The Cobra Darkspeed X driver (4.88/5) delivers superb sound and feel, plenty of distance and forgiveness, and excellent value at ~$299. (Latest models start at $550 and up)
Easiest for me to hit consistently once I configured sole weights correctly (12g rear, 3g forward for most golfers).
Critical Setup Note: The driver ships with weights in low-spin configuration (12g forward).
Most golfers should immediately move the 12g weight to the rear position for better launch, contact, and consistency.
4.88 Overall Score
Score | Category | Score | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
4.6 | Bag Appeal | 5 | Distance |
5 | Sound & Feel | 5 | Ball Flight |
4.7 | Forgiveness | 5 | Wallet Damage |
Best For
Fairly competent drivers, but not out of reach for higher handicaps. Worth a test.
Considerations
Careful of the sole weight configuration. It comes in the low spin settings. Switch the weights unless you’ve got elite speed or have any issues with consistent contact.
Verdict
The Cobra Darkspeed X Driver was the easiest to hit consistently well out of all the drivers I tested this year (and I tested them all).
Feel, sound, distance, and forgiveness are superb.
Adjustable sole weights allowed me to turn unplayable drives into long fairway finders. You need to try this club.
Where To Get Yours
Global Golf
Worldwide Golf
PGA Tour Superstore
This is Golfer Geeks’ Cobra Darkspeed X Driver Review.
I’m an avid golfer, a 7.8 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.
I tested the Darkspeed X, the Darkspeed Max drivers, and a few others simultaneously. The bulk of my testing happened on the golf course.
In this review of the Cobra Darkspeed X driver, I discuss my experience with the club, its unique features and benefits, customer reviews, and potential alternatives.
Club Testers
About Jamie
- Handicap: 7.8
- Expertise: reviewing clubs since 2015
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical ball flight: Mid-High Tight Draw
- Golf ball used: Titleist ProV1x left dash and AVX
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)
How We Tested
Beaucoup time on the course and one range session for me.
One session on launch monitor on the course w/ premium golf balls with Wes.
Launch Monitor Data (Wes’s)
Club | Club Speed | Ball Speed | Carry Distance | Total Distance | Vertical Launch | Peak Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Darkspeed X | 116 | 166 | 274 | 293 | *9.7 | 98 ft |
Driver Specs
- Loft setting: 10.5
- Shaft type: Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 60g
- Shaft flex: Stiff flex
Performance & Review
Category | Grade |
|---|---|
Bag Appeal | 4.6 |
Sound/Feel | 5 |
Distance | 5 |
Forgiveness | 4.7 |
Flight/Playability | 5 |
Wallet Damage | 5 |
Bag Appeal: (4.6) There’s not a ton going on. The crown is black with a carbon weave pattern. There’re minimal blue accents on the sole…and that’s about it. The head shape is classic and it sits beautifully at address.
Sound/ Feel: (5) The best of 2024. Reminds me of the LTDx line from a couple years ago. I LOVE hitting this driver.
Distance: (5) Plenty. I hit it consistently long for all my rounds. Plus, I found it so easy to hit solid (once I switched the sole weights), which leads to better average distance.
Forgiveness: (4.7) Solid and consistent on minor mishits. It kept me playable for all my rounds.
Flight / Playability: (5) High and straight or high with a slight draw. Exactly what I want to see from a driver. The key for me was moving the 12g sole weight to the rear position. This improved everything – contact, ball flight, distance, shot shape.
Wallet Damage: (5) ~$399 – Most inexpensive of the premium drivers.
Overview & Why Consider It
The Darkspeed X is the driver meant to appeal to the widest audience…the average golfer.
It’s a mid-launch low-spin driver meant to maximize speed and forgiveness.
I’m a low handicap that’s hot and cold off the tee. I hit pure trash my first few shots with the Darkspeed X.
One small adjustment – moving the 12g weight to the rear and replacing it with the 3g weight changed everything. I’ve never experienced such a turnaround. (more below)
I think it works best if you’re at least a little competent off the tee. So, not for the true beginner or high handicap. (Test to find out for yourself)
Our Experience with the Darkspeed X Driver
I took the Darkspeed X to the range first. I tested it with the Darkspeed Max and I also included my Stealth 2.
The first few swings were not promising. Contact was horrendous. It felt and sounded terrible. I changed shafts…no improvement. I was on the verge of calling it a bust.
Then, I noticed the weight configuration. The 12g weight was forward – which drops spin and ball flight even lower. The exact wrong configuration for me.
I moved it to the back and moved the 3g weight forward and went to town.
Contact improved instantly.
Ball flight followed.
Along with direction and distance.
That one small adjustment turned this bust into a gamer.
I played at least 2 full rounds and parts of others with the Darkspeed X – switching it out with other drivers to see how they compared.
The Darkspeed X won out every time. I just hit it better.
I can’t say this will be the case for you. But is sure was for me.
That is why, my friends, I always say to test.
You just never know.
Who is the Darkspeed X for?
Low handicaps: (Yep) Can’t see why you wouldn’t like it.
Mid handicaps: (Yep, again) Look at my weight configuration to address any issues you run into.
High handicaps: (Maybe) I found the Darkspeed X easier to hit than the Darkspeed Max (maybe that’s just me). Test, test, test.
Potential Alternatives
The Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is my other favorite driver of 2024.
The
Want a touch more forgiveness? Check out the Darkspeed Max. It plays similarly to the X, but was less consistent for me.
See other beginner drivers.
See other mid handicapper-friendly alternatives.
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Surprisingly Forgiving
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Editor's Pick
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Best Value
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Primary Rating:
4.9
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Primary Rating:
4.8
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Primary Rating:
4.8
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~$499 new
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~$499 new
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~$399 new
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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Cons:
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- Solid sound & feel
- Surprisingly forgiving
- Easy to launch high
- Good distance
- Not in love with the cosmetics
- Long & Forgiving
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Premium Looks
- Not a significant upgrade over the Stealth 2
- Great sound & feel
- Loads of distance & forgiveness
- Best price in premium driver market
- Would like more contrasting colors for easier alignment
Customer Reviews
It has an average rating of 5/5 out of 24 reviews at cobragolf.com.(1)
Final Verdict
The Darkspeed X is 1 or 1a for me this year. For whatever reason, I hit it extremely well.
- Beautiful sound and feel.
- Accurate and forgiving.
- Ample distance.
- Love the adjustable sole weights. Took this driver from unplayable to my favorite of the year.
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 X driver review.
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Long & Forgiving
- Looks great at address
- Plain cosmetics
Thanks for the suggestion of moving the two weights on the Darkspeed. I have played a couple of rounds with them unadjusted and was not pleased. Hoping this will change my feeling toward it.
You’re welcome, Hal. Made all the difference in the world for me.
I’ve booked into get fitted for the darkspeed x driver on the 17th March, I’ll remember to move the weights
Drop a comment and let us know how it goes, Jim.
I’m also an 8 handicap and I picked up a slightly used Darkspeed X 3 wood (16.5) with a UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X Blue shaft. I liked this club so much I just ordered a Darkspeed X driver with the same shaft for a great price. Hopefully I similar results as you.
It’s a killer driver, Mark. Remember to reverse the weights if you have any issues.