Cobra Darkspeed drivers: Everything you need to know

Realizing not everyone has the time to consume endless content on club-launch day, we’re trying something different and offering a fresh version of our detailed tech write-ups that hit the high points. Here’s everything you need to know about Cobra’s Darkspeed driver series, which will be available starting Jan. 19.

Faster means more distance

It’s just simple physics — if you can hit a golf ball with a faster-moving golf club, you’re going to generate more ball speed and that means more distance. The engineers at Cobra know this well and have been designing advanced aerodynamics into their drivers for generations, and with the new Darkspeed line things are getting faster yet.

“The aerodynamic package in the new Darkspeed family of drivers is our most advanced to date,” said Mike Yagley, the VP of innovation at Cobra Golf. “We continue to push aerodynamic shaping, mass properties and resilience to drive technology and innovation, providing golfers the most advanced and high-performance clubs possible.”

What’s inside

All three of the new Darkspeed drivers (X, LS and MAX) feature more aerodynamic shaping, a re-engineered PWR-Bridge structure behind the face (to help transfer energy and position mass) as well as a 13-percent larger PWRSHELL H.O.T. Face insert, which has been re-engineered with the help of A.I.

The drivers also feature a multi-material construction with lightweight carbon sole and crown plates to go along with the reinforced titanium body. The carbon fiber plates are 30 percent lighter than the titanium they replace and allow more discretionary weight to be positioned around the head for increased MOI.

All of these technologies have been optimized for each of the models to deliver the maximum benefit to the target golfer, and each driver comes with Cobra’s MyFly adjustable hosel.

Greater fitting options

As mentioned, Cobra’s Darkspeed line features three unique driver models to help golfers find the right fit.

The Darkspeed LS offers the most compact profile and is aimed at golfers at the highest end of the swing-speed spectrum who need low spin off the tee and demand workability. With its compact shaping, the LS is the most aerodynamic and fastest driver Cobra has ever made (with one tiny exception, which we’ll touch on in a moment).

The Darkspeed X model is designed to fit the largest group of golfers and offers an ideal combination of speed and forgiveness while still being equipped with a front-to-back adjustable center of gravity.

The Darkspeed Max is engineered to help golfers who need a little more forgiveness and draw bias and offers the highest MOI in the Darkspeed driver lineup.

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Only for the fastest

The Darkspeed LS is the most aerodynamically shaped of the three, but for those at the absolute highest end of the clubhead-speed spectrum, the 8-degree LS head offers an even more compact and aggressively shaped profile based on an evolution of the long-drive prototype heads used by three-time World Long-Drive champion Kyle Berkshire.

The 8-degree LS model is also the most fade-biased head in the entire lineup, which should be music to the ears of golfers who like to hit a power fade off the tee.

Price and availability

All three models of the new Cobra Darkspeed driver line are priced at $549 and are available for presale starting today. They hit online stores and retail Jan. 19.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Golf.com Editor

Ryan Barath is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s senior editor for equipment. He has an extensive club-fitting and -building background with more than 20 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. Before joining the staff, he was the lead content strategist for Tour Experience Golf, in Toronto, Canada.