Cobra Fly XL Package Set vs Callaway XR Package Set: Read Our Head-To-Head Verdict

Cobra Fly XL vs Callaway XR: Read our head-to-head verdict 

Callaway and Cobra are two of the most popular brands in golf and are renowned for crafting high-performing golf gear, from top notch iron sets to high-quality drivers, but here we're looking at two package sets and putting them up against each other to see which comes out on top.

Both the Cobra Fly XL and the Callaway XR sets are aimed at a broad spectrum of golfers. They're ideal for beginners but will also appeal to more experienced mid-high handicap players who just want a nice set of clubs they can buy without too much thought. Both of these golf club sets really delivered when it comes to offering a wide appeal.

Each set of clubs differs in terms of the technology used, the price point, and the looks but, in terms of performance, can they be split? Having put both to the test ourselves, we’re aware of how each set plays, so let’s see how they compare in this head-to-head. 

Looks

We'll start by looking at the shelf appeal of these two package sets. First, we'll focus on the Callaway XR set. It was clear from the moment we opened the box that this was a premium package set. Looks wise they're very appealing. All the woods have sleek matte black crowns and their overall aesthetic is smart and aspirational. As for the irons, the shape of the set is unmistakable Callaway, with a fairly rounded toe area and a thick topline. The Odyssey putter looks great too.

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Moving onto the Cobra now and there’s no arguing with the fact that the Fly XL set looks the part. This set of clubs looks super impressive and our tester was pleasantly surprised to discover that such a well designed set is also very competitively priced. The woods are not as slick looking as the Callaway ones but the oversized head makes it inviting for beginners when they look down to address the ball. The irons are nice to look at too and again, the thick top line will appeal to beginners.

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Performance

In terms of performance, we were very impressed with the consistency of the Callaway XR set of clubs. In testing we hit a series of mid iron shots on the range and found them incredibly consistent. The distance was good too, as you would expect given the strength of the lofts (the 7-iron is 30˚, which is about average in today’s iron market). The entire set was extremely consistent right throughout the bag. 

We were especially impressed by the woods as we have found after testing a wide range of package sets that this is often the area where performance can dwindle the most. Even in the best club sets for beginners the woods can appear dull and lifeless but that was not the case here as the performance offered by the woods in the Callaway XR set totally blew us away.

Another impressive performer is the putter. It is an Odyssey DFX #7 with a very simple black and white color combination. What we loved most about it is that once again the head size is very generous. There is plenty of alignment help to be had yet the putter still retains an aspirational, premium look. We also love the feel from the soft grip. 

As for the performance of the Cobra Fly XL set, we'll begin with the 10.5° titanium driver, which has an oversized, stretched design which makes it an extremely forgiving driver. The backweight drags the center of gravity backwards which makes it very easy to launch, making it a great option for the new golfer or the high handicap player who struggles to get the ball in the air from the tee. 

The irons were really impressive and we think they might even give some of the most forgiving irons a run for their money. Included in the set is a 6-iron through to pitching wedge plus an additional sand wedge to help out around the greens. These irons are easy to hit and they felt really hot when striking the ball, which was confirmed by how far the ball was carrying. The cavity back design made my our shots stay relatively straight more often than not and we didn’t see a big drop off in distance on shots that didn't find the sweet spot.

We feel that the putter lets the rest of the set down somewhat. It’s a very large head for a blade putter, yet it just doesn't quite sit properly behind the ball. The feel off the face is pleasant thanks to the milling, but we feel that a putter in the shape of one of the best mallet style putters would be more beneficial for beginners though due to the increased MOI and forgiveness.

Feel

We found that the driver in the Callaway XR set sits a little closed at address which isn't necessarily right for every golfer. However, it does cater to a broader spectrum of golfers in general as it helps to negate a slice, which is the scourge of many golfers. This set up meant that the driver was easy to flight and the feel was pleasing with both the woods and the irons.

As for the Cobra Fly XL set, the driver performed well and is fine for the new golfer or the high handicap player who isn't overly concerned with feel and is more focused on trying to just keep the ball in play with as much distance as possible. The acoustics are a little loud and ‘tinny’, but it does make a really powerful sound at impact which is great for boosting user confidence and aiding performance.  

Both the 5-wood and the hybrid - which are each made of stainless steel and feature the same rear weight found in the driver - are ultra forgiving and have a decent feel, but when it comes to feel the irons are the stand out in the Cobra set.

Which set should you choose

Choose the Callaway XR package set if...

- You like premium, user-friendly aesthetics
- You need an easy to hit feel through the set
- You'd like an excellent putter 

Choose the Cobra Fly XL package set if... 

- You want a modern, sleek design
- You need great performance from your irons
- You'd like a good quality stand bag