When Cobra speaks about the new Optm line, the conversation heavily revolves around a lesser-known measurement called POI (Product of Inertia).
While the golf industry has long chased MOI (forgiveness), Cobra claims to be the first to optimize both MOI and POI to reduce club rotation across all three axes during off-center hits. For the slicer, however, the most important "axis" is usually the one curving the ball into the trees on the right. Enter the Optm Max-D, a model designed specifically to be one of the best drivers for slicers.
WATCH: Joe and Sam test all the new Cobra Optm drivers in the Performance Lab
Aesthetically, Cobra has done a nice job here. The driver features a gloss black carbon crown that looks premium and compact enough to inspire confidence without looking bloated. I really like the overall aesthetic of the driver. The sole design is particularly striking, blending the black carbon with light grey panels and subtle red accent coloring that hints at the power under the hood without being garish.
Often, the trade-off for a heavy draw-bias driver is a face that looks shut or closed at address - a look many golfers find off-putting - but that isn't really the case with this model.
In its standard setting, unlike many draw-biased drivers, it didn’t visually point in any way off to the left (as a right-hander), offering a much more neutral position than some.
This may largely be down to Cobra’s FutureFit33 adjustable hosel and the innovative Smartpad design. The Smartpad allows the face angle to remain square regardless of the loft setting, meaning you can get the benefit of the tech without the visual distraction of a hooked face. The FutureFit33 system itself - introduced last year - is robust, offering 33 unique settings to fine-tune ball flight by +/- 2 degrees.
Under the hood, the Max-D utilizes a fixed 11g heel weight to pull the Center of Gravity (CG) closer to the hosel. This strategic weight placement helps close the clubface quicker in the downswing and get the ball airborne more easily.
I did a lot of my testing on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, and the results were good. In terms of its draw bias, this is right up near the top of the list of anything I have tested this launch season in terms of prevalence.
If you struggle with a slice, the gear effect provided here is substantial. But it isn't just a one-trick pony; the H.O.T. Face Technology - a forged insert designed for improved face flex - ensures that ball speeds remain pretty high even when you miss the center.
The impact feel is a nice combination of 'hot' or quick off the face, coupled with plenty of feedback so you know exactly where you’ve struck it very quickly after strike. The forgiveness on show is ample, likely aided by Cobra's work in balancing high MOI with low POI to minimize twisting.
Overall, when combining aesthetics, tech features, and of course, performance, the Cobra Optm Max-D driver is a compelling option for those in the market for a slice correcting driver that sits slightly under the premium pricing of the big four companies in Titleist, Ping, Callaway and TaylorMade.
The Cobra Optm Max-D driver will be retailing for £479/$599.
