"The Cobra looked to me like something out of a science-fiction movie with the oversized black head and clubface."

PLAYER: MARK PENFOLD

HANDICAP: 4

Adjustable Flight Technology allows golfers to set the face to open, closed or neutral.

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Cobra S2 Driver with Fujikura Fit-On Max stiff flex shaft and 9.5º loft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The S2 looked like something out of the future. The all-black head had a great look to it – big, but a classic shape, no funky bits, with a simple alignment on the crown. At address, it inspired feelings of better things to come.

VERDICT: For a head of this size, I was expecting that tinny sound that you get from the thin face. But the feel of this driver is something different – similar, if I could say, to an old persimmon head somehow. Off the face, the ball comes off soft, with minimal vibration and a solid sound. The feel on off-centre hits is altogether not too bad as well.

During the test, my playing partner asked to have a go. His drive went 20 metres further than what he was hitting, and he was shaking his head at the results.

I like that so many drivers now have adjustability – if you buy a driver without it, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. The screw mechanism was very simple. However, I did find the neutral setting worked best for me. The shaft also seemed very well matched. All-round, this was a great driver.

PLAYER: Matt O'Donnell

HANDICAP: 18

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: Cobra S2 Driver with Fujikura Fit-On Max regular flex shaft and 10.5º loft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: My current driver wouldn’t look out of place in an antique shop, the Cobra looked to me like something out of a science-fiction movie with the oversized black head and clubface. Placing it behind the ball, I felt I simply couldn’t miss with that much club.

VERDICT: I had one of those moments when the first shot is ideal. The very first drive of the road test with the S2 went high and straight, right in the middle.

With my swing, it couldn’t last. But even on mis-hits the ball still travelled a good distance and fairly straight. With the black clubface, I was able to see I was hitting them all over the area – toe, heel and various other spots. But the results were pretty good, and when I did manage to hit the centre of the face, the trajectory was high. The sound and feel were sensational.

Even though I found the head a bit large to my eye, it certainly felt easy to swing. It’s exactly what I’m looking for in a driver – one that turns my average swings into above-average results.

FACTS & FIGURES

SUITABILITY: All levels of player. Offset version, which does not have the adjustable shaft, is also available.

SHAFTS: Fujikura Fit-On Max 65g is standard.

LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5

LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: Yes, in 9.5º and 10.5º.

HOW MUCH?: $419. Offset model is $389.

COBRA SAYS:

“The new S2 driver is the first all-titanium Cobra driver to feature Adjustable Flight Technology. Three face angle settings (open, neutral and closed) allow golfer to find the one setting that optimises ball flight for increased distance, improved accuracy and forgiveness.

“Cobra’s Hotter 9 Points Technology incorporates an advanced Milled Rhombus Face Insert combined with a thin titanium perimeter area, which promotes faster ball speed and more consistent flight across the entire clubface.

“The optimised head shape with internal rib geometry provides a traditional address view with superior sound and feel. The premium Fujikura shat promotes ideal launch and spin characteristics for maximum distance.”

Contact Acushnet Golf on 1800 660 535 or www.cobragolf.com

Tom Preece, VP of Research and Development at Cobra Golf, and Doug Roberts, Principal Designer, talk about the technologies in the new Cobra S2 driver.