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Here I’ll be fully reviewing the Cobra Fly-Z XL game-improvement hybrid.
Part of the Fly-Z XL family of clubs (full irons review here), the Fly-Z XL aims to produce superb distance and high-launching forgiveness for the higher handicapper.
So, how well does the Fly-Z XL live up to its performance claims? Is it worth it? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about it 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?
The Fly-Z XL hybrid has high average consumer ratings: 4.5/5 on Global Golf, 5/5 on Golfsmith, 4.5/5 on Rock Bottom Golf, and positive verdicts from critics.
The club has been praised for its easy high and straight ball flight. It really is a best friend to the beginner or high handicapper looking for forgiveness.
What are the features?
Crown Zone Weighting
Like the fairway wood in the same family, the Fly-Z XL hybrid features a low and back center of gravity achieved through Crown Zone Weighting which takes weight away from the crown and moves it low and back in the head.
This results in a higher launch and higher moment of inertia (MOI) for increased forgiveness on off-center strikes.
Speed Channel Face
Also contributing to the distance and forgiveness of the Fly-Z XL is Cobra’s Speed Channel Face.
The Speed Channel Face is an engineered trench that surrounds the clubface. It reduces the thickness of the face, increasing face flexion at impact and thus producing faster ball speeds all across the face.
Offset Design
Another characteristic feature of the Fly-Z XL hybrid is an offset design that helps players more easily square the clubface at impact for a straighter ball flight. This will be discussed more later in the review.
Stock Info
The stock shaft and grip offered with the Fly-Z XL hybrid are the Fly-Z XL Graphite and Cobra Lamkin REL, respectively.
The specs of the Fly-Z XL hybrid are tabulated below. More information on related shafts and grips can be found on the official Cobra website.
Model | Loft | Length | Swing Weight | Stock Flex | RH/LH |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3H | 19° | 40" | D2, D2, D2 | S, R, Lite | RH/LH |
4H | 22° | 39.5" | D2, D2, D2 | S, R, Lite | RH/LH |
5H | 25° | 39" | D2, D2, D2 | S, R, Lite | RH/LH |
6H | 28° | 38.5" | D2, D2, D2 | S, R, Lite | RH/LH |
7H | 31° | 38" | D2, D2, D2 | S, R, Lite | RH/LH |
How does the hybrid perform?
Distance
I found distance results to be very good overall.
Some might not be as satisfied as others when it comes to distance because the Fly-Z XL hybrid tends to produce higher ball flights that what you would otherwise hit. This means that strong swingers with already high trajectories may hit it too high with the Fly-Z XL and end up losing distance.
Conversely, natural low-fighters will likely get the height boost they need to significantly increase their distance.
It might not have the absolute hottest club face on the market, but it definitely doesn’t lack in the distance department either.
Forgiveness
The Fly-Z XL has excellent forgiveness both in terms of ball speed and direction.
The Crown Zone Weighting and Speed Channel result in minimal distance loss on mishits, and the offset helps with hitting it solid.
During my tests, I found it easy to produce very repeatable shots; even my mishit flights were impressively similar to each other (and not disastrous either).
Overall, I would say this is definitely one of the most forgiving hybrids out there right now.
Ball Flight/Playability
The Fly-Z XL is a really consistent flighter — high and straight is the typical trajectory produced, which means that if you struggle with getting height on your shots and/or tend to curve the ball, you’re very likely to get a lot out of this hybrid.
Of course, the natural consequence of this forgiveness is reduced workability, which is something you should keep in mind if you’re looking to shape shots.
Because it’s easy to get the ball up in the air, the Fly-Z XL hybrid is very playable out of most lies including rough, fairway bunkers and short grass.
What about look, sound & feel?
The Look
The Fly-Z XL hybrid has a moderate footprint that is just right — not too small but not too large either.
It’s fairly pear-shaped with some roundness and symmetry. The face is medium-deep and the offset is decent.
The shiny black crown features a Cobra logo that serves as a simple alignment aid. The sole features a solid design with some straightforward labeling.
It’s a good look, and I personally think the club looks terrific over the ball at address.
The Sound & Feel
The Fly-Z XL produces somewhat of a “neutral” sound at impact: a tight metallic sound that isn’t terribly explosive, quiet or solid.
Feel, on the other hand, does tend to be a little explosive. Other words to describe it are jumpy, solid and responsive. This feeling diminishes as you move away from the sweet spot but is still present to a degree.
What I particularly like is how the (quite satisfying) sound and feel of solid strikes really builds confidence and helps encourage players to make consistently solid contact.
Where should you buy this hybrid online?
The best place to find new and used Fly-Z XL hybrids with different lofts and shafts at the lowest prices is eBay.
They can also be purchased on Global Golf, but this opportunity may disappear soon. Check their current coupon codes to see what you can knock off the price.
Note that the Fly-Z XL hybrid can often be found as part of a combo set with irons.
Conclusion
Pros
- easy to launch up in the air
- solid sound and feel
- helps straighten out slices
- forgives off-center hits
- very affordable
Cons
- natural high-hitters may lose distance with the Fly-Z XL
- somewhat of a one-trick pony that is difficult to shape shots with
Classification: Game-Improvement
Best suited for: Beginners and higher handicaps who are looking for a reliable, forgiving hybrid and could stand to improve their distance through a higher trajectory.
Rating: 4.6/5 (Excellent)
The Fly-Z XL hybrid is a quality offering from Cobra for the high handicapper looking for forgiveness, consistency, a higher ball flight and all-around solidness at a very affordable price point.
If any of this applies to you, you should really think about picking one of these up!
Have any thoughts or questions about the Fly-Z XL hybrid? Be sure to leave them in the comments below!
This hybrid sounds like what I need, my standard of golf needs lot’s of forgiveness and lot, lots more distance. I have heard my golfing friends talk about this club and my response ir “nothing is gunna help a hacker like me”. Do you seriously believe this hybrid will make a difference to my game? Thanks for sharing.
It’s absolutely likely that it will make a difference in your game; it’s designed to heighten your trajectory (most “hacks” suffer from a low ball flight) and forgive mis-hits. That’s not to say it will turn you into a scratch golfer, however, as a game-improvement club is no substitute for a good game. If you like hybrids and are in the market for one, you should give the Fly-Z XL a try. Good luck!
I been playibg with the cobra fly z xl for 3 years . im about a 8 handicap. Should i start looking for different clubs to improve my game or stay with these clubs. F.Y.I. I really love these clubs, especially the 4,5,6 hybrids
Hi Jerry. I think liking and feeling comfortable with clubs is very important. You may be a low-mid handicap, but plenty of low handicappers and even scratch golfers play with game-improvement clubs and excel with them. It’s all about delivering the golfer’s desired results, whether that is trajectory, distance, forgiveness, etc. Now, with that said, the Fly-Z XL clubs are considered super GI clubs, which are designed even more for high handicappers. You have some options:
a) You can try less-forgiving clubs with a higher center of gravity and see how you play with them.
b) You can keep your 4, 5 and 6 hybrids and replace everything else with clubs weighted more towards the better player.
c) You can stay with your current clubs.
If I were you, I would experiment with regular GI or better player irons given your handicap. If you can try other clubs at a golf or pro shop, that would be great. In the long run, you may play better with them, or you may not. Good luck!