The Green Fee Its new driver season. Over the weekend the new Callaway Epic leaked and today the new Cobra driver hit the Conforming list. What do we know and what can we tell from the pictures?
3 Models
Cobra usually releases 2 models but according to the list we are getting 3 this year. Cobra is going to be releasing the Standard, XB and, XD models. With 3 models things can get confusing so lets talk about the differences between the 3 models
Standard– The standard RAD Speed driver appears to be the one that is for the “Better” player. The ability to move the heavier weight closer to the face allows the player to have lower launch and spin. I would also think Bryson DeChambeau will be playing this one considering it is approved in a 5.5 degree. Could we see this at Augusta this week? He has been talking about a 48 in. driver for the Masters.
XB– This looks to be the higher launch and higher spin driver. It also looks to be the most forgiving. The Radial weights (we will touch on those later) close to the face are lower weight so that allows Cobra to move that weight backwards to provide maximum MOI
XD– Its the Draw version. Expect this one to launch high and spin a lot. I have no problem with these clubs granted they are fit to the correct player. Cobra took the XB model and threw a 10 gram weight in the heel. That moves the COG towards the heel and helps shut that club face. Another indicator this is the club for people with slower swing speeds is the fact it was approved in only 10.5 and 12 degree lofts.
Radial Weights
Radial weights are clearly going to be the tech story coming from Cobra this year. They appear to be weights the help bring the COG forward to help reduce spin an dlaunch. The reports I kept hearing on the SpeedZone were the tour guys were getting too much spin from the driver. Moving the weight forward a little will knock a few precious RPMs off the spin and a degree off of launch. In a world where every yard matters it wouldnt surprise me if this was the case!
Infinity Face Continues
One of the biggest technologies Cobra has been promoting over the last year was their Infinity Face. What was the Infinity Face? Cobra milled the face all the way above the crown. It wrapped the face around the crown of the club. It provided more consistency and allowed Cobra to take those precious few grams and move it else where. The USGA approval shows the club has an infinity logo on the face so I would assume this will be moving forward.