50 Words or Less
Designed to maximize forgiveness across the face, the Cobra KING SPEEDZONE XTREME driver delivers consistent performance with a distinctive look.
Introduction
Depending on context, the infinity symbol can evoke a lot of different thoughts. The concept of limitless always comes to mind anytime I gaze out at the seemingly endless horizon of the ocean. Examining the milled lines on the face of the Cobra KING SPEEDZONE XTREME driver as they passed the edges, imagery of the disappearing ocean emerged – it was time for the two to meet.
Looks
Although the face looks bright, it’s just the result of capturing the right angle for exposing the intricate CNC milling and infinity symbol. In normal conditions the face is dark and the milling subtle. The black gloss crown also reveals a few speckles and the carbon composite construction in the right light. I like how the red and yellow pin striping give the large head definition.
The color scheme continues more prominently on the sole. The badging is bold without looking busy. If the tail of the KING SPEEDZONE XTREME driver head reminds you of exhaust pipes on a sports car, congratulations, that’s exactly what the Cobra designers had in mind. Similar to the F9 Speedback, the driver is also available in a matte black and white combination.
Sound & Feel
I’ve come to really appreciate the distinctive but not attention getting sound of the Cobra KING SPEEDZONE XTREME driver. Metallic with a slightly hollow tone, the sound is loudish, maybe a medium plus on a simple volume scale. Initially I thought the driver lacked feel, which aligned with a max forgiveness club, until I caught one inside the infinity circle – pure satisfaction.
Performance
I’ve played a 10.5 degree driver for as long as I can remember, and my initial results with the 9 degree driver were, not surprisingly, mediocre. Adding loft with the MyFly hosel adjustment system was super simple and intuitive, and I immediately achieved a launch angle that better fit my swing. I had never spent significant time with a Mitsubishi Tensei CK AV Blue shaft but am now a huge fan. Looking over the other 3 stock offerings for the KING SPEEDZONE XTREME driver, Cobra has truly given golfers premium shaft options.
Reviewing my launch monitor data with Jay Marino, master club fitter at Club Champion, two performance factors stood out – power and forgiveness. Digging deeper, these factors go hand in hand in terms of efficiency and consistency. Smash factor was amazingly consistent and high, even with significant off-center strikes.
Cobra breaks down their performance attributes into 6 zones [power, strength, light, low cg, aero and stability] with various analogies to race cars, but it really boils down to construction. Titanium for a strong chassis, 360 Carbon Wrap for weight savings, and weight positioning for a low center of gravity. Mix in optimized aerodynamics and the infinity face, and the KING SPEEDZONE XTREME driver is a reliable workhorse.
Conclusion
Much like early explorers were rewarded for pushing towards the horizon, Cobra’s pursuit of a fully CNC milled face seems to have hit the power jackpot. Cobra designers also focused on overall construction details of the KING SPEEDZONE XTREME to produce their highest MOI driver to date. Cobra has set the bar for 2020 drivers high.
Cobra KING SPEEDZONE XTREME Driver Price & Specs
Matt Meeker
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Have the F9 Speedback driver and hit more fairways ever w great overall distance especially on off-center hits. Looking forward to hitting the 2020 version.
How does it compare to the F9? Is it worth the upgrade?
The question of “worth it” between concurrent model years is always a tough one Bruce. The XTREME is a more forgiving version of the SPEEDZONE which should be more in line with the F9. The true answer lies with hitting all three and seeing if the results warrant the cost of the latest version.
– Meeks
Thank you for the review. I wonder how you compare this to the new Cleveland Launcher Turbo driver? They seem to be after the same golfing crowd!? Thank you.
Great question/observation Chris. It really comes down to performance for the individual. If the stock Launcher Turbo performs well and say equally to the XTREME, there’s a $100 savings to be had. For some, having the ability to dial in performance with the hosel may be worth the extra money. And of course, some people want to be like Ricky.
– Meeks
The difference between the F9 and the SpeedZone are minimal from the comparisons I’ve read and seen. Cobra has made two outstanding drivers in 2019 & 2020. I’m going with the Cleveland Launcher Turbo for 2020. It was very forgiving and longer than their driver from last year. The Miyazaki counter balanced shaft gives this driver a smooth feel and added club head speed without extra effort. I apologize for the review, but for the price IMHO this driver should be in the top 5 for 2020.
i had the f9 and now the speedzone for just about 200 hits….i can say the speedzone is way way more consistent. the f9 for me was fairly inconsistent especially toward toe hits… last night on about 50 range balls they all landed within 5 yards deep of each other and 39 yard dispersion. the side view of all the shots looked identical. im a 1 cap but this is better than my ping g400 lst and certainly the f9. i would say i dont think the speedzone is miraculously long or anything. just long and consistent. also the top profile sitting at address is the best ive ever had in a driver. it almost looks set open as opposed to f9. love it.
Just a heads up. That is not the CK shaft, thats the new AV shaft. Very similar, but with quite a few improvements over the original CK series.
Mitsubishi Tensei CK AV Blue just to be clear.
– Meeks
Ryan you’re right. The CK and AV are completely different series. There is no CK AV, its one or the other
Joe,
This is straight off the Cobra Spec sheet they provided me: “Tensei CK AV Blue 65”. Actual photo shows AV. We’ll have to check the Cobra website when the product goes live.
– Meeks
Great review Matt . I have been holding off to get fit for a driver until I saw cobra offering.
Thanks,robin.
How do you find the forgiveness compared to last years F9?
The XTREME of this review definitely has more forgiveness than the F9.
– Meeks
Great review. Thanks for your time in putting these together. I’ll be testing this as an option for my next driver.
Great review Matt. Thanks. My swing speed is close to yours so I like to read your reviews.
In summary, those who bought the King F9 have no real need to upgrade to the King Speedzone, but golfers that put off buying it will be pleased with what the King SZ offers overall – a driver that competes with the very best but without the top-end price tag.
Read most reviews on f9 driver and sz… there is no mention of any advantage on the sz driver.. except the wrap milled face on the sz .. got the f8 driver and its shredding balls hit on the outer edge of the milled face.
Hi getting a SZ Xtreme this month and have heard they might not wear as well as TM or Callaway. have you heard anything/ Also would matte be a better lasting than glossy ( I like the red/yellow better).
Thanks,
Scott
First off, congrats on getting a new club Scott. I have not heard anything, good or bad, regarding wear on any of the brands. I’d go with the finish/color that you prefer.
– Meeks
Hi I was looking to buy the ping g410 or Callaway Mavrik driver but the cobra speed zone gets great reviews in overall performance. How would you rate the cobra sz against the two I’ve mentioned? Thanks
I already have the new cobra king Forged Tec Irons and love them
All those are great drivers Campbell. The key is testing them and seeing which one performs and feels best for you.
– Meeks
Hi,
I have been hitting an F6 for four years now and actually love it. I take it getting the Speedzone or XTREME driver would be a nice upgrade? The question is which one. As a mid-upper handicapper, I should still expect to gain distance over my F6 with the Xtreme even though it is more forgiving. Is this a fair statement? Thanks.
That is a fair statement, but breaking up with something you love is always a tough decision. The best way to know for sure is to hit yours side by side with the new offerings and see any performance differences yourself. And always remember its the combo of shaft and head.
– Meeks
Love Cobra, but went with the Cleveland HB Turbo and I’m very happy I did..
The F9 seems to be in high demand. There are so few available. All I could find in new were 12 degree. I hit my Callaway Rogue at 9.5. Since I have Cobra irons, wood, and hybrids, I am partial to the brand. In looking at reviews of top brands, I will likely go with the SZ Extreme.
which shaft would you recommend for a 70 year old with a swing speed of about 80 I guess never had it done, out of the 2 stock shafts
There are four stock shafts Danny, but regardless, we can’t – and don’t- provide recommendations on shafts. I will state Cobra offers the Helium shaft with you in mind.
– Meeks
Danny, I am a little late on this but I have used the Cobra F9 fairway woods for 2 years with the UST Mamiya Helium shafts and have absolutely loved how they play and hit. I have tried the Helium shafts in a couple of drivers, Ping K15 and a Tour Edge E521, without as much satisfaction. I am 72 and, of course, my swing speed is getting slower but the Helium shaft is light but very stable in my fairway woods. I recommend them highly.
I just put a Cobra Speedzone Extreme in my golf bag! Time to see what this big dog can do!!