Golfstead is reader-supported. When you buy through links on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates.
In this review, I’ll be taking a comprehensive look at the Cobra DARKSPEED MAX driver.
The DARKSPEED MAX is the game-improvement model in the DARKSPEED family, with a large, confidence-inspiring head shape and design that promotes high launch, maximum forgiveness, and a draw bias. Two weight ports in the sole allow for a degree of adjustability.
How does the DARKSPEED MAX driver actually perform when put to the test? How does it compare to its sister models and the AEROJET MAX? Who is it best suited for? Is it worth putting in the bag?
Here’s what will be covered in the review:
Read on to learn what you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Note: Unless otherwise stated, stock shafts and stock grips are used when evaluating this club. In most cases, the golf clubs reviewed on Golfstead are acquired temporarily for testing purposes and are not purchased. The review that follows is based on the personal experience and research of the author. Because everyone’s swing and body are different, results with a particular club may differ from person to person.
What are the reviews like?
A gold medal winner on the 2024 Golf Digest Hot List, the DARKSPEED MAX driver has been received very positively by critics, and it currently has a 5/5 average user rating on the Cobra store.
What People Like
- super strong draw bias for slicers
- easy launch
- solid ball speed
- exceptional forgiveness
What People Don’t Like
- draw bias isn’t for everyone
- very similar to the AEROJET MAX
The Features
The DARKSPEED MAX driver packs the same core features as the DARKSPEED X, namely:
- Aerodynamic Design: the aerodynamics have been refined in the form of a higher crown peak, raised skirt, streamlined face-to-topline radius, and reduced clubface surface area. This is designed to squeeze out as much clubhead speed as possible.
- PWRSHELL L-Cup: this variable-thickness insert is 10% larger than on the AEROJET. It wraps around the carbon fiber sole and maximizes face flexion at impact, resulting in better launch and more distance.
- PWR-BRIDGE: this fully suspended weight bar is positioned lower and more forward than in the AEROJET, leading to even better energy transfer, lower spin, and more ball speed.
- A.I. H.O.T Face: using machine-learned data from thousands of impact simulations, the thickness of the face is optimized in multiple locations for more consistent spin and increased ball speeds across the face. Now, the face design has been updated for greater performance efficiency.
The key differentiating factors of the DARKSPEED MAX are:
- an altered head shape designed to inspire more confidence at address and be even more forgiving
- adjustable weights (12g and 3g default) in the back and heel regions of the sole (like the AEROJET MAX) that allow you to place more focus on forgiveness or draw bias depending on your preference
In addition, like any Cobra club, the purchase of a DARKSPEED MAX driver makes you eligible to receive free Arccos Smart Sensors and a 45-day free trial to the Arccos Caddie app.
Stock Info
The DARKSPEED MAX driver is available in 9°, 10.5°, and 12° standard lofts at 460 CC.
Included is a MyFly adjustable hosel that has eight loft settings: -1.5°, -1°, -1° Draw, STD, STD Draw, +1°, +1° Draw, and +1.5°.
Also available is the women’s DARKSPEED MAX driver with a light blue colorway instead of red. It’s basically the same as the men’s version, but the stock shaft, grip, lengths, etc. are tailored to women to maximize their performance.
Several premium aftermarket shafts are available with the DARKSPEED MAX; the stock options are the UST Mamiya LIN-Q M40X Red and Project X HZRDUS Red CB. The stock grip is the Lamkin Crossline 58R. Custom options are available.
If you’re interested, full information on the driver, shafts, grips and their specs can be found here.
Below are the specs of the DARKSPEED MAX driver. Click or zoom to enlarge.
The Performance
Distance
During my field test, I was getting more or less the same ball speed and clubhead speed numbers with the DARKSPEED MAX as the X model.
I was hoping for a noticeable edge in distance over last year’s AEROJET MAX, but I didn’t see it. I’m not really disappointed by this given that the AEROJET MAX was already a few yards longer than its predecessor, the LTDx MAX.
With the heavier weight back, I was getting about five yards less total distance than the X model. Whether or not you’ll get similar results will depend on how much the launch and spin profile suits your swing.
Forgiveness
With the 12g weight in the back, I found the DARKSPEED MAX driver to be more forgiving across the face than the X model. This is one area where I feel it has an advantage over its predecessor.
On the other hand, with the 12g weight in the heel, I found forgiveness to be similar to the backweighted configuration of the X model, albeit with a substantial draw bias.
In any case, I wasn’t expecting a big jump in forgiveness going into my test given that the weighting and shape of the driver isn’t significantly different from the DARKSPEED X.
Playability
Strangely enough, I was actually getting a slightly lower launch (by about 1°) with the MAX compared to the X — this is despite Cobra classifying the launch as the highest in the DARKSPEED line. I had this same experience with the AEROJET MAX.
The spin generated by the MAX is maybe 150-200 RPMs higher than the X. However, because of the lower launch angle, the ball flights ended up being similar in my case.
Even with the heavier weight back, the driver still produces a noticeable draw bias; putting the heavier weight in the heel typically adds an additional 6-7 yards of draw bias. I found the potential draw bias of the AEROJET MAX to be a little higher, but this is still a very effective slice mitigator.
The driver comes default with 12g and 3g weights, but weights up to 16g can be purchased separately. You can also use the MyFly hosel to add loft, remove loft, or introduce additional draw bias.
The Look
The DARKSPEED MAX driver has the same aesthetic theme as the X model. Notable among this is a matte black finish that makes the ball stand out at address and minimizes distractions like reflections and glare.
When it comes to differences, the sole accents of the MAX are red instead of blue. In addition, the rear mass of the club is focused a little more towards the heel, reflecting the driver’s inherent draw bias.
Like the AEROJET MAX, you have one weight port at the back of the sole and another in the heel close to the hosel. The weights can be removed using the included wrench and screwed into the other weight port with an audible “click”.
The driver sits quite clean and square at address, but I would have liked it to appear a little more closed. All things considered, the look isn’t objectively better than the AEROJET, but chances are that if you dislike one, you’ll like the other.
The Sound & Feel
Like the X model, the DARKSPEED MAX boasts a crisp, highly responsive feel at impact, and this is accompanied by a whiplike “crack” sound that is very satisfying.
With the heavier weight in the heel, I find the clarity of feedback and stability of the driver to be similar to the DARKSPEED X, which is to say very good.
With the heavier weight in the heel, feedback is a little more stable and consistent. In this configuration, making off-center contact doesn’t feel much worse than hitting off the sweet spot.
Where To Buy This Driver Online
You can buy the DARKSPEED MAX driver directly from the Cobra store, with the ability to customize length, shaft, grip, loft and more. The women’s version can be found here. Financing is available.
Aside from the Cobra store, another great place to order the DARKSPEED MAX, which allows complete customization control (loft, length, shaft, grip, etc.), is this page at PGA TOUR Superstore.
Not only does PGATS accommodate custom requests for most new driver models, but they also offer financing plans, performance guarantees, and club trade-in programs to help you minimize the financial hit and maximize peace of mind.
If you want to save some money, you can find discounts on eBay. Optionally look at what’s available on Global Golf, which is one of the best used golf equipment stores online.
Final Thoughts
The Cobra DARKSPEED MAX is a great game-improvement driver. Its speed and forgiveness should appeal to high and mid handicappers, and the ample draw bias should go a long way in helping slicers find more fairways.
But aside from the new coat of paint, it’s not much different from last year’s AEROJET MAX.
If there are any performance-related differences to speak of, I would say that it may have a very slight edge in forgiveness and a slightly weaker draw bias. I would have liked to see a higher launch, and it’s a bit disappointing that this hasn’t changed from last year.
If you already game the AEROJET MAX, there isn’t much reason to upgrade unless you’re someone who always has to have the most current model. Otherwise, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.
Are you interested in the Cobra DARKSPEED MAX driver? Have you tried it yet? What’s your experience? Let us know in the comments below.
