golf gear
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In our monthly check-in with a manufacturer, we asked Cobra about the drivers they have on the South African market
The age-old expression is that golfers ‘drive for show but putt for dough’, and this rings true at every level of the game. However, the counterargument is true in that you can’t get to the green without first getting off the tee.
For this reason, the driver is the most important club in the bag for professionals. The big dog must eat, they say. For amateur golfers, though, it’s even more important because most don’t have the same ability to generate drives between 250m and 300m on a regular basis – something professionals do as if on autopilot.
Having a properly fitted driver plays a significant role in consistent contact, which in turn can lead to more opportunities from the fairway.
Legendary golf instructor, Harvey Penick, wrote in his famous Little Red Book that Ben Hogan declared that the three most vital clubs were the ‘driver, putter and wedge, in that order’.
With that in mind, let’s see what Cobra has in store for us.
DS-ADAPT MAX-K
What Cobra says: ‘The DS-Adapt Max-K driver is designed to be our most forgiving driver head. Achieving a combined 10 000 MOI (Moment Of Inertia), it maximises stability on off-centre strikes for straighter ball flights and effortless launch and distance.’
Random review: ‘This is a really good new entry in the high-MOI category of drivers and will do well due to its sheer playability and user-friendly characteristics. Some slight refinements to the shaping of the head and a marginally lower spin profile may give this driver broader appeal, but overall it is an excellent performer.’ – golfmonthly.com
DS-ADAPT Max-D
What Cobra says: ‘This driver delivers maximum draw bias for the ultimate slice correction. Its low-mid spin design and unrivalled stability give you the confidence to maximise your distance and eliminate your miss.’
Who benefits most? Engineered for golfers who want to correct a slice while maintaining speed and forgiveness.
Random review: ‘There are two ways you can look at this model. There’s how it was designed, for golfers who need help closing the face or strike more from the heel of the club. The other way is, if you’re struggling for more height and can resist the clubhead turning over, you can achieve an impressive amount of spin and height from the Max D.’ – todays-golfer.com
DS-ADAPT LS
What Cobra says: ‘This driver features a compact 445cc Tour-inspired shape and forward-positioned centre of gravity. It’s for better players who demand maximum ball speed, low spin and lower trajectory with complete workability and control.’
Who benefits most? It would suit the golfer who is looking for the fastest speed possible in a driver, and is confident they are able to find the middle of the clubface most of the time.
DS-ADAPT X
What Cobra says: ‘This driver is designed for golfers seeking fast speeds and lower spin, paired with medium launch and added forgiveness.’
Random review: ‘This is a solid choice for average golfers. It has great sound and feel, as expected from Cobra drivers. It is long, forgiving and playable. There is tons of adjustability with the new hosel and sole weights.’ – golfergeeks.com
for the ladies
THREE TYPES OF DRIVERS
Low spin: These drivers are designed to reduce spin and are typically best suited for golfers with faster swing speeds. They are generally less forgiving than other models.
Maximum forgiveness: The most forgiving drivers go all out to offer maximum stability and forgiveness. Don’t be fooled into thinking these are only for high-handicappers, though – plenty of highly skilled golfers benefit from a maximum forgiveness driver. Draw-biased drivers also use these.
Core/standard: These models are designed to offer a good blend of everything.
CUSTOM FIT!
It is always recommended that you get a proper custom fitting before deciding on a new driver. It’s the only way to ensure your new driver is optimised to your swing and, without a fitting, you could be leaving serious distance gains on the table.
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