Cobra Darkspeed X Driver vs Darkspeed Max

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

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 Darkspeed Max 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₎

Cobra Darkspeed Max

Launch Monitor Data (Wes’s)

Club	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Carry Distance	Total Distance	Peak Height
Darkspeed Max	117	167	277	299	102 ft

The Darkspeed Max is designed for high spin, high launch, max forgiveness, and max distance.

Basically, its job is to go high and straight. I found it did that through my time on the range and my rounds with it.

I love it for beginners and high handicappers.

Customer Reviews

An average rating of 4.9/5 with 29 reviews so far. ₍₁₎

Testing & Playing Darkspeed X and Darkspeed Max

Both drivers went straight to the range and were put to the test by Wes, a +2 handicap and the best driver of the golf ball I’ve ever seen in person.

He hit multiple shots with premium golf balls on my launch monitor and got great numbers for us.

Though I did take the Darkspeed X and Max to the range, I’m not consistent enough to produce sound data from a launch monitor.

I played multiple rounds – three or so – with each driver to see which one was more playable and reliable for me.

While the Max covered for all but my worst swings, I didn’t get consistent distance out of it.

I sometimes create a lot of spin with my impact position, and this doesn’t jive well with the Darkspeed Max, which is designed to create high spin.

The X was a dream for me on the course. I really clicked with it once I adjusted the sole weights. I hit a ton of drives on the screws that went high, long, and straight. Plus, I got to experience the superb sound and feel from the Darkspeed X.

Are there big differences between Darkspeed X & Darkspeed Max Drivers?

Maybe…

I found the Darkspeed Max much more playable out of the box. No adjusting sole weights or adjusting the lie or loft with the adjustable sleeve.

But…

Once I switched the sole weights in the Darkspeed X, another world of flight, distance, and consistency opened up to me.

This could be – probably is – unique to me. But that put the Darkspeed X is in the top two drivers of the year for me and my game.

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

Looks – Draw

A wash for me. I like the clean minimalist look. They have the same black carbon weave on the sole and crown. The X has blue accents, and the Max has red accents. Alignment markings are too understated and are barely helpful.

Sound/Feel – Draw

Cobra drivers have been among the best in feel and sound for years.

Playability/Ball Flight/Accuracy – Darkspeed X

The Max wants to go high and straight, but I got a few more spinny drives than I like with it.

The X was unhittable for me out of the box. But it quickly became my favorite once I switched the sole weights.

Forgiveness – Darkspeed Max

I think this probably has to go to the Darkspeed Max. Though, I got consistently better results from the Darkspeed X.

Distance – Darkspeed Max

Have to go with Wes’s results here. He’s the closed to Iron Byron we have and the Max was longer for him. I got better results from the X.

Value – Draw

Darkspeed X – ~$549/club
Darkspeed Max – ~$549/club

Final Verdict

Which driver should you choose?

That depends on what do you need for your driving game.

• Max Forgiveness and loads of distance? Go with the Darkspeed Max.
• Best combination of distance, forgiveness, and workability? Go with the Darkspeed X.

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 Darkspeed Max driver.