Cobra Strikes At Heart of CG

 

 

Many golfers would pay a small fortune if they could quickly redistribute weight to where it is most needed. Well, now they can — and without Weight Watchers or a Bowflex machine.

The Cobra Fly-Z+ driver allows golfers to move a 15-gram weight in the sole of the club to the front or back to manipulate the launch angle of their shot. Set in the rear, the weight provides additonal spin for a higher ballflight and maximized carry. Moved to the front and the driver creates a lower and more boring flight with minimal spin.

This so-called center of gravity (CG), and precisely where it is located, is a primary buzz term in the golf club industry. 

Cobra refers to its front or back weight adjustability feature as FlipZone technology. It is the company’s response to the current debate on whether a forward center of gravity position is more beneficial than the more conventional belief that a rear location – away from the clubface – is more advantageous.

When golf’s premier touring professionals have differing opinions on the topic, Cobra has wisely left the decision to individual golfers rather than impose their will – as have some other well-known manufacturers. 

Cobra offers three versions of the Fly-Z driver. Frankly, we’re not sure what the Z stands for, though the weight adjustability feature of the Z+ is a Zippy process. Along with the top-end Z+, additional models include the Fly-Z and the Fly-Z XL.

Only the Z+ offers the FlipZone technology. All models, however, have incorporated – brace for more marketing-speak – Cobra’s Speed Channel. In simplicity, it is a subtle trench or indentation around the entire perimeter of the clubface, allowing for a thinner face, faster swing speeds and, yes, the additional distance off the tee that every golfer strives to achieve. 

The Fly-Z+ hosel can quickly be converted for eight different loft settings that range from 9- to 12-degrees. Initial color options include black, white, blue, orange and red. A Matrix VLCT SP shaft comes standard but multiple premium shaft choices, at no additional cost, include the Aldila Tour Green, Aldila Tour Blue, and Matrix White Tie.

The standard Fly-Z driver is designed with a fixed CG that is low and in the back of the club. The target market for the Fly-Z are players in the 5-25 handicap range looking for a mix of maximum distance balanced with forgiveness on off-center hits on its 460cc face profile. The Fly-Z is also available in a women’s model that is optimized for slower swing speeds. It is available in raspberry, silver and ultramarine colors.

Cobra’s third offering in the series is the Fly-Z XL. Its offset clubhead design is most beneficial for high handicap golfers needing assistance with an intensified fade (i.e. slice). Swings still in need of significant instruction can, nevertheless, manage straight shots and even draws on tee shots with the XL’s built-in game assistance features.