Pros and Cons of Cobra King Ltd Driver
It is a little-known fact that prior to Tiger Woods’ signing with Nike and becoming their premier Staff Tour Pro, he used a Cobra driver. Greg Norman was not only their poster boy at the time, he was also part owner of Cobra. The King Ltd driver restores a familiar name to the Cobra line.
For the first time since 2009, the King has returned. Cobra claims that the King Ltd is the longest and straightest driver they have ever made. The positioning of the CG (Center of Gravity) in the clubhead of the Cobra King Ltd is the key to their achieving a higher launch angle and lower ball spin.
In actuality, Cobra has done what no club manufacturer has done before. They have maneuvered the CG to a point that it is below the “Neutral Axis Line”. This line runs from the center of the sweet spot to the lowest point on the back of the club. All driver designs have attempted to get the CG on their club below this imaginary line. Some have claimed to be on this line, but none have actually breached it. Until now, that is.
Cobra is calling this the “Zero Gravity CG Position”. Believe it or not, Cobra has worked with International Space Station engineers to research the best technology and materials to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
Amazon: Check Price
Distance
Distance is created in two ways. First, is by increasing the ball speed which translates into added distance. Secondly, the launch angle is raised higher while spin imparted on the ball is lessened.
In the King Ltd, the ball speed is enhanced by; the positioning of the CG (Center of Gravity), the use of a Forged 8-1-1 Titanium E9 face to manipulate the VFT (Variable Face Thickness) to get the right face thicknesses throughout the club face; a carbon fiber crown that is 20% lighter and a speed channel that acts as a trampoline to launch the ball more powerfully. The launch angle and ball spin are controlled entirely by the CG position and the loft of the club.
Official Video:
Forgiveness
As far as forgiveness is concerned, the VFT and the face shape are the contributing factors to correcting off-center hits. When tested on a launch monitor, some improvement on miss hits were evident over last year’s Cobra driver.
Adjustability
Cobra’s “MyFly Hosel” is in command of the loft of this driver. There are five loft positions from 9 through 12 degrees and three draw settings as well. The “Spaceport”, although able to be taken off, is nothing more than a portal to view the inside of the club head. It has nothing to do with the performance of the driver. It does look cool though.
Custom fitting options and Dimensions
It is very important to have this driver fitted to your specific requirements. The Cobra King Ltd needs to have the loft and face bias set to what is best for you. Unless of course, you want to go through the process on the range without the aid of a certified fitter. They will also determine the proper length and flex that is best for you.
King Ltd Pro
If the King Ltd is not to your liking, the King Ltd Pro is an option. Although it is still 460cc in size, it is a different shape, more appealing to the player who wants to work the ball a bit. In addition, there are many more loft settings available.
Specifications
- Right hand/Left Hand 460cc head
- Lofts available: 9, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 and 12 (more on the Pro model)
- Stock shaft: Aldila Rogue Black flexes are regular, stiff and X-stiff
Acoustics
Cobra has a rather unique sound when struck well. Off-center hits though sound a bit muffled. That feedback in and of itself can be useful.
Optics
The Cobra King Ltd has a shiny black crown and face. For some reason, this tends to appeal to the better ball striker. The crown logo is a visible alignment aid that is not overbearing. Apart from the Star Trek Spaceport, this driver is a traditional looking club.
Accessories
The wrench supplied is used for the MyFly hosel adjustment only.
Pros
The King Ltd takes distance up a notch. The feel is solid and it looks good at address. The whole Zero CG and Spaceport features give it an otherworldly presentation. It has a nice weight, easy to swing and instills confidence when swung properly.
Cons
Some consider it too light when trying to work the ball. Others think the Spaceport is more of a gimmick. It is not available in ladies.
Consumer ratings
Ricky Fowler has started using this driver with great success. He claims it is the best driver he has ever hit.
Is This Club for You?
The performance characteristics of the King Ltd make it a club that would work for nearly all levels of golfers.
When you peel away all the hype of Zero CG and Spaceport, what you have is Cobra’s best performing driver to date. There is nothing really wrong with it. The thing that I am concerned with is that you can buy the Cobra Fly-Z for a lot less money and still get most of the same things that the King Ltd will give you. Click here to see our review of the Cobra Fly-Z
Amazon: Check Price