Tested: Cobra Baffler XL driver review
Components:
1) Shaft options - The Cobra Baffler shaft is available in stiff (65g), regular (55g) and Lite (55g). All three are specifically designed to work with the XL head.
2) Grip - The Lamkin REL EPDM Reminder is designed to maximise surface area contact with the hands to improve performance. And it does just that, providing impressive grip.
Technology:
3) Face design - This is the largest ever Cobra face design, with much of it positioned above the centre of gravity to help launch the ball high without adding too much spin. E9 Face Technology has been carried over from previous models, and offers forgiveness on areas that players hit the ball from most.
4) Internal - Weight is positioned low and back in the head to offer more forgiveness and improved control on shots that miss the middle of the club.
Aesthetics:
5) Shelf appeal - This isn't a driver that's designed for the better player. Instead, it will appeal to those golfers in search of more forgiveness, distance and control on off-centre strikes. The Baffler XL looks easy to hit from every angle, and it doesn't disappoint out on the course.
6) Address - Many brands have moved away from offset drivers, so it's refreshing to see a model that will help players, both visually and technically, who suffer with a slice off the tee.
Performance:
7) Flight - The offset and design of the head produces a right-to-left ball flight. This is great for those who hit a big cut and for players wanting to eliminate one side of the course off the tee. It isn't designed for those who hook the ball.
8) Distance - Players in search of maximum distance off the tee will benefit from the adjustability and performance of the new Cobra BiO CELL driver, but anyone suffering with a slice would be better off opting for the Baffler XL.
9) Forgiveness - Even by modern standards the face looks enormous at address, and you can get away with poor strikes that are likely to be severely punished by smaller face designs. E9 Face Technology has featured in a number of Cobra driver models over the years, and works very well to keep the ball on the straight and narrow.
10) Impact sound - Not as loud and aggressive as you might expect from an ultra-forgiving Cobra model. Instead, the sound and feel is firm and solid from all areas of the face.
