Cobra is one of the biggest names in golf known for producing some of the best drivers, fairways and irons on the market. But for those just starting their journey in the game, it can be hard to justify purchasing a whole bag of premium equipment given you're not really sure what you need. This is where the Cobra Fly XL package set could be a great option.
Package sets are extremely useful for those who need all the requisite clubs for a cheaper price. While they don't quite match the visual or performance benchmarks of the premium ranges seen out on tour, it's a small compromise to make and based on the testing I've done on the Cobra Fly XL package set, the gap looks to be closing.
Much like all of the best golf package sets, the Cobra Fly XL set looks the part. I was thoroughly impressed with how good these clubs looked when taking them out of the wrapper and even more so to discover this set retails at only £699. Cobra has produced some really good looking products as of late, such as the Darkspeed X driver and King Tec hybrid, and so it’s good to see some consideration has gone into the brand's package set offering.
So what is included in the set? Well to start with you get a really sturdy, lightweight stand bag with a 5-way divider, fleece-lined valuables pocket and a matching rain hood for those who like to play come rain or shine. Having a solid stand bag is a non-negotiable for me and the Cobra bag included in this set has proven to be just as sturdy as some of the best stand bags on the market.
Included in the set are 10 clubs and at the top end of the bag you have a 10.5° titanium driver, which is oversized to really help boost confidence behind the ball. This driver has been stretched to make it as large as legally allowed, like all of the most forgiving drivers. There has been a real trend in creating maximum forgiveness with drivers this year from the likes of the Ping G430 Max 10k, TaylorMade Qi10 Max and PXG Black Ops drivers all looking to maximise stability across the clubface. The back weight on this Cobra driver also drags the center of gravity backwards, making this driver extremely easy to launch. In testing I found the acoustics are fairly loud and ‘tinny’ but it does make this driver sound powerful through impact, which will also boost the user's confidence.
To offer alternatives from the tee, this package set includes a 5-wood and hybrid, both of which are made from stainless steel and feature the same rear weight found on the driver to maximise launch and increase forgiveness. I found them really easy to hit, even from the rough and the high ball flight is something I think all golfers will love, especially when playing into the green from distance. The choice of a 5-wood over a 3-wood to be included in this set is a smart one as the extra loft on the face will benefit most golfers opting to purchase this set that lack swing speed or ball-striking prowess.
The irons were really impressive and I seriously think they would give some of the most forgiving irons a run for their money. Included in the set is a 6-iron through to pitching wedge and an additional sand wedge to help out around the greens. The thick topline makes these irons look so easy to hit and they felt really hot when striking the ball, which was confirmed by how far the ball was carrying. The cavity back design made my bad shots stay relatively straight more often than not and I didn’t see a big drop off in distance when I didn’t quite strike one how I would have liked.
The sand wedge was just as bulky in design as the irons which is exactly what golfers just starting would want to see and the wide sole made hitting basic chip shots very easy. There wasn’t the spin or control you would expect to see from some of the best golf wedges and opening the face up to hit higher shots introduced too much bounce, resulting in a lot of attempts flying out to the other side of the green, but once again, not many beginners will probably look to try and execute this type of high-tariff shot, so it won't be an issue.
As with quite a few package sets we've tested recently, the putter let the rest of the clubs down somewhat. It’s a very large head for a blade putter, yet it just didn’t sit quite as well behind the ball. It did feel much better than I was expecting off the face thanks to the milling, helping the ball roll solidly with a slightly soft feel. Overall, its design made getting the pace right from distance fairly straightforward. I do feel as though a putter in the shape of one of the best mallet style putters rather than a blade putter would be more beneficial for beginners though due to the increased MOI and forgiveness.
Overall this package set is a superb option for those new to the game and may just top the list as one of the best golf sets for beginners. For the amount of clubs included combined with the quality and user-friendly performance, the Cobra Fly XL package set is one I would recommend to anyone taking up the game and in need of a new set of clubs without breaking the bank.
