After what felt like a period of stagnation for Cobra with the DS-Adapt range last season - where traction seemed to stall both on professional tours and at retail - the brand has returned with a bold new narrative centered on advanced physics.
WATCH: Joe and Sam test all the new Cobra Optm drivers in the Performance Lab
I have been thoroughly testing the new Cobra Optm LS driver to see if Cobra can get back amongst the best golf driver conversations.
The headline story for the new Optm family is the optimization of "POI" (Product of Inertia) alongside the traditional MOI (Moment of Inertia) measurements. While most manufacturers focus heavily on MOI for forgiveness, Cobra engineers are now emphasizing POI, a lesser-known measurement that accounts for club rotation across all three axes (horizontal, vertical, and toe up/down) during off-center hits.
Cobra claims that by using supercomputing and A.I. methods, it has created a "design harmony" that maximizes MOI while reducing POI. The theoretical result is a dramatic reduction in the gear effect, which should lead to up to 23% tighter dispersion and straighter off-center shots.
Specifically, the Optm LS (Low Spin) model packs this technology into a compact head shape designed for faster players seeking maximum speed and control. It features an advanced descending weight system with three adjustable weights (11g, 7g, and 3g). These can be positioned to tune trajectory for neutral, draw-biased, or fade-biased flights.
Additionally, the forged H.O.T. Face technology returns, utilizing variable thickness to maintain ball speeds on mishits.
Out of the box, the Optm LS strikes a sophisticated and contemporary pose. The gloss black carbon crown gives it a premium, stealthy aesthetic that looks high-quality on the rack.
However, once set behind the ball, the shaping becomes a bit of a polarizing "love it or hate it" scenario.
The profile is somewhat asymmetric and distinctly triangular. For players who prefer a traditional, softer, and more rounded profile (like me), this angular look might be jarring. While the compact footprint appeals to the better player, the specific geometry did not suit my eye during testing, lacking the classic curvature found in some rival drivers.
I tested the Optm LS using my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor to see if the new POI optimizations translated to raw numbers.
In terms of pure output, the Optm LS sat very much in the middle of the pack regarding ball speed and carry distance compared to other low-spin drivers I have tested this year. While the H.O.T. Face technology promises robust distance across the face, I didn't see the jump in ball speed I was hoping for to separate it from the competition.
Where the driver did shine, however, was in its stability.
The previous generation's low-spin model could be a touch volatile, particularly with left-to-right dispersion. The Optm LS felt significantly more controlled. The engineering focus on reducing POI seems to have merit here; the clubhead felt stable through impact, and the dispersion was noticeably tighter than the DS-Adapt LS.
It delivered on the promise of reducing side spin on off-center hits, making it a more playable option for the faster swinger who fears the big miss.
The adjustability is also a strong point. The "FutureFit33" hosel allows for loft and lie adjustments of +/- 2 degrees independent of lie and face angle, which, combined with the moveable weights, offers a high degree of customization.
The Cobra Optm LS is a good, solid low-spin driver option that marks a definite step forward in stability compared to its predecessor. The inclusion of POI optimization offers a genuine technical benefit for keeping the ball in play.
However, for me, Cobra still needs to do more to bridge the performance gap between them and the traditional "big four." While the stability is improved and the value for money compelling, the polarizing shape and middle-of-the-road distance numbers mean it might struggle to unseat the current market leaders in the bags of the most demanding golfers.
The Cobra Optm LS driver will be retailing for £479/$599.
