Cobra King LTDX Drivers £399
GM verdict
Cobra has become a genuine player in the driver category, and for 2022 it has launched three new models – the King LTDX, the LTDX LS and the LTDX Max – all looking to improve on the impressive Radspeed from 2021.
This year’s LTDX driver features a very similar-looking matte black carbon crown and possibly appears a fraction bigger down behind the ball than what we saw in 2021. Conversely, the LS version looks a little more compact, which will suit the eye of the better player.
In 9.5° and the Mitsubishi Tensei 65s shaft, we saw an increase in ball speed from the new driver, but it is worth saying that our clubhead speed was also up by 2mph. The LTDX driver was the longest for us overall and around three yards longer than Radspeed through the air.
The LTDX LS driver knocked off about 250rpm of spin and also launched a lot lower, which hindered carry distance but is something that could be rectified during a fitting. Finally, the LTDX Max gave us the most amount of spin and also control, while still offering comparable ball speed for the player who wants distance with forgiveness.
On the course, the performance of the LTDX really stood out, in particular the forgiveness. Our Arccos data from the round showed the difference between our best and worst strikes was just 18 yards. The ball flight was fairly high but strong – it wasn’t climbing or ballooning into the wind – which gave us control.
The LTDX builds steadily on what we have seen from Cobra in recent years. Is it drastically better than the Radspeed? Maybe not, but we do think it has at least been nudged in the right direction. The Cobra LTDX driver will have the widest appeal of the three models, but they all have their place in fitting different player types looking for distance and playability without breaking the bank.