Cobra f9 driver review

[Morry]

F9 beating TS2/3 isn't a huge stretch

Cobra has been making top performing drivers for some time here...this is Titleist's first competitive driver in forever

F9 looks to be a material improvement over F8 - that is the biggest news

Should be the Under-the-radar standout winner of 2019

[QuigleyDU]

F9 has just slayed TS2 and TS3 in a UK magazine test....and the Titleist drivers were upgraded to Graphite Design shafts....meaning a £350 club out performed a £620 club in all departments. F9 now moving to top of 2019 driver demo list.

Are the results available on line?

Don't think so but I picked up the mag to see what the article says. 'Numbers' are below:

 

in my personal test. the F9 and ts3 were very equally matched with the same shaft. the hazrdus smoke 6.5 65 gram. i think that all drivers pretty much all top shelf drivers put out the same numbers. it comes down to personal preferences in look and feel to decide which to buy. That being said, i did feel the f8/f8+ were a step behind the rest last year.

[300_Straight]

Perfect example of why everyone needs to go out and test the Drivers for themselves. Everyone's swing is different. Tester A with the same SS as Tester B will have different characteristics of their swing to warrant the need for a different setup. The BEST thing you can do is try all the clubs you can and then decide for yourself.

 

With that said, I will definitely be trying this Driver. I recently just bought a brand new LTD Pro and am very excited to try it with the Rogue 125 MSI in my Epic SZ. I'm very excited to test these setups against the new Drivers to see if there is anything in it.

[Clarinetmonster2]

Perfect example of why everyone needs to go out and test the Drivers for themselves. Everyone's swing is different. Tester A with the same SS as Tester B will have different characteristics of their swing to warrant the need for a different setup. The BEST thing you can do is try all the clubs you can and then decide for yourself.

 

With that said, I will definitely be trying this Driver. I recently just bought a brand new LTD Pro and am very excited to try it with the Rogue 125 MSI in my Epic SZ. I'm very excited to test these setups against the new Drivers to see if there is anything in it.

 

This is very true. I tried the F9 out with both the Atmos black and HZRDUS Smoke in X flex and was getting very competitive #'s with anything else out there on my best swings, but with my quicker tempo and transition, I was seeing a lot more hooks than I would like to. I would probably have to work with it more and play with the weights/shaft combinations. For sure the head felt very light to me and the swing weight may have had something to do with it. I have much more success when I can feel what the head is doing in the backswing. This is probably why I saw the best results with and ended up with the G400 LST a couple days ago - it has a heavier head that really loads the shaft well for me. As you said, it's all dependent on your specific swing characteristics.

That being said, I agree with Quigly that the F9 is a big step over the F8/+ for Cobra and should be a winner for them, esp at the price.

[Jordan Speeth]

I'm just wondering if the f8+ is really that far behind. I may go back tomorrow and see. They are much cheaper on cobra's website

 

I'm so happy with my F8+ that I don't know if I'd want to mess with it. I hit that thing so straight (and long enough, for sure) that four yards isn't going to even tempt me to cheat on her with the new pretty girl in town. Cobra makes great drivers at a great price. Picked up my F8+ for $150 and with the money I saved, I bought a nice shaft for it. I couldn't be happier.

[uscgolfguy]

I'm just wondering if the f8+ is really that far behind. I may go back tomorrow and see. They are much cheaper on cobra's website

 

I'm so happy with my F8+ that I don't know if I'd want to mess with it. I hit that thing so straight (and long enough, for sure) that four yards isn't going to even tempt me to cheat on her with the new pretty girl in town. Cobra makes great drivers at a great price. Picked up my F8+ for $150 and with the money I saved, I bought a nice shaft for it. I couldn't be happier.

 

Their pricing for aftermarket shafts isn’t too bad either...you can order a Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange with tip and gripinstalled for $300.00...average price of just the shaft only is $425.00.

[skisnutz]

Demo'd the F9 heads indoor today as well as the fairways (non tour) at local GG store. Here is what I discovered:

 

There is a performance difference between the 9 and 10.5 heads. For me, the 9 head (set neutral) was very much a low spin beast and the 10.5 is closer to a normal driver in performance (set at -1.5 to 9*). Both were equally forgiving and miss hits were still fast across the face. Coming from the g400 Max I would say these heads have got to be close in MOI with the weight back. (I know, that's a big claim, but go hit it yourself and see) Sound was solid and muted for sure. Hit a TS2 to compare sound and the sound of the TS2 driver was high pitched and piercing in the sim bay compared to the F9. F9 blew away the TS2 today.

 

I tried the Hzrdus Smoke and Atmos Black TS shafts. Smoke shafts (60S and 60X) were not mid launch in either head but rather high launch and high spinning for me. These are not 60g shafts, very light and have to be closer to 50g. Atmos Black TS Shafts (6s, 6x, 7x) were as advertised, smooth and lower launching. The Atmos Black TS 6S in the 9* head was perfect low/mid launch and was hitting long low spin bombs ( < 2000) over and over again for me. I loved the sound and feel of the F8 drivers but the F9 is even better. You have to try these heads, they are as good as anything I have ever hit. They only had the yellow version which I do not care for. Waiting to see the white head before I buy.

 

Fairways were disappointing. Bigger footprint than F8 and lame lightweight stock shaft selections. I looooove my F8 fairways but these will just not be needed. Tried the stock Smoke fairway shaft in 70S and 70X as well as the stock Atmos Blue 7S in the fairways and was also disappointed. For me the stock Smoke felt cheap and just didn't perform like a high end shaft should. Same for the Smoke driver shafts. Atmos Blue in fairways was better in all categories but still left me searching for the Black TS. I wanted to demo the tour fairway with the Atmos Black TS 7S but they didn't have either to try. Driver is a buy, fairways not so much. Hopefully the tour fairways will be better and available with the Atmos Black TS.

[jonn443]

Let's not forget the L4V... Now THAT is a loud driver.

[mrmikeac]

Quite curious about the F9, Cobra has been making some serious drivers and forgings for some time now. What really interests me is the resemblance to the Fly Z, if it performs anything like that my TS2 is going to be in some trouble. Either way I’ll wait until the other releases come out.

[pdiddy3]

Does anyone know what the stock options for shafts will be? I know the atmos black and hzrdus smoke, but any others?

[skisnutz]

Atmos Black, Atmos Blue, Hzrdus Smoke, and UST Helium. There may be others but I think these are the stock options for the driver,

[Need4spd]

Let's not forget the L4V... Now THAT is a loud driver.

 

Gone but never forgotten.

[mannyvizcaya]

For me the Ts3/2 both had lower spin and more carry. Hit both aganst the f9 in Golf Galaxy with 6.5 smoke @ 9.5 degrees. The pic above shows a huge difference in swing speed. I didn't see any difference in swing speed in my testing. I ended up buying the Ts2

[mannyvizcaya]

Forgot to add, my last driver was the f8. The f9 had a lower ball flight and less spin than the f8 at the same loft.

[3woodvt]

The F8+ is a monster for me and a fairway finder. Ping man. For last 15 years but Cobra driver sound/performance finally won me over. Admittedly G was my last Ping driver and never hit their muted great 400 lst but no regrets Cobra makes a quality club. Like the look of the F8+ and curious to hear from Cobra loyalist if they like the look of the F9. Only seen pics myself but photos don't do it any favors imo.

[diablocrusher]

I’m very interested in hitting the f9. I’m still rocking the f6+ from when it came out and I have no complaints or issues with it. I’ve hit the f7 fairway wood and was impressed but couldn’t pull the trigger.

 

I think cobra is very underrated when it comes to their clubs. I have no experience with their irons but drivers and fairway woods are top notch.

[nmpete11]

I'm a huge cobra fan, but I came out of a fitting with the Rogue SZ last year. It will be be interesting to see if the f9 can beat it out.

[linkerpan]

For me the Ts3/2 both had lower spin and more carry. Hit both aganst the f9 in Golf Galaxy with 6.5 smoke @ 9.5 degrees. The pic above shows a huge difference in swing speed. I didn't see any difference in swing speed in my testing. I ended up buying the Ts2

 

For me anyone buying a driver now without seeing the new offers from the big 3 is getting himself into a spending loop when those come out.

[Jagpilotohio]

For me the Ts3/2 both had lower spin and more carry. Hit both aganst the f9 in Golf Galaxy with 6.5 smoke @ 9.5 degrees. The pic above shows a huge difference in swing speed. I didn't see any difference in swing speed in my testing. I ended up buying the Ts2

 

For me anyone buying a driver now without seeing the new offers from the big 3 is getting himself into a spending loop when those come out.

 

Unless you hate TM, Cally, and Ping drivers.

 

I haven’t liked any of them in the last 5 years so it’s totally irrelevant to me.

[AThompson_3]

For me the Ts3/2 both had lower spin and more carry. Hit both aganst the f9 in Golf Galaxy with 6.5 smoke @ 9.5 degrees. The pic above shows a huge difference in swing speed. I didn't see any difference in swing speed in my testing. I ended up buying the Ts2

 

For me anyone buying a driver now without seeing the new offers from the big 3 is getting himself into a spending loop when those come out.

100%. It appears there are 8 legit contenders this year: F9, TS2, TS3, M5, M6, Epic Flash, Epic Flash SZ, G410. Anyone buying a driver right now is doing themselves a disservice IMO.

[jlam1127]

I got to hit the new cobra driver and I was very impressed. It had great feel, and performed well. It also had that classic cobra sound. Some will find it off putting, it is a little loud but it took me back to the golden days of cobra drivers.

 

Looks: I thought it looked good even though it does have a larger more stretched footprint. It does come in either yellow or white but that only affects the sole so it really does not matter. It is very different from the top when compared to the f8. It also has for a lack of a better term or knowledge of what cobra calls it a ping like crown with a dragonfly'ish look.

 

Feel: I do not know what the head weight is but it felt on the light side. But, it felt very solid. It does have a higher pitch and a bit more of a harsh sound than the muted sound most go for but that is classic cobra to me.

 

Performance: I was getting very good numbers. I don't know if all the aerodynamic stuff makes a difference. This has been done a few times, Adams did it, Wilson did it etc etc. I have not been able to measure improvement do to this. All I can say is that it is not sub par. I have a launch monitor pick that will be posted. I did not every get the numbers out of the f8 that I get with this driver. I do not even try adjusting the weights. So I could have even gotten better numbers. I also tried it with the hazrdus smoke 65 gram 6.5 shaft. It appears that there are going to be a lot of shafts offered with this driver.

 

Value: here is where I think cobra was very smart. Everyone else is coming out with $499 or more drivers. The cobra is $450. This is what Wilson should have done with the cortex. You don't have to be a lot lower, just a bit. While not a lot cheaper it is enough to make a difference, especially when it performs just as good as everything else. That will turn a lot of heads for those that are not brand loyalist.

 

Conclusion: an upgrade for anyone swinging the f8. You will not be disappointed. Also a great driver to look at if you are going to be in the market next year.

 

Is the difference that noticeable going from a F8 to a F9?

[Breezy-3-]

For me the Ts3/2 both had lower spin and more carry. Hit both aganst the f9 in Golf Galaxy with 6.5 smoke @ 9.5 degrees. The pic above shows a huge difference in swing speed. I didn't see any difference in swing speed in my testing. I ended up buying the Ts2

 

For me anyone buying a driver now without seeing the new offers from the big 3 is getting himself into a spending loop when those come out.

100%. It appears there are 8 legit contenders this year: F9, TS2, TS3, M5, M6, Epic Flash, Epic Flash SZ, G410. Anyone buying a driver right now is doing themselves a disservice IMO.

don’t sleep on the new Mizunos too, this years offerings are legit. Crowded field for the top spot in the bag for sure.

[QuigleyDU]

I got to hit the new cobra driver and I was very impressed. It had great feel, and performed well. It also had that classic cobra sound. Some will find it off putting, it is a little loud but it took me back to the golden days of cobra drivers.

 

Looks: I thought it looked good even though it does have a larger more stretched footprint. It does come in either yellow or white but that only affects the sole so it really does not matter. It is very different from the top when compared to the f8. It also has for a lack of a better term or knowledge of what cobra calls it a ping like crown with a dragonfly'ish look.

 

Feel: I do not know what the head weight is but it felt on the light side. But, it felt very solid. It does have a higher pitch and a bit more of a harsh sound than the muted sound most go for but that is classic cobra to me.

 

Performance: I was getting very good numbers. I don't know if all the aerodynamic stuff makes a difference. This has been done a few times, Adams did it, Wilson did it etc etc. I have not been able to measure improvement do to this. All I can say is that it is not sub par. I have a launch monitor pick that will be posted. I did not every get the numbers out of the f8 that I get with this driver. I do not even try adjusting the weights. So I could have even gotten better numbers. I also tried it with the hazrdus smoke 65 gram 6.5 shaft. It appears that there are going to be a lot of shafts offered with this driver.

 

Value: here is where I think cobra was very smart. Everyone else is coming out with $499 or more drivers. The cobra is $450. This is what Wilson should have done with the cortex. You don't have to be a lot lower, just a bit. While not a lot cheaper it is enough to make a difference, especially when it performs just as good as everything else. That will turn a lot of heads for those that are not brand loyalist.

 

Conclusion: an upgrade for anyone swinging the f8. You will not be disappointed. Also a great driver to look at if you are going to be in the market next year.

 

Is the difference that noticeable going from a F8 to a F9?

 

speaking for me alone, i say yes. in many areas the F9 outperforms the f8/f8+ . the sound on it is different as well. i found the f8 pretty muted, the f9 has a higher pitch to it. the one thing that i always thought the f8 got right was how it felt. i thought that it felt great. the f9 still has the good solid feeling despite the higher louder tone.

[AThompson_3]

For me the Ts3/2 both had lower spin and more carry. Hit both aganst the f9 in Golf Galaxy with 6.5 smoke @ 9.5 degrees. The pic above shows a huge difference in swing speed. I didn't see any difference in swing speed in my testing. I ended up buying the Ts2

 

For me anyone buying a driver now without seeing the new offers from the big 3 is getting himself into a spending loop when those come out.

100%. It appears there are 8 legit contenders this year: F9, TS2, TS3, M5, M6, Epic Flash, Epic Flash SZ, G410. Anyone buying a driver right now is doing themselves a disservice IMO.

don’t sleep on the new Mizunos too, this years offerings are legit. Crowded field for the top spot in the bag for sure.

I don’t know how I forgot Mizuno. I’m getting a fitting with Club Champion soon after they all are released and I’m going into a fitting for the first time ever with a 100% open mind. I’m so pumped.

[Z1ggy16]

Can you comment vs speeds you saw when you hit Rogue? I had an F8 3w that I loved the feel of, but it just could not match the ball speeds of Rogue, or even M4 (fairway woods, mind you).

 

I really am a huge Cobra fan but I've felt like with exception of LTD, their stuff just isn't quite as fast as Cally/TM. Granted, a few MPH/yards isn't going to kill me... I just hate giving it up if I don't have to. Accuracy is king though, I'm really looking to get the best ball speeds over the whole face, not just the ones I nut. Comments?

[QuigleyDU]

Can you comment vs speeds you saw when you hit Rogue? I had an F8 3w that I loved the feel of, but it just could not match the ball speeds of Rogue, or even M4 (fairway woods, mind you).

 

I really am a huge Cobra fan but I've felt like with exception of LTD, their stuff just isn't quite as fast as Cally/TM. Granted, a few MPH/yards isn't going to kill me... I just hate giving it up if I don't have to. Accuracy is king though, I'm really looking to get the best ball speeds over the whole face, not just the ones I nut. Comments?

 

I feel that the f9 is up to snuff with the rogue. i wouldn't say it is faster although it could be if it fits you better. But i would say you should get very similar numbers on similar swings.

[Z1ggy16]

Can you comment vs speeds you saw when you hit Rogue? I had an F8 3w that I loved the feel of, but it just could not match the ball speeds of Rogue, or even M4 (fairway woods, mind you).

 

I really am a huge Cobra fan but I've felt like with exception of LTD, their stuff just isn't quite as fast as Cally/TM. Granted, a few MPH/yards isn't going to kill me... I just hate giving it up if I don't have to. Accuracy is king though, I'm really looking to get the best ball speeds over the whole face, not just the ones I nut. Comments?

 

I feel that the f9 is up to snuff with the rogue. i wouldn't say it is faster although it could be if it fits you better. But i would say you should get very similar numbers on similar swings.

Cool thanks. No matter what I did, couldn't get over 150mph ball speed on the F8 3w. Was easily getting over 150 wit Rogue SZ 9same day, same swing).. Just don't love that more tingy hollow feel from Rogue.

 

LTD has proven to be fantastic on miss hits though, can't imagine getting much more out of a club than this.

[LaymanM]

I hit the F9 today at Golf Galaxy. Had an atmos 6s. Really really driver. I was hitting it farther than ts3. I played 18 today and my G400 Max was outstanding and long, especially for being 46 degrees. I am going to keep the G400 Max and save the money.

 

Anyone in the market needs to test the F9 though. Good sound and feel. Numbers and call speed were healthy.

[QuigleyDU]

i toyed with this driver a little more last night, tried a few different shafts. i was getting really good numbers, ~180 plus ball speeds, ~2200 spin. the one negative that i noticed was that dispersion with this driver is not as good. i felt the f8/f8+ were more forgiving. i also get better dispersion from my TS3 with evenflow white shaft and the same ball speeds.

 

food for thought, ball speeds are not the end all. dispersion is something to look at as well. i still feel this is a very good driver.

[Djerger]

F9 has just slayed TS2 and TS3 in a UK magazine test....and the Titleist drivers were upgraded to Graphite Design shafts....meaning a £350 club out performed a £620 club in all departments. F9 now moving to top of 2019 driver demo list.

Are the results available on line?

Don't think so but I picked up the mag to see what the article says. 'Numbers' are below:

 

I'm a big fan of Cobra's woods, but I'm not totally buying the numbers shown here. Looking at the club head speeds, it seems like this was a very poorly controlled test. You could argue that the aerodynamic features that Cobra has built into the F9 improve club head speed, and maybe they do, but I have a hard time believing that there would be a 3 mph increase between the TS2 and the TS3. The differences in carry/total distance are pretty much what you'd expect considering the differences in club head speed. I'm not able to access the article, but it seems to me that the biggest factor here is probably the person swinging the club.

 

That being said, I'm looking forward to testing the F9 when it comes out. In general, it does seem that the club head speed is up slightly from other models which suggests that Cobra's aerodynamic design actually works. It will be interesting to see how it compares directly to my F8+.

 

 

Im wondering if the test was done on a foresight launch monitor without using HMT. Foresight only estimates club head speed based on ball data. many reviewer do not use HMT as it is much more money. They are also usually forthright and ignore club head speed. The only time i see this much variance in testing of club head speed is on foresight without using HMT. It is still a good indicator of how much better cobra is performing, but this number is the result of the performance not the cause. very confusing. better to ignore that.....but basically on foresight for 100-110 mph a spin number of 1800-2400 will always show a higher swing speed than the exact same driver and swing at 2800 spin.....