Among the major golf club manufacturers, Cobra is one of the most underrated in my opinion. Year after year, they produce world-class clubs played by everyone from the best players in the world to rank-and-file amateurs.
New for 2024 is their line of DarkSpeed drivers. I had a chance to hit all three in testing and was quite impressed.
My first DarkSpeed review is going to be for the LS clubhead.
Let’s have a closer look.
Table of Contents
Key Features
Space-grade material construction produces the fastest ball speeds of any driver Cobra has ever made.
Streamlined aerodynamic clubhead profile helps golfers maximize clubhead speed.
Adjustable heel, toe, and back weights make optimization easy.
Design and Technology
The materials used in the construction of the DarkSpeed LS driver are out of this world. They were selected by a team of aerospace engineers who also conjured the LS’s incredibly aerodynamic clubhead profile. These two characteristics combined make the DarkSpeed LS undoubtedly the hottest driver Cobra has ever made.
I was also blown away by this driver’s adjustability. It has adjustable weights in the heel, toe, and back of the club. This allows golfers to easily optimize launch, spin, and shot shape.
The PWR-BRIDGE in the DarkSpeed LS is positioned lower and further forward than in previous models. This maximizes energy transfer between the clubface and the ball while also minimizing spin.
The PWRSHELL L-cup face is also 10% larger. This feature not only increases ball speed, it provides added forgiveness and stability across the entire clubface.
Speed and distance are the name of the game in the DarkSpeed line of drivers, but it’s the LS that’s going to deliver best on that front for high-speed, high-spin golfers.
Cobra DarkSpeed LS Driver
While there’s a driver in the DarkSpeed family for just about every type of golfer, the LS is meant for golfers with fast swing speeds that are looking to minimize spin and control their ball flight.
If you’re a slower speed, low-spin, low-launch player, you might want to opt for another driver in the DarkSpeed family.
PROS
- Compact clubhead profile is desirable for players looking for more control and workability off the tee.
- Space-grade material construction ensures maximum ball speeds for incredible distance.
- Three adjustable weights make optimization easy.
CONS
- Likely not the best driver for players with slower swings that don’t launch the ball very high.
- Compact head design may not be preferable for golfers used to looking at oversize clubheads.
- Price point is higher than other drivers on the market.
Our Experience
I’ll be the first to admit that the Cobra DarkSpeed LS is meant for elite players with fast swing speeds. But while I swing the club fairly fast, I’m nowhere near a consistent enough ball striker to put this driver in my bag long-term.
With that being said, the benefits this driver offers a specific type of player were easy to see in testing. There’s no question that the materials used in the LS’s construction increase ball speeds and distance.
However, what stood out most to me was the low amount of spin my drives consistently came off the clubface with. I didn’t hit a single shot that ballooned in the wind, and my dispersion was significantly tighter than it was with the other drivers I tested.
While the Cobra DarkSpeed LS probably won’t find its way into my bag anytime soon, it gives elite players the control they need without sacrificing a shred of distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Cobra DarkSpeed LS driver?
The Cobra DarkSpeed LS driver features improved aerodynamic shaping for faster clubhead speed, a 3-weight system for trajectory tuning, and H.O.T face technology with 15 sections designed to maximize ball speed across the face35. It also incorporates PWR-Bridge technology positioned closer to the clubface for increased ball speed.
How does the DarkSpeed LS compare to other models in the DarkSpeed line?
The DarkSpeed LS is the low-spin option in the lineup, featuring a more compact head shape at address compared to the X and MAX models24. It offers the lowest spin rates and a more penetrating ball flight, making it suitable for skilled players with higher swing speeds.
What adjustability options does the DarkSpeed LS offer?
The DarkSpeed LS features a 3-weight system with one 12g weight and two 3g weights that can be moved around a triangle of ports to adjust the balance and CG position of the head. This allows for fine-tuning of spin, trajectory, and shot shape bias.
What loft options are available for the DarkSpeed LS?
The Cobra DarkSpeed LS driver is available in 8, 9, and 10.5-degree loft options. The 8-degree version is particularly designed for extremely fast swingers seeking maximum aerodynamic performance.
How does the DarkSpeed LS perform in terms of forgiveness?
While the DarkSpeed LS prioritizes low spin and speed over forgiveness, it still offers some forgiveness options. The back weight position can increase MOI by about 300 points compared to the heel position, providing a bit more stability on off-center hits. However, overall MOI is lower than other DarkSpeed models, as it's designed for more skilled players.
Conclusion
The Cobra DarkSpeed line of drivers is one of the most underrated in 2024. For high-speed, high-spin players looking for added control and less spin, the LS clubhead is sure to deliver on both those fronts without sacrificing distance.
If you fall into this category of golfer, don’t be afraid to give the Cobra DarkSpeed LS a try. I’d be willing to bet you’ll be impressed by its performance.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
