The 'high MOI' (Moment of Inertia) driver sector has become the fiercest battleground in golf equipment, and looking to rival some of the best golf drivers out there, Cobra is introducing its latest contender.
WATCH: Joe and Sam test all the new Cobra Optm drivers in the Performance Lab
Every manufacturer is currently racing to hit that magic 10K inertia number to promise golfers straighter drives, and with the release of the Optm Max-K, Cobra hasn’t just entered this crowded arena; it has attempted to redefine the geometry of forgiveness entirely.
Cobra’s headline claim with the Optm Max-K is audacious: it calls it the "most stable driver in golf," citing a combined 3-axis MOI of 13K.
While most brands focus solely on horizontal and vertical MOI, Cobra has optimized a lesser-known metric called POI (Product of Inertia).
By reducing POI by over 50% and utilizing strategic weighting, Cobra aims to minimize the "gear effect" that causes twisting on off-center hits. The head features a fixed 11g back weight to drag the Center of Gravity (CG) low and deep, paired with the H.O.T. Face technology - a variable thickness insert designed to maintain ball speeds across the face.
In terms of looks, the Optm Max-K strikes a distinct balance between modern tech and classic cool. I think the black and grey colorway (officially gloss black carbon with silver accents) is clean and sophisticated. It avoids the overly busy graphics that I find off-putting in many models, sitting aggressively but elegantly behind the ball.
On the course, the stability is immediately apparent. The dispersion numbers with the Optm Max-K were remarkably tight for me - perhaps more so than any other driver I have tried this year.
The 13K MOI story in this model isn't just marketing fluff; the resistance to twisting on toe or heel strikes is palpable. Cobra claims this leads to 82% more playable drives compared to the previous DS-Adapt model, and my testing supports that sensation of security.
However, there is a trade-off that I noticed while testing on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor...
While the forgiveness is exemplary, I found it lacks a little in the delivery of ball speed compared to some of its main competitors. It is not a vast difference - we aren't talking about losing 10 yards - but a couple of mph slower ball speed over the course of a season can add up for players who rely on every ounce of distance.
The Optm Max-K is an engineering success that solves a specific problem: keeping the ball in play. It effectively reduces side spin and straightens out miss-hits via that massive MOI and low POI combination.
If you are willing to trade a tiny fraction of absolute top-end speed for the peace of mind that comes with hitting more fairways, this is the driver for you.
The Cobra Optm Max-K will be retailing for £479/$599.
