Cobra S9.1 Driver
Boyan Atanaschev
A lot of drivers have come onto the market since Cobra released the L4V in 2007. In fact, Cobra itself has already released the L5V with adjustable face technology and the Zero Limit. However, sometimes the latest isn't always the greatest and the L4V is still VERY popular with Cobra fans. So....
Last year, I started out the season needing a new driver. I had gamed my Ping G2 for years and thought an update in technology would help my game. My search was been well chronicled including some time spent with the Ping G10 and the new Cleveland Launcher. Both are good in their own right, but unfortunately I couldn't find the correct head/loft/shaft combination to suit my game. I went back to the drawing board and did more research. The L4V was receiving rave reviews from what seemed to be a very loyal message board following. I was intrigued and decided to give it a try.
L4V stands for Limit 4 Variables and Cobra designed this driver to reach the limits on all four of the USGA defined performance variables: Maximum COR (.830), maximum head dimensions (5" by 5"), maximum volume (460cc), and MOI. The most apparent of these is the size of the head - the L4V seems ginormous at address. This inspires a ton of confidence to bomb away but players who prefer a smallish head probably need to look elsewhere. The other technology clearly visible is the carbon composite crown which in my opinion looks wicked cool and futuristic.
Another great thing about the L4V is it includes the best driver head cover I've ever come across. It is made with high quality materials and the magnetic enclosure makes taking the club in and out a quick and painless operation. Sometimes little nuances make a huge difference and Cobra evidently recognizes this.
OK, enough with aesthetics you say! How does the driver perform? I've never been a huge fan of composite drivers, but with the L4V Cobra has found the right mix of face and crown materials to optimize performance and enhance feel. After a dozen rounds logged with the L4V in my bag, I can honestly say it is hands down the longest driver I'd ever hit.
There are three different models (X, F, and M) - each with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Red Board shafts with distinct flex and kickpoint combos. My mid to high nineties swing speed put me right between the F and M models, but I eventually opted for the M. The determining factor was the 2-degree closed face, which gave me a predictable high draw ball flight that consistently took the right hand side out of play. As a result, I began hitting more fairways.
The only consistent negative comment I've heard about the L4V is the sound it produces at impact. This driver is LOUD. It sounds like a M-80 going off in a coffee can. More than once, I've had groups in front of me in the fairway or on the green turn and look when I tee off. I get a lot of undue attention on the practice tee. It doesn't bother me now and in fact I've come to like it. But, Cobra should package the L4V with ear plugs (for your playing partners).
I'm very particular on drivers. Good drives can set the tone for a round and nothing beats standing in the middle of the fairway while your playing partners poke around for their ball in hazards or in the woods. The Cobra L4V is a terrific driver if you can live with some of its quirky characteristics. I can given how it is benefiting my game and it will likely be a mainstay in my bag for a very long time.
If you notice, the L4V in my bag has been replaced by the Nike Str8-Fit. I finally decided while distance was spectacular with the L4V, my ball flight was too high and here in the windy Midwest that is an issue. I thought about re-shafting, but I ended up going with a 9 degree in the Nike. Once a club ho, always a club ho.
While I did not use the L4V.....I did purchase an L5V in January '09. It had a 13.5 degree face with a regular shaft. I bought it used as someone bought it new on a Friday & returned it on Saturday......I bought it used on Sunday....It definitely put me back in the middle of the fairway. I used it for one year, occassionally changing the face from neutral to 1 degree closed then back to neutral. I liked that when my swing changed allbeit subtley, I could open or close the face with a few turns of the tool provided.
My only issues with the L4V and L5V was the wicked high launch angle that they produced. I typically aim for a 13-14.5* LA, and even with the 8.5* L5V, the lowest LA I could achieve repeatably was 16-18*. Too high for this guy. But the ball speeds and dispersion were terrific. If I could only get the flight down.
Yeah, and that point you might as well look at something else unless you just REALLY like the head. Re-shafting is an expensive proposition unless you have a really good idea of what works for you and the club you're installing it in.
After using the Powerbilt Air force One driver for a couple months, i can honestly say that the cobra L5V is staying in the garage.....I have consistently hit the Powerbilt 210 - 250 yards. when i need a fade for a dogleg right fairway, I can do it. If I need a draw for a dogleg left fairway, I can do it.
I had a Speedzone tour length a few years back. It was fine. All it is is a shorter driver. No surprises really. Before ordering one, I'd recommend doing the "driver tune-up". You can measure out your current driver and tape off where to choke up at 44.5", and add lead tape to the head to test before buying.
I play most of my drivers at 44.5", I think it may just be more height/setup for me though, tend to heel strike a lot with the standard 45.5." Either way, from my cobra SZ replacement weights were very cheap/easy to find. I think the heavier weights in the tour length one are just to keep swing weight consistent.
Yup, F9 Tour Length straight from Cobra and still in the bag. All the 45.5" and longer OTR drivers seem SO LONG and unwieldy at the shops I don't think I could ever go back. If I switched to another brand it would have to be a special order @ 45 or under.
I tried a RAD Speed tour length last year. I've always hit a driver around 44.75" so figured I'd try it out. Felt really solid and was easy to hit but just not very long for some reason. I'd hit it dead center and it was considerably shorter than my other driver so I stuck with that.
I have a spare shaft for my Rogue Max LS and cut it down by 3/4" yesterday. Without adding any weight to the head I found that I only lost a few MPH in swing speed and distance but did see a good dispersion pattern on Trackman. The head did feel light though.
I will probably experiment again with some additional weight in the head. I don't have much issue finding the center of the face with the longer shaft so I'm not convinced this is the right approach for me, but having more confidence in my driver is always a goal.
I would say at least 45" total when installed. My Titleist shafts are about -1" from playing length and Taylormade is about -1.25". For a Tour Length Cobra you'd want to see the shaft at 43.25" tip to grip.
Long answer, you can choke up but by doing so you will lower the swing weight. Maybe you like a lighter swing weight, maybe you don't. There are a few Threads out there explaining how to find that perfect setup, I believe Howard put one out and can be found on a few threads.
Simply choke up or even grab some tape and wrap around the butt of the grip to be more consistent. Start swinging, if it feels good then great, if consistency is not where you want it add some lead tape until you get the feel and consistency you want. Once you get the feel you want and are happy with the head weight at that length you can ether leave the lead tape or find a weight if available that you can replace the current weight with. Now for cutting the shaft, how did it feel with the additional weight, if good simply butt cut and re-grip. If the additional weight has made the shaft feel or play softer since you added weight to the head and you want to get the shaft back to or stiffer than the original feel you will want to remove the tip and tip trim according to the weight you added based off of the tipping instructions from the shaft manufacturer. The amount of tip trimming will depend on what you want but if you want an easy method find the difference in weight of a 3 wood head and driver head which I believe is drivers are around 200g give or take a few grams and 3 wood around 210. If you add 5 or 6 grams that's about 50% delta between the two heads so take the tip trimming of 1/2" from driver to 3 wood and half it at 1/4"
This!!! If your playing a stock driver, I would estimate there's about an 80% chance that it doesn't match your swing. Hundreds of thousands of clubs have been sold that would have been fine with just a little adjustment.
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