Cobra Optm Hybrid Review: A True Swiss Army Knife Of A Club

Hybrids are an important weapon in the arsenal of the average golfer. While some players have ditched them in favour of the modern trend of higher-lofted fairway woods, there is still very much a role for the best hybrid clubs as they bridge the gap nicely between fairway wood and long iron.

Cobra has long been one of the standout brands in the hybrid category, with a real emphasis placed on adaptability in recent years. The versatility offered by Cobra hybrids is probably unmatched at the moment, and last year’s DS-Adapt hybrid model was among the best golf hybrids we tested in 2025.

For 2026, the new Optm range of metalwoods and hybrids continues that adjustability trend. Once again, it features the FutureFit33 hosel introduced last year, allowing golfers to choose from 33 different settings to dial in their preferred ball flight and gapping number. While that sounds bit complicated, it’s actually very easy to use. Scanning the QR code etched into the club brings up a clear settings chart that helps identify the most suitable configuration.

The Optm hybrid features refined shaping with a slightly larger profile at address and a shallower face height to promote easier launch and a more optimised trajectory. Adaptive Weighting improves center-of-gravity (CG) placement, while H.O.T. Face Technology boosts ball speed, making the Optm both faster and easier to launch than previous models, according to Cobra.

Aesthetically, this club really works for me. I love the headcover, the sole design, the satin finish on the crown as well as the red-and-black shaft that sets everything off. Most importantly, I love how it sits at address. It ticks every box visually for me.

Looks matter in any golf club because confidence at address plays such a big role in performance. Whether it’s a driver or a putter, if you don’t like how a club looks over the ball, it’s difficult to commit fully to the shot. While this is always subjective, I’ve personally always preferred a more compact hybrid head rather than something closer to a fairway wood profile, and the Optm sits perfectly in that sweet spot for me.

The Optm’s shape is similar to a long-time gamer that has been in and out of my bag for over a decade so I felt at home with this club right out of the gate. The feel is solid and responsive, offering plenty of feedback through impact. It’s not the softest-feeling hybrid on the market, but it strikes a nice balance. The sound follows a similar pattern. It’s not harsh or loud, but not overly muted either. Sound and feel will always come down to personal preference but I liked what the Optm provided on both counts.

As for the adjustability, I’m not a big tinkerer. I generally stick with standard settings so the full range of 33 combinations is somewhat wasted on me. That said, the ability to adjust loft and lie independently will be a big plus for golfers who like to fine-tune gapping or alter ball flight depending on conditions pre round.

Most of my testing was conducted using the standard loft and lie setting, though I did hit shots at both the highest and lowest lofts to compare height, spin and distance. You can see the results in the table below. Interestingly I was hitting it slightly further on the higher loft setting than the standard. The significant difference in performance from the same club based on adjustments though really gives it an edge over much of the competition, as you can quite literally tailor this club to meet whatever gapping distance you need from a hybrid.

As you can see from the above data, I’m not a particularly long hitter and would expect to carry an 18° hybrid around 175-yards. In the standard setting, the Optm delivered a slight increase in ball speed compared to other hybrids I’ve tested recently, but that didn’t translate into extra distance due to a higher spin rate.

That isn’t a negative for me. In fact, I was delighted with the performance. Carry distance was right where I’d expect it to be, and the higher spin produced a strong, high flight with a soft landing. Distance isn’t my priority with a hybrid as I would argue that forgiveness, versatility, gapping, control and stopping power matter far more. One slight drawback was that the performance out of the rough wasn't quite on point, but conditions were difficult when I tested so that didn't help.

At $299/£249 I would say the Cobra Optm hybrid offers good value for money as it is a very playable and adaptable hybrid. While higher-handicap golfers may prefer a larger footprint for maximum forgiveness, those who value consistency, a controlled high flight and plenty of adjustability should find a lot to like in the Cobra Optm hybrid.

The Optm hybrids are offered in 3H (19°), 4H (21°), 5H (24°) and 6H (28°), paired with KBS PG Hybrid graphite shafts in 85g (stiff), 75g (regular) and 65g (A-flex). The Optm Women’s Hybrid range is available in 4H (21°), 5H (24°), 6H (28°) and 7H (31°), fitted with KBS PG Hybrid 55g graphite shafts in ladies flex.