Our Honest Review: Cobra RADSPEED XB Driver

Cobra’s new RADSPEED line of drivers came in a set of three: RADSPEED, RADSPEED XD, and RADSPEED XB. The RADSPEED is great for low spin for high swing speeds. The RADSPEED XD is great for slicers and pushers. And, lastly, the RADSPEED XB is great for overall distance and forgiveness for slow to moderate swing speeds.

I just posted a review of the Cobra RADSPEED XD driver. The Cobra RADSPEED XB driver is literally the exact same driver, except with no draw bias like the XD has. So, this is going to be a very similar review to the one that I already posted, but here it goes anyway.

Here’s our honest overview & review of the Cobra RADSPEED XB driver. Enjoy.

Overall Look & Performance

In general, the Cobra RADSPEED line of drivers has a great look at address and while in your bag.

The name XB (Xtreme Back) makes sense if you check out the sole of the driver head. All of the weight is placed low and near the back of the club head. In simple terms, this results in forgiving, high launch drives that the majority of golfers (slow and moderate swing speeeds) benefit from.

Performance wise, the Cobra RADSPEED XB driver is a great driver for those looking for more forgiveness and overall distance, without a large draw bias. If you want the large draw bias, then go with the XD instead, as it’s practically the same driver but with a draw bias added. If forgiveness & distance is all that you want, this is the one for you.

Truthfully, it’s nearly impossible to tell you with certainty what driver will be the best for you and your swing. I can tell you in general terms, but I can’t tell you specific recommendations without seeing your swing and seeing your launch numbers. Therefore, go and get professionally fitted for clubs if you can afford the cost. It will be well worth it – far better than some internet stranger like myself giving you general information.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• the best combination for a large percentage of golfers: added forgiveness, high launch, and great distance
• not stuck in a draw biased position forever like the XD (otherwise, the exact same drivers practically)
• great sound & feel on club face at impact
• lower priced than other brands’ drivers this year ($50-$80 less than Callaway and Ping models)
• comes from a great brand that doesn’t oversaturate the market & devalue their old clubs every 6 months
• comes with Cobra Connect smart grip by Arccos, which can be tracked on their app

Cons

• more difficult to close the club face at impact than the XD (small difference, though, and not a problem for many golfers anyway)
• still expensive for a driver. Spending $450 on one club just doesn’t sit right with me, truthfully
• may be too spinny for those with fast swing speeds (100 mph), but not always the case. Depends on launch angle and ball speed

Who the RADSPEED XB is Best For

The Cobra RADSPEED XB is simply best for a golfer looking for two thing: distance and forgiveness on their mishits.

If you always miss right, then I’d recommend the XD instead. But if you miss left and right pretty evenly, then I’d recommend the XB. If you know for a fact that you generate too much backspin on your drives, then I’d recommend 1) trying to fix it through your swing first and 2) getting the original RADSPEED if that doesn’t help.

Compared to Other RADSPEED Drivers

Basically, the RADSPEED XB driver is the exact same driver as the RADSPEED driver, but with the weight simply shifted to the back to increase launch and forgiveness. And the XB driver is basically the same driver as the XD driver, but without the heel positioned weight that adds a draw-bias.

In general, the Cobra RADSPEED XB driver will be:

• more forgiving than the RADSPEED
• higher launch than the RADSPEED
• longer than the RADSPEED for the majority of swing speeds (slow and average swing speeds)
• similar forgiveness, launch angle, and distance as the RADSPEED XD
• less draw biased than the RADSPEED XD
• more glossy black than the matte black RADSPEED crown

Lower Priced, Similar Driver

If you want a driver very similar to the Cobra RADSPEED XB but without having to spend $450, then consider the Callaway XR16 driver. Both of these are simply great forgiving, high launch, great distance drivers. One costs $450 brand new, and you can get the other for like $150 in great, used condition. The price difference is pretty significant, and the performance difference is minimal at best, truthfully. So why not save your money on the driver and spend your savings on a proper PGA pro lesson? That’s what I’m saying.

Well, that’s it for my review of the Cobra RADSPEED XB driver. If you have any comments, leave them below!