50 Words or Less
The Cobra KING F9 Speedback hybrid is one of the best iron-replacement hybrids I’ve tested. Consistent distance with plenty of spin to hold greens.
Introduction
With so much emphasis on distance, it’s easy to forget that hybrids were first conceived of as a replacement for long irons. The KING F9 Speedback hybrid shows that Cobra hasn’t forgotten, because it’s a stellar stand in for that hard-to-hit 3I or 4I.
Looks
The Cobra KING F9 Speedback hybrid has a large, symmetrical shape at address. In comparison to the F8 hybrid, the F9 is 10% bigger, but it ditches the crown graphics for a clean matte black look with a Cobra alignment aid.
The variable length version of the KING F9 has a black and red color scheme that’s carried from the sole through the head cover. The F9’s sole has a lot more visual interest than your average hybrid with a red weight and silver rails.
Sound & Feel
At impact, the Cobra KING F9 hybrid is surprisingly quiet. There’s a small, metallic “tink” when you strike the ball perfectly, but that sound disappears when you stray from the center. The feel of impact is very solid; not what I expected from such a large hybrid.
That small audio difference between pure and mishit shots is the extent of the audio feedback from the F9. Your hands will feel the difference between good strikes and big mishits, but this is a club that’s designed for stability over precision feedback.
Performance
Distance sells. That’s Golf Marketing 101. However, when you’re staring at a long par 3, you don’t need crazy, brain-melting distance; you need predictable distance with the right amount of spin. That’s exactly what the Cobra KING F9 Speedback hybrid does.
In my testing, the F9 hybrid delivered fairly high ball speed that was consistent from shot to shot. The spin was in line with the iron that the hybrid would replace. It was not so high that shots would balloon, but it was high enough that they would hold a green.
Critically, I did not see any shots that went much longer than expected. Those unexpected rocket shots are what keep many players – myself included – from swapping out an iron for a hybrid. Cobra seems to have removed that concern which makes me much more likely to bag one of these in place of my 4I.
Finally, the F9 hybrid features Cobra’s Baffler Rails. I always find myself conflicted when discussing sole rails. Many times, as with the F9, I do get the sense that they improve turf interaction and help to save fat shots. Then I wonder if it’s a placebo, and I’m just paying more attention to turf interaction because of the rails. I may never get a definitive answer, but I can say that the F9 produced very acceptable results from some chunky impacts.
Conclusion
If you like to use your hybrids as precision instruments, you should go demo the Cobra KING F9 Speedback hybrids. These are perfect long iron replacements because they provide consistent distance and green-holding spin.
Cobra KING F9 Speedback Hybrid Price & Specs
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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18 Comments
Good review, Matt. I want to try the entire line of F9 products. When will we see a review on the F9 driver and/or irons?
John,
We will have more F9 reviews in the coming weeks.
Best,
Matt
Do you prefer the PING G410 hybrid or F9 more overall? Thanks.
Ryan,
It really depends how you’re going to use it. Subjectively, I have a slight preference for the PING because of my history and comfort with the brand, but I’d have no problem bagging the F9 in the right situation.
Best,
Matt
Excellent explanation. Thank you! Would you say in terms of just dispersion of shots, was the g410 more accurate in that regard?
Ryan,
I don’t have the data to say. I tested the two clubs at different lofts and one had a shaft that was a far better fit for me.
-Matt
Hi Matt,
How do these compare to the F8 model from last season? For a mid-handicapper who struggles to find the sweet spot, would you rate this or the Tour Edge EXS as more forgiving? Is the EXS as predictable in distance as the F9 or does it have the rocket shots you referred to?
Brandon,
I didn’t test the F8, so I can’t offer you a comparison there.
The EXS is not nearly as high spinning as the F9, so it’s longer and has more potential for those extra long shots.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Nice review. May i know from your testing if the f9 has a strong draw bias? thank you!
Mio
Mio,
Thank you. No, I would not say that the F9 has a strong draw bias.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt,
On my GC4 I keep getting a 2* open club face at impact with the F9 4H. Did you experience this?
I have a KBS Hybrid Prototype 75 R. My swing speed is 95 mph.
Thanks,
Shawn
Shawn,
No, I saw my normal range of face angles.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
How would you compare this F9 hybrid compared to the Mizuno CLK hybrid? Seems like similar address looks from pics (maybe the F9 a bit larger?). I don’t have the opportunity to try the CLK in person. From the reviews you seem to like you like both as consistent performers rather than distance oriented hybrids. I prefer point and shoot straight results rather than working the ball so wondering what you’d recommend or if you had a preference between these 2.
Thanks!
Lee
Lee,
My preference is for the F9, I was quite impressed with both versions of it.
Best,
Matt
How do you compare the f9 to the F7 they seem really similar in overall design. Shaft offering are different but that aside any really difference
Brian,
I don’t have much experience with the F7, so I can’t offer a comparison.
Best,
Matt
Hi, I’m looking for a hybrid that will be my second longest club because I prefer to not carry woods. Do you think this has the distance to do that. The main use of this in my bag would be for Par 5’s and long par 4 or even off the tee. Do you think this club could do the job?
Sandro,
Potentially, yes. The only way to know for sure is to test it. There are a lot of great hybrids out there and a good fitter can help you find the best one for you.
-Matt