressions are that the Peacoat finish is out of this world, it completely pops in person and the matte finish is perfect to my eye. I’ve got a real preference for the matte finish right from my days of playing several of the Ping G series and this just looks unreal. Easily the best looking driver around at the moment in my humble.
One thing I didn’t get on with the Xtreme last time around was that it sat very open to my eye at address, so I was always fighting the rights – or at least the expectation that it was going right. but as you can see from the 1st picture it sits completely square and right there the confidence skyrocketed. It also looks ENORMOUS down by the ball, again inspiring so much confidence.
First few swings were a bit off, but once this was on the screws it just goes and goes. Hit a couple off the toe that had no right whatsoever to stay down the middle and they would definitely still be in play had I been on the course. Of course there were a couple of snap hooks and big high rights but that was completely user error and about where my game is at the moment.
Sound and feel is difficult to describe – just….solid. Absolutely solid, kind of a muted crack that tells you the contact was where it needed to be. Playing it in 10.5 with a stiff Hzrdus RDX and felt very smooth indeed. I’m going to have to remember that I don’t need to try and really go after it, a steady swing and this club will do all the work for me. Flight was very high as expected, so may have to play with the loft a little bit early signs are good. Very good indeed….
I have this exact setup coming from the contest I won on IG. I already plan to turn down the loft to 9* and put it in a Draw setting as my gamer (EPIC Max LS) is set to 8* and in the Draw setting. Big thing I am curious to see is how the shaft is. I was in a stiff shaft until this year (last shaft in my EPIC Flash was EvenFlow Green 60g 6.0), but had the HZRDUS Black 60g 6.0 in my TM M1 and it definitely felt stiffer than the Evenflow. I currently have the MMT 60X, so curious how it reacts with the shaft as I have never tried the HZRDUS RDX Blue. I tried a HZRDUS shaft I believe at my fitting this year and it was the same experience from past (feels a little stiffer than some shafts), so interested to see if that is the case with the RDX Blue since I am in an X flex now and the RDX is in stiff. I would have gotten a X flex shaft but didn’t have a choice with the contest.
It is certainly a hugely confidence inspiring setup. One of the first things I noticed was just how light the driver felt in hand. I’m not sure if it was just me, but it felt like a really nice balance in hand. It was a new shaft to me as well, I was in the Hzrdus Yellow last year and results were mixed. Looking forward to see how it all works out for you with it.
I have hit the RadSpeed XB on the range (just a couple of balls). I hit @e1iterate ‘s when we did our Alumni Golf Tourney and it felt great, but his had a different shaft at the time. I believe he had the Ventus Blue 60X when I hit it. Interested to put it up against my driver. Going to take a lot to beat out the EPIC Max LS.
That’s what I like about a counterbalanced shaft, nice and light in hand.
High….Bombs!
Feel and sound were both superb, and the confidence it inspires on the tee is unreal. With a bit of work on my part, I am going to love this club dearly.
The smoke blue. The black they had and I didn’t consistently have enough spin and launch with that one.
Isn’t the Smoke Blue low spin as well? I think it’s low spin/mid launch.
You are spot on. I’m just wondering if the touch of launch changes the profile enough compared to the black.
I’ll probably just wait till I get out to the MC to hit a teammates on the range if they’ll let me, but it is fun to ponder and tinker.
Good to know as I’ve been fit into the Tensei blue before. Thanks!
My Radspeed XB that I have on the way has the Smoke RDX Blue. I’m interested to try it out. Its a stiff and my current shaft in my Max LS is a X flex. Curious to see the difference in the 2.
What do you like about it? What flex and does it feel stiffer than expected? I just got my shipping notification that my XB with RDX Blue is on the way.
I will chime in as I’ve been playing the XB with the RDX Smoke Blue stiff for the last 15 rounds. For me, the RDX Blue is a mid-launch, fairly low spin shaft that plays a bit soft but not in a bad way. I’ve mostly been in an Aldila Rogue stiff 70 110 MSI or 130 MSO shaft the last 4 years, and the RDX definitely launches higher and plays softer. I’ve got mine dialed down to 7.5* and still hit it high, but I like the RDX Blue as it has a bit of extra kick that helps me get a few extra yards. I don’t think it’s as straight on my normal high, right miss as the Rogue, but it’s straight enough that I haven’t been anxious to try anything else. FWIW, my swing speed is in that 102-105 range with a medium-fast tempo. I also have recently purchased Ping 425 LST and 425 Max drivers and the Cobra is in my bag because it’s just "easier" and it’s likely mostly due to the shaft.
Thanks for the insight. I am currently gaming the EPIC Max LS 9* turned down to 8*, weight in the heel w/ MMT 60x. Swing speed is 108-110. The XB that I won is a 10.5 as I didn’t have a choice, so I will be turning it down to 9* for sure and putting it in the draw selection. I have played stiff shafts in all my clubs until this year and moved into X flex in my driver and fwy woods, some of which to bring down spin. My irons are still stiff flex, although I feel like I could have went X flex and been ok.
I am not a shaftologist so I will just tell you that the club is easy to swing with the RDX Blue smoke. I have seen the comparison video between the Black and Blue from True Temper and the Blue has a softer mid section (just like me) and is counterbalanced. I have had no issues going after a shot or just playing a normal fairway finder swing. When I looked at spin it was always around 2500 and the height is normal for me. I can see it medium to high trajectory. I came from the Evenflow black in a Mavrik and really didn’t see much of a difference.
Thanks. I think if I remember correctly the MMT is also counterbalanced, but I may be wrong, but it’s a flex stiffer than the PX. But to say that, not all shafts are created equal. One company that says stiff may play like an X and vice versa.
Which model. When I hit the XB back in April at the range, I took a few swings with it and it was easy to hit for sure. It had a different shaft than the one I have coming, but we will see what happens. I know @e1iterate hits his a country mile, lol.
XB with the Riptide CB shaft.
It is such a weapon and safety blanket all rolled up into one package.
It definitely is. It was on hole 17 that I had a topped hook OB because the nerves finally caught up with me. My buddy said he was surprised I pulled driver, but I told him that of all my clubs I felt the most comfortable with the XB because it had just been arrow straight all day. It’s such an odd feeling to be that comfortable with a club that cause the most destruction.
After one range sesh with both , same graphite design shaft the Xtreme is slightly harder to turn over. Which is good for me as my miss is the low snap hook. I’ve read where people think the XB is a slightly smaller looking head than the Xtreme. In my measurements they are both 4 1/4” from top line to the rear edge on top. Also the sound to my ear are both very similar.
the biggest difference I see is head weight. The Xtreme is 5g-6g heavier with stock weights. I’ve measured 4 heads now and the Xtreme has always measured 199-200g and The XB 194-195.
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can’t wait to hear what you experience on course.
It’s definitely up there with the ZL Encore for sure.
I’m gonna guess based on my range session that there won’t be much in them and will come down to strike. The one thing I’m curious about is how the XB will handle shots I tend to push. with the Xtreme if I get too inside out I hit a push that usually doesn’t draw back. With the Mavrik I played before, it would usually try and come back a bit.
With the Xtreme I always play it +1/D. With the XB +1.0 was the better setting for me.
My cap has dropped 2 points since introduction of new clubs, which I attribute to driving accuracy. I’m not the longest of hitters so I can’t say this is a bomber, but for me and playing desert golf, I always look for a driver with low spin and long roll out. The XB delivers both when paired with the Matore F1 shaft.
The XB just has a nice combo of forgiveness and distance. It also seems to be a very neutral setup as well. Mid launch, mid spin, not biased in either direction. It outputs about as much as I could imagine getting from the swings I input with it.
Same here, I don’t have your distance but this has been a fairway finder for me if I can get my swing back.
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I would call that pretty solid accuracy there. For me, while I love to hit fairways on most of the courses I play, the rough is not all that penal, so its more about picking a spot and hitting it close to where you wanted it to go. I had one of my best scoring rounds ever recently and only hit a few fairways but the ball after my drives was never really out of shape. The key for me is to not hit OB and not have to punch out or under trees.
Still trying to decide if I need to get a different shaft for it to truly go head to head. My Max LS has the MCA MMT 60x, which is low spin/mid launch and the RadSpeed XB has the PX RDX Smoke Blue 60 6.0, which is also a low spin/mid launch profile, but the flex is different. In my past experience with PX Smoke shafts, they feel a little stiffer than the flex listed on the shaft, but not sure yet as I haven’t gotten the RadSpeed to the course. I will find out Friday and see how she does. The other thing I’m wondering about to give this a true head to head is the lofts. I have my Max LS 9* set to -1/D, with the weight all the way in the heel. I moved the RadSpeed XB 10.5 to the -1.5/D setting, so we will see. Here are some photos side by side for comparison. On initial look, the RadSpeed XB head looks more elongated, even though they are both 460 cc and it also has a shorter face from sole to crown. Shape of the driver and face are very similar though. I love my Max LS, but I really like the look of the RadSpeed XB overall and looking down at it as I stand over it. I will say, the RadSpeed XB has some huge shoes to fill. I’m wondering if I can find another MMT 60x shaft and put a Cobra adapter on it or even a Rogue White 60x (one other shaft I was fit into at my fitting when I purchased the Max LS), how much a difference it would make in the driver itself.
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The Blue is the same profile as the old Yellow. It’s got some flex in the middle of the shaft. It’s a controlled flex, but it is not the rebar feel of the Smoke Black.
The Smoke Black is the shaft I had in my Taylormade M1. I haven’t played the Yellow. My MMT has flex in the middle and controlled as well, but like I said the MMT is X-Flex and the RDX is Stiff, so not sure how they will compare. Not all shafts are created equal and some may say S, but feel stiffer or say X and feel softer if that makes sense. I know my MMT doesn’t feel overly stiff even though it’s an X.
I would say the biggest thing you might notice is the slight counterbalancing. Just makes it a little easier to turn over.