Cobra Darkspeed X Driver vs TaylorMade Qi10

Thanks for checking out Golfer Geeks’ comparison of the Cobra Darkspeed X driver vs TaylorMade Qi10 driver.

I’m an avid golfer, 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

In this comparison of the Cobra Darkspeed X and TaylorMade Qi10 drivers, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, and I give my recommendations on who should play which set.

Club Testers

Cobra Darkspeed X

Launch Monitor Data (Wes’s)

Club	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance	Total Distance	Peak Height
Darkspeed X	116	166	274	293	98 ft

The Darkspeed X is a mid-launch low spin driver designed for max speed and high forgiveness.

It has the best combo of forgiveness, distance, adjustability, and playability of the Cobra Drivers.

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)

Customer Reviews

An average rating of 5/5 with 24 reviews so far. ₍₁₎

TaylorMade Qi10

Launch Monitor Data (Wes’s)

Club	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance	Total Distance	Vertical Launch	Peak Height
Qi10	118	169	283.7	304	*10.8	101 ft

The Qi10 is the best all-around driver of the Qi10 series. It’s a mid-low spin, mid launch driver with loads of forgiveness and distance.

TaylorMade recommends it for 0-20 handicaps. That sounds about right to me.

Customer Reviews

An average rating of 4.7/5 with 492 reviews so far. ₍₁₎ 95% if customers would recommend the Qi10 to a friend.

Testing & Playing Darkspeed X and Qi10

The numbers don’t lie…mostly. Wes hit the Qi10 farther than the Darkspeed X.

But…

He had his fitted x-stiff shaft for the TaylorMade drivers in our testing. He had to use my stiff shaft.

I played multiple rounds with both drivers and could put either in play.

• While I hit many long and beautiful drives with the Qi10, I was more inconsistent with it.
• I didn’t hit my longest drives with the Darkspeed X, but I hit it longer and straighter more consistently, which is more important.

I was able to swing freer and better with the Darkspeed X.

Are there big differences between Darkspeed X & Qi10 Drivers?

Yes, for me…on the course.
Not on the launch monitor for Wes.

For whatever reason, the Darkspeed X worked well with my swing or the way I was swinging at the time.

It was the switching of the sole weights in the Darkspeed X that did the trick for me.

Out of the box, I couldn’t hit the thing.

The Qi10 doesn’t have movable sole weights and was playable off the shelf. It’s crazy-long when you catch it and keeps you playable when you don’t.

Category	Darkspeed X	Qi10
Looks	B	B-
Sound/Feel	A+	A
Distance	A	A
Forgiveness	B	A
Flight/Playability	A	B
Value	A	B

Looks – Darkspeed X

Both drivers look premium, meaning they look like they’re made exceptionally well, and nothing looks cheap or “off.” I’m not a fan of the Qi10 graphics.

Sound/Feel – Darkspeed X

The Qi10 feels and sounds solid and isn’t bad by any stretch. The Darkspeed is just better.

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy – Darkspeed X

I hit them both well and I could put either in play. But I drove better with the Darkspeed X. It’s likely more suited to the way I swing, is all. I wasn’t as consistent with the Qi10.

Forgiveness – Qi10…probably

I think the Qi10 is more forgiving for the average golfer. But I was able to dial in the Darkspeed X almost perfectly for my swing.

Distance – Qi10

Caveat on this on. Wes used an x-stiff shaft he was fitted for with the Qi10. We didn’t have that luxury for the Darkspeed X.

Value – Darkspeed X

Darkspeed X – ~$549 new
Qi10 – ~$599 new

Final Verdict

Which driver should you choose?

I think the Qi10 longer and more forgiving and will keep more players more playable more often.
The Darkspeed X has better sound and feel and sole weights to dial in ball flight better, which drastically increased forgiveness for me.

I guess the one major differentiator is the sole weights in the Darkspeed X which gives more adjustability.

My #1 suggestion is to test both 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 my comparison of the Cobra Darkspeed X driver vs TaylorMade Qi10 driver.