Pitchmarks Verdict
The Cobra DARKSPEED X Driver is a quality all-rounder. Sleek blacked-out looks and a desirable blend of speed and forgiveness. Featuring adjustable weights for launch and spin customization, it caters to a wide range of golfers with its appealing head shape and strong performance.
Reasons to buy
Gorgeous blacked-out appearance
Highly appealing head shape
Good forgiveness on mishits
Solid ball speed
Reasons to avoid
No heel or toe weight adjustability
Cobra’s latest driver lineup for 2024 is all about speed — or rather DARKSPEED. In their words: “groundbreaking aerodynamic shaping, precision PWR-BRIDGE weighting, and a refined H.O.T. Face design” combine to deliver the fastest driver they’ve built.
There are three models in the Cobra DARKSPEED driver lineup:
| Model | Launch | Spin | Shape | Forgiveness |
| DARKSPEED LS | Low | Low | Neutral-Fade | Medium |
| DARKSPEED X | Mid | Low | Neutral | High |
| DARKSPEED MAX | High | Mid | Neutral-Draw | Extreme |
The LS model is for better players who seek maximum speed. On the other end, the MAX version has the highest MOI head shape for more forgiveness and accuracy.
Sitting in the middle of the DARKSPEED lineup, the X model is designed to be an all-rounder, offering a combination of speed and forgiveness to suit lots of golfers.
Blacked-Out Looks
DARKSPEED X gets the blacked-out treatment, and it looks incredible.
On the underside of the driver, the monochromatic palette draws your attention to the unique sole geometry which includes two interchangeable weight ports. Contrasting matte and gloss black elements give the driver’s head a stealthy look, while subtle blue accents differentiate the X from the other models in the DARKSPEED lineup.
The crown of the driver is finished in matte black, absorbing light and eliminating glare at address. Upon closer inspection, you can see a faint graphite weave in the material.
Blending Speed & Forgiveness
Think of the DARKSPEED X driver as an all-rounder. Its aerodynamic head shape helps maximize speed, while the larger profile also offers plenty of forgiveness.
I think the head shape strikes a very good balance. It’s not too compact, yet offers plenty of material to give you confidence when standing over the ball. For this reason, the X model will likely be the best-selling driver in the DARKSPEED lineup.
Fine-Tuned Launch
Every model in the DARKSPEED driver lineup features adjustable weighting. With the X model, this comes in the form of back and forward weighting.
The DARKSPEED X comes with 3g and 12g weights. Both are identical in shape and size, which means they can be swapped over to produce different launch conditions.
- Add the heavier 12g weight to the rear for more launch, spin, and forgiveness.
- Add the heavier 12g weight to the front for lower launch and spin.
Essentially, positioning the heavier weight at the back of the head will lower the center of gravity, and increase both launch and spin. If you tend to get too much spin off the tee, you can put the heavier weight forward for a lower ball flight.
The X model comes in 9, 10.5, and 12º lofts, and also features hosel adjustability. This allows you to alter the loft on the face and further play with draw and fade bias.
Performance Testing
Moving onto performance, the DARKSPEED X produced very good numbers for me.
I tested the X, MAX and LS models, outdoors and indoors. Each driver had a 10.5º head, standard hosel setting and stiff flex UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X White shafts. I used Callaway Chrome Soft X golf balls, and the Rapsodo MLM2PRO launch monitor to capture data.
The table below shows the launch monitor data across all three models:
| DARKSPEED Model | MAX (10.5º) | X (10.5º) | LS (10.5º) |
| Club Speed (mph) | 104.3 | 105.2 | 106.2 |
| Ball Speed (mph) | 152.1 | 151.1 | 154.7 |
| Launch (º) | 13.3 | 14.7 | 14.1 |
| Spin (rpm) | 2843 | 2223 | 2118 |
| Height (ft) | 104.0 | 99.3 | 96.1 |
| Carry Distance (yds) | 255.7 | 257.0 | 260.1 |
| Total Distance (yds) | 268.0 | 269.9 | 272.1 |
| Dispersion (yds) | 18.3 | 23.8 | 26.7 |
Club speed averages were high across the board for the DARKSPEED drivers, with the X model sitting in the middle of the pack at around 105mph. While ball speeds were slightly lower than the MAX and LS, the numbers were close and very consistent.
Surpringly, the DARKSPEED X launched the highest out of the three drivers tested. Despite the higher launch, I was pleasantly surprised to see spin rates were relatively low. This was assisted by having the heavier adjustable weight in the forward position.
Carry distances were really strong for the X. It sat comfortably between the MAX and LS model, showing evidence for Cobra’s promises of a blend of speed and forgiveness.
Dispersion numbers also sat right in the middle of the group for the X model. My common miss with drive is to the right, so it was great to see the dispersion numbers sitting quite tight to my target line. Though, the head wasn’t quite as accurate as the MAX.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the DARKSPEED X Driver is an excellent all-rounder.
The X has a gorgeous matte black finish and a confidence-inducing shape. Performance-wise, it offers a hugely reliable blend of speed and forgiveness.
With its broad scope for adjustability, this driver will be suited to a wide range of players. I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it become Cobra’s most popular driver yet.
