This is Golfer Geeks’ Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver Review.
Summary: The Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver is right there with the Qi10 Max as the most forgiving driver of 2024. It helps with launch, trajectory and does it’s best to straighten out errant shots. Plus, it’s the lowest price premium driver of the year.
In this review of the Cobra Darkspeed Max driver, I discuss my experience with the club, its unique features and benefits, customer reviews, and potential alternatives.
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Club Testers
Jamie
Average score: 85.9
Handicap: 8.3
Reviewing Clubs Since: 2015
Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
Typical ball flight: Baby draw
Golf ball: 2024 Chrome Tour X
Swing speed for this test: NA
Wes
Average score: 73.2
Handicap: +1
Years of Experience/ Expertise: Clubfitter, Elite driver
Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
Typical ball flight: Fade
Golf ball: ProV1x left dash
Swing speed for this test: 116 (for this testing)
Launch Monitor Data (Wes’s)
Darkspeed MaxLaunch Monitor #s
Club Speed117mph
Ball Speed167mph
Carry Distance277yds
Total Distance299yds
Vertical Launch10°
Peak Height102ft
Driver Specs
Loft setting: 10.5
Shaft type: Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 60g
Shaft flex: Stiff flex
How We Tested
2-4 rounds mixed in with other drivers I was testing at the time, including the Darkspeed X. One session on launch monitor on the course w/ premium golf balls with Wes.
Performance & Review
Category
Grade
Bag Appeal
B
Distance
A
Sound & Feel
A+
Launch & Flight
A
Forgiveness
A
Value
A
Looks: (A) Premium look but understated. Black carbon weave on the crown and sole with red accents. Not much in the way of alignment help.
Sound & Feel: (A) Among the best in golf, consistent with Cobra drivers of the past few years.
Distance: (A) Plenty. Not the longest we tested, but not off by much.
Forgiveness: (A) Plenty. Ample sweet spot helps you retain distance and direction on small mishits.
Flight / Playability: (A) This one’s meant to go high and straight. You can still shape to a degree. You may want to avoid if you’re a high-ball hitter.
Value: (A) ~$549 – Most inexpensive of the premium drivers.
Overview & Why Consider It
The Darkspeed Max is a fairway finder and a solid choice if more playable drives is what you’re after. (This applies to most of us)
This doesn’t just apply to high and mid handicaps either. I’m a low handicap but not because of my driving. I’m streaky at best.
I don’t like stress off the tee and I don’t like having to work to hit a driver. All I want is a good shot into the green.
That said, I hit the Darkspeed X better than the Max. One small weight adjustment instantly improved contact, distance, ball flight, and accuracy.
Thus, I always suggest testing before you buy whenever possible.
Who is the Darkspeed Max for?
Low handicaps: (No, probably) Depends on your competence with driver. Mid handicaps: (Yes) Definitely one to test. High handicaps: (Yes) Made for you. Will help you get the ball in the air and work to keep you straight.
Potential Alternatives
The TaylorMade Qi10 Max is the Darkspeed Max for TaylorMade. I found they played similar.
It has an average rating of 4.9/5 out of 27 reviews at cobragolf.com.(1)
Final Verdict
The Darkspeed Max is neck and neck with the Qi10 Max for most forgiving driver of 2024.
Superb sound and feel.
High launch and trajectory.
Ample distance.
Works to keep you in play.
My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on it before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our Cobra Darkspeed Max driver review.
Written ByJamie
