Ping G430 Max 10K vs Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver: Read Our Head-To-Head Verdict
We take a look at two of the new driver releases from Ping and Cobra to see which comes out on top in 2024!
The Ping G430 Max 10K delivered in bucket loads. The stability and forgiveness of the head would be remarkable in isolation but, combined with the relatively low spin levels and high ball speed, it’s pretty exceptional. Ping has achieved a performance package that will suit a very broad spectrum of golfers here.
For
- Exceptional stability and forgiveness
- Very tight dispersion
- Powerful feel and ball speed
Against
- The stretched out footprint may not appeal to all
The Cobra Darkspeed Max is one of the best draw-bias drivers we have ever tested. It does exactly what it says on the tin and we found it next to impossible to produce a fade or slice. Wrapped up in a very sophisticated aesthetic, if you struggle with a slice, the Darkspeed Max is a must try.
For
- Seriously difficult to slice
- Exceptional looks
- Strong ball speed
Against
- Head shape not as refined as the other two models in the range
Ping G430 Max 10K vs Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver: Read Our Head-To-Head Verdict
Ping and Cobra are two of the top golf manufacturers in the game and can always be relied upon to produce some of the best drivers. New for 2024, Ping have built upon the successful G430 range from last year, whereas Cobra have produced a whole new range called the Darkspeed.
The drivers we are looking at in this head-to-head are the Cobra Darkspeed Max and the Ping G430 Max 10K. These both feature high MOI and extra forgiveness, meaning they will appeal to large portion of the golfing market.
Ping and Cobra have worked hard to bring the average golfer models that will ultimately still go far, but also tighten up that dispersion, making these two of the best drivers for higher handicap golfers. So, which model is best for you? Well after vigorous testing, we have put these two impressive drivers up against each other to find out!
WATCH: We run through the performance of the best drivers in 2024
Technology
Both feature a range of excellent technology that is designed to put them amongst some of the most forgiving drivers on the market. Beginning with the Ping Max 10K, which is a new addition to an already recognized range from Ping, we see a slight difference to the likes of the G430 Max and G430 LST.
To begin with, this driver features the Carbonfly Wrap that we saw on the LST, with the Max 10K featuring a fixed back weight rather than the adjustable one found in the other models. The fixed weight is the big change here, as that is responsible for the high MOI as it drives the mass down and away from the face. From there, this then increases forgiveness but optimizes the center of gravity position, which then lowers the spin.
Ping claims that it ensures ball speed is preserved across the clubface, adding distance. So, although it is only a small change to the technology in the driver, it has a big impact on the performance output.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Moving on to the Cobra Darkspeed Max, which is focused on maximising forgiveness while also looking to keep the distance as long as possible. Like the G430 Max 10K, there is much to talk about in terms of tech in this driver, such as the weights in the head which are there to give it a slight draw bias and eliminate the slice.
The overall tech in the face has come over from the Aerojet, so not much has changed there, but they have increased the forgiveness of this driver with the weighting in the head.
Overall, both have been more refined but, in terms of tech, it's difficult to draw a comparison. On that basis then, we will put this down as a draw, with both making strong cases..
Looks
We start with the Darkspeed Max this time, which follows the new theme you will see across the whole Darkspeed range. What theme, you may ask? Well, it is fully blacked out on the crown and sole, except for some red accents, and there is also some carbon on the sole that gives it a premium look.
Personally, we really like the look of the Darkspeed. It isn't trying too hard and aesthetically it is sleek and premium. Along with the looks, it sits square at address and really suits the eye. Most draw bias drivers tend to sit closed but, in the case of the Darkspeed, Cobra have kept the face square to the target, which is a big plus.
Moving on to the G430 Max 10K and, as you can imagine, not much has changed for this driver in terms of looks compared to the other Ping drivers. The colorway has remained the same - green and black, and the only difference, as touched on above, is the carbon wrap on the crown which only the G430 LST has.
The overall footprint of the driver has increased to inspire confidence and, like the G430 range, it still looks good behind the ball. All in all, both these drivers look great but if we had to choose one, then the simplicity of the Darkspeed Max just gives it a slight edge.
Feel
Feel can be a make or break for a lot of golfers, making this a very important part of the head-to-head. This time, we will begin with the Cobra Darkspeed Max. Put simply, the feel of this driver was very good.
There is a lot of forgiveness to this club, something that we will come to later, but on impact you could feel the slight mis-hits off the face. Although this didn't affect the flight, you could argue that some golfers will be split.
As for the G430 Max 10K, the feel is a fraction livelier off the face and it does seem more powerful. This is confirmed with a more high-pitched sound at impact but, thankfully, it is nothing near the noise we heard from the G425.
For feel, it is close once again and so we consider it to be a draw, particularly as this is such a subjective issue. You could argue that the G430 Max 10K edges it, but the lively feel may divide opinion. Importantly, both feel great and sound good.
Performance
Finally on to the big one, performance. This is what most players will base their choice on as you want the driver to perform well, but you also want it to perform how you need it to.
We will start with the Darkspeed Max and, overall, it does perform very well. It is marketed on its forgiveness, so ultimately it needs to be forgiving and we found it to be exactly that. The ball speeds stayed strong, even on the more off-center strikes, and this equated to good distances as well.
What's more, dispersion was tight and, what really stood out for us was the draw bias. Off the bat, we couldn't believe how well it performed, with our tester unable to get the ball going right, no matter how hard he tried!
Moving to the G430 Max 10K which was a massive surprise to us. Ping had stated that they have made a super forgiving high MOI driver but, unusually for golf brands, that is actually an understatement! They have managed to do exactly that, while also keeping the spin right down and maximising distance from all across the face.
This driver performed really well and we found it to be the longest in the G430 family. In testing, it went a massive 20 yards further than the G430 Max with only a 1mph increase in ball speed. To top it off, it was even further than the LST model by 6 yards with only a 0.3mph increase in ball speed.
Along with the distance, this is a driver that will not only help you hit it straighter, with a slight draw bias, but keep dispersion tight and maximise distance too. It really is an all-in-one driver that gives you everything you need.
So, it is safe to say that the Ping G430 Max 10K is the overall winner in this one. Not only is it longer, but it's just as forgiving and the dispersion is tighter with lower spin. It's one of the best golf drivers for distance to be released in 2024 and should place high in the discussion for best overall driver.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the G430 Max 10K if...
- You want more distance
- You want low spin
- You want a larger footprint
Choose the Darkspeed Max if...
- You have a slower swing speed
- You prefer a higher spin rate
- You struggle with a slice
Zach Bougen is a freelance golf writer who has only been golfing properly for the last 4 years. He played as a junior but decided to make football and cricket his sport of choice. Now he loves playing new golf courses and testing out new golf equipment. Zach plays off of a handicap of 6.2 and is on a journey to go from amateur golfer to teaching professional.
When Zach isn't out on the course or practising Zach enjoys writing golfing, gaming and fitness content and has previously written for Gear Nuke, The Gamer, and DualShockers. In his spare time, he can be found golfing, playing football or testing out new video games.
Zach's major inspiration in golf is Rory Mcilroy meaning he always tries to have the same kit as Rory when he can. When starting out in golf he had all Nike clubs before finally upgrading 3.5 years ago. He like most avid golfers has gone through a selection of different clubs, he has had a Taylormade Sim Max and a Cobra F9 driver before settling on his current one and has a mixture of putters that he swaps between.
Currently, in his golf bag, he has:
Driver: Taylormade Stealth (9 degrees)
3-Wood: Taylormade M6 (15 degrees)
2 Iron: Taylormade 2021 P790
Irons: Taylormade P7mc 4-PW
Wedges: Taylormade MG3 50 degree, Taylormade MG2 52 degree and Cleveland Zipcore 58 degree
Putter: Currently Evnroll ER5, also use the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 in black
Ball: Either the Taylormade TP5x or Titleist Pro V1x
-
PXG Black Ops Driver vs Ping G430 Max 10K Driver: Read our head-to-head verdict
Which of these high performing drivers is the best choice for you? Take a look at our head-to-head review below…
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
Ping G430 Max 10K vs TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver: Read Our Head-To-Head Verdict
How does the new Ping G430 Max 10K driver compare to the new TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver? Here, we analyse the pros and cons of each
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
Ping G430 Max 10K Driver Review
The Ping G430 Max 10K driver promises new levels of forgiveness and stability. Joe Ferguson took it out on the course to see if it delivered
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
Report: Kevin Kisner Set For 2025 Lead Golf Analyst Role At NBC Sports
The four-time PGA Tour winner, who stepped into the role on several occasions in 2024, is expected to take on the task on a more regular basis
By Mike Hall Published
-
Golf’s Little Joys: 11 'Small' Things I Love About The Game
Clearly, shooting a great score is pleasing, but it doesn’t happen every day. These 11 more subtle things about the game of golf always bring a smile to my face
By Nick Bonfield Published
-
Cyber Monday May Be Over, But Here Are 11 Excellent Golf Deals Still Available
The final big shopping event before Christmas may have been and gone, but I have noticed there are actually still several golf products with big discounts
By Sam Tremlett Last updated
-
Having Tested Over 50 Rangefinders, It Is These 7 Offers That Have Caught Our Eye This Cyber Monday
Golf Monthly has tested over 50 rangefinders in the past few years and, this Cyber Monday, we have spotted 7 of our favorites on offer right now!
By Matt Cradock Published
-
I’ve Scoured The Internet And Women Will Love These 7 Cyber Monday Golf Deals
Take a look at some of these great offers on a selection of women's golf gear
By Alison Root Published
-
One Of The Best Women's Spikeless Golf Shoes Now Has Over 25% Off
Ecco is a brand that you can rely on and the women's LT1 model is now on offer at a bargain price
By Alison Root Published
-
I Thought This Was A Scam - But It’s Not! One Of My Top Three Drivers Of The Past Five Years Is Nearly Half Price!
Golf Monthly driver tester Joe Ferguson has found an unbelievable deal on the TaylorMade Sim2 Max at PGA Tour Superstore…
By Joe Ferguson Published
-
If I Could Get A Complete Golf Outfit For Cyber Monday, This Is What I Would Get
Look good, feel good, play good - a term I'm fully invested in. Here's how to follow it from sale items on Cyber Monday.
By Conor Keenan Published
-
Cyber Monday Is Here, And Here Are 35 Golf Deals I Recommend...
Get a grip of Cyber Monday with these 35 amazing deals currently live during the last shopping event before Christmas.
By Sam Tremlett Last updated
-
Here's 7 Things All Good Golfers Use And Where You Can Buy Them On Cyber Monday...
Equipment writer and +3 handicapper Sam De'Ath breaks down what deals he would take advantage of on Cyber Monday
By Sam De'Ath Last updated