We're under the threat for rain this weekend, so I got home from work and for the yard work taken care of. I got a little wet as a gentle shower came down while I was on the rider. My lawn was driving me crazy, all the neighbors did theirs last week and mine looked like the neighborhood Mohawk.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Morning, MGS. I'm watching LPGA and getting ready for my round, which is actually later than I thought. 1:40pm should be a little slower pace but we have plenty of daylight to get 18 in.
Focus today will be on slowing down, anyway. I've been swinging too fast, reading things too fast and making club selection blunders to save time going back to the cart. Trying to avoid any of that and play slow and comfortable today.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Happy Friday morning y'all! The weekend is here. All in all a hectic work week with a nice little break of 9hole league after work on Tuesday. Practice off the tee has been really paying off with 6/9 fairways hit but approach shots 100-150yds were really hit or miss. So back to the lab it is after work today before the tee time tomorrow.
Just wanted to get a quick post of the bag last night. I took a few more pictures and might or might not wait for everything else before doing a full unboxing post.
In the meantime, I overslept and missed my tee time this morning! 😒
Wow its been almost exactly 4 years to the day 5/17/2019. If I’m not mistaken, I found MGS blog late 2018 and after the Ball Test in beginning of 2019 that brought me to this forum. I have really enjoyed this community, all the engagement. The Users and Mod base have been excellent and it’s clear that you all strive to get some amazing product tests for the community. I’m actively going through my second product test and forget the excitement and frustration of waiting on shipping dates.
Appreciate everyone on here and look forward to the next 500 and beyond.
My first (of probably many) Cobra boxes is supposed to arrive today (its in Georgia!), so anxiously watching the front door cam for the FedEx truck.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Cobra 50th Anniversary Member Special – Official MGS Forum Review by Jnoble89
Hello all!
For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Jason, better known as Jnoble89, and I am thrilled to be participating in the #Cobra50thAnniversary challenge. I am 33 years old, and reside in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin in Reedsburg, with my wife of 8+ years and our two boys, ages 6 and 3. This area of the state is home to some beautiful golf courses, and I proudly call the Reedsburg Country Club home. I do not carry an official handicap yet (working on it), but typically score in the low 100s on 18 holes. If you’d like to follow along with me on that journey, check out my thread here!
I have been playing golf for about 11 years now, but until this season it was very sporadic and probably no more than 15 rounds per year max. I have already played nearly half of that total this year since our season started in April (perks of a full membership at the country club). I am currently a high handicapper, but working hard at lowering that number. My biggest strength lies in my putting and short game approach (8 iron and down), and I am most inconsistent off the tee and on longer irons/fairway wood shots.
But enough about me, let’s get into what you guys really want to hear about, which is what I’ll be looking for this equipment to do in this challenge and what I am hoping to gain from the test. What I am looking for out of the Aerojet lineup is:
1. Will my dispersion and consistency with ball striking improve?
2. What will the ball speed gains/distance gains look like (especially with the irons)?
3. If I can get more consistent on woods and long irons, will it help bring my handicap down to be closer to what my short game is? (IMO, I outplay my current handicap on short game)
4. Will a 5w/7w work better for me than my current 3w setup?
If these clubs accomplish those things, they will be sticking around for a long while in my bag. I have zero experience with Cobra golf clubs, so I am really excited to try a brand I’ve never hit before.
I will be doing most of my testing through range and on course play, but am also going to try to get on a simulator to do side by side numbers testing against my current bag. I don’t have a personal set up, but will be talking to our head pro to see if anyone at the club has something they’d allow me to use.
I am looking forward to competing and having you guys follow along. This one is for all my fellow lefties on the forum! #LeftyGang
THE FITTING
I had my fitting today with Steve Olson, who is a Cobra rep in Wisconsin. Coincidentally, he is also a Lieutenant for the Fond Du Lac PD, and works with my cousin there. Small world! We met at 2pm and I got a loose with my 56° and 7i, and was striking the ball respectably well.
We jumped right in after about 15 balls and Steve handed me my first club, which was a 7i. Right away I could tell it was standard length (I play +1), so was kind of confused but went with it. Expectedly couldn’t hit it to save my life and was wondering what the heck I got myself into. After maybe 3 swings, Steve hands me another one and says “ok, now let’s go with this.” First swing was LASERED to a roughly 160 carry into the wind. Immediately after impact I let out a “WOW” of amazement, and Steve said with some gusto “welcome to COBRA!” He then told me he had me hit one that would have been “off the shelf” and one fitted to me so I could feel the difference as to why fittings are so impactful. I hit a few more but the first set up was literal money. Aerojet 6-GW, +1” and 3° UP, KBS $-taper steel lite. Irons done.
Moved to driver next and all he had in LH was the standard Aerojet & Aerojet LS. I knew I was not a candidate for the LS model, so we left that in the briefcase. Started with the Kai'li Blue 60 and I hit a great shot on the first swing, but the shaft was more active than I like (it felt really whippy, which to me feels unstable). I play a Tensei AV Raw White in my current driver, so he switched me to the Kai'Li White 60, and I much preferred that feel. Had some solid strikes but was inconsistent on impact, lost a lot on a fade to slice miss. I did hit a handful of solid shots, which most looked to carry anywhere from 240-250. He recommended Aerojet Max 10.5° D setting, Kai’Li White 60g. The last drive I hit of the day (and my last swing of the day after the fit) was a 250+ carry baby fade. If I can find that this summer, watch out. Driver locked in.
Next we moved to fairway woods, and again I was limited to a 3W as it was the only LH option. Set up with the same Kai’Li White shaft, the first two off the tee were drilled. Penetrating ball flight, 220-230 carry. I hit some more for the fun of it, and he recommended a 7W as well for off the deck as I really struggle with a 3W off the deck. I asked for his opinion between the 3W and 5W, and his recommendation was to bag the 3 for days where the driver is just not working so I have something I can still get solid distance out of off the tee. I will be using the 3 almost exclusively on the tee box, which actually works out for my home course as the there are 3 holes for sure that I already don't pull driver on. Fairways done.
I wasn’t able to hit any hybrids as he didn’t have LH options, but got to look at the RH heads and we decided on the King Tec 3H, stock shaft. He LOVES this club and thinks I’ll be able to tune it to my swing with the moveable weights.
We ended the fitting with the Snakebite wedges. He had a 56 and 60 on hand in LH, so I hit both and holy cow was I impressed. Wedges are my favorite clubs to hit and even though I’m a high handicap, I can work them pretty well. Distance control was EXCELLENT and I was able to throw the 60 waaaaay up in the air. Honestly might be looking forward to these clubs the most. 52/56/60 Snakebite Black, KBS Hi-Rev Stiff, +1” 3° UP.
After we finished we just had some fun hitting shots with the clubs. The entire fit was done in 2 hours, and Steve was honestly awesome at getting me into the correct shafts almost immediately. It was such a cool experience working with someone in the Cobra family. Got to ask him lots of questions about the tech in the clubs and he was great at explaining how it’ll help my game. Two golf geeks in paradise. Data was collected on a Mevo, but I honestly never even looked at the numbers. He saw what he wanted in the numbers and I trust him completely. He also told me he vacations a lot at a tourist destination very close to where I live, so we are going to try to set up at least one round together this summer.
This was my first real fitting, and I cannot stress enough how impactful it is no matter your skill level. If you have never done an iron fitting, DON’T HESITATE!
Now the waiting game begins, cannot wait to get these sticks!
#LeftyGang
Unboxing & First Impressions
I'll be kicking off my unboxing and first impressions segment with the Ultralight Cart bag. I went with the Antique Bronze/Black colorway, and it looks even better in person than it did online (S/O to my oldest son, who helped me pick the color!). The actual unboxing itself was exciting purely in the sense that it was the first unboxing of the challenge. I posted a short video preview of my unboxing, which you can find on Page 25 of the thread. Outside of that excitement, there were no thrills or frills to the packaging. Standard shipping box containing the cart bag. The golf bag was inside a plastic bag which I appreciated, to keep it as clean as possible during transit.
Getting into the specifics of the bag, what stood out to me immediately was the absence of a dedicated putter well. There is an oversized slot in the 14 way top for the putter, but no well. This was something I had to have when I purchased my Org 14, but I have found at times it is challenging to get the club in and out with the oversized grip. I will be curious to see the difference the Cobra bag brings. There are also three full length dividers instead of individual dividers, but again, I have had challenges at times getting clubs in and out with the individual full length dividers in the Org 14. I have a feeling it'll be smoother pulling clubs with the Ultralight.
There are also no shortage of storage options on the Ultralight, which I LOVE. One thing I really like is the centralized cooler pocket. It is GIGANTIC. We have our own personal golf cart, and it's not set up where I can get a cooler on it practically, so this pocket will come in handy for sure. There is a magnetic rangefinder pocket, lined valuables pocket, two smaller pockets I'll use for tees and ball markers, and then a large pocket at the bottom of the bag where I'll keep golf balls. Two large pockets on each side, and one of them has a mesh slot that I will plan to store extra golf gloves in, which will keep them organized instead of floating around in that large pocket. There are also two smaller pockets on each side.
I'm already quite confident this bag will be replacing my Callaway ORG 14 based on the presumed functionality, but time will tell as I get it on the course. I did put my current clubs in the bag for a photo to see how it looks loaded. Definitely ready to get it stocked with the Cobra clubs!
Great start to the unboxing process, and I will update this section again when more arrive!
Some photos of the new sticks and I will add more as we go!
Cobra Woods Challenge - Reviews
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Aerojet Max Driver (Updated 8/4/23)
Looks/Sound/Feel - 4.5/5
When compared to my Titleist TSi3, the Aerojet Max is louder. That being said, it’s not an obnoxious sound. When struck well, it inspires confidence that you mashed a bomb. Feel is very good, even on slight mishits. The face has also felt stable when I miss out on the toe. It is longer from front to back than the players shape of my TSi, but it’s not significant and still looks really good. I do prefer the traditional pear shape of my TSi, so half a point is lost for me there.
On Course Performance 5/5
The AJ Max driver and I got off to a rocky start, but after having it in play consistently, it has overtaken the TSi3. I am consistently getting better strikes, and while the top end distance may not be quite as long as TSi, I am still getting balls out over 250 pretty consistently. I have had long drives of 277, 267, 265, and my Arccos average distance is 256. I am loving this club currently.
Play It or Trade It 5/5
Early on, the AJ Max did not outpace my TSi3. I can report that as of yesterday (8/3/23), it has taken the top spot in my bag and will be staying there for this season and beyond. The forgiveness plus still really solid distance outweighs the max distance potential of the TSi3, as mishits are much more punishing with that club. Really happy with how AJM is performing.
Aerojet Max Driver Overall 14.5/15
This is a very good driver with good no upcharge shaft options. If I could do it again, I’d order the Tensei White AV Raw shaft that I play in my TSi3. Kai’Li white is VERY similar, but the Tensei shaft fits my swing so well. It is a confidence inspiring club that looks great at address, feels really good on slight mishits and provides solid distance on those misses. I will continue to play this driver against my TSi3 and see if it can change my mind.
Aerojet Max Fairway Woods
Looks/Sound/Feel - 5/5
The 3 & 7 woods are home run clubs for me. They look fantastic at address and honestly do not look intimidating to hit. Sound is crisp and they feel great out of the center of the face. I tend to miss out to the toe and feedback on those misses is noticeable, which I think is a good thing. Compared to my Sim2 Max 3W, MUCH easier to hit and solid strikes feel better.
On Course Performance 5/5
In every round I’ve played since getting these clubs, I’ve had a “wow” moment. First time out on Father’s Day and first on course shot with it, I landed and rolled off a Par 5 green from 235 out with the 3 wood. On that same hole with 7 wood a week later, I hit a beautiful, high draw from 212 out that got knocked down by wind and landed just short of the green. I’m inconsistent with fairway woods, but hit these better than any I’ve owned.
Play It or Trade It 5/5
100% play it. Look at address combined with the shots I’ve been able to produce have had these clubs as a lock in my bag. I’ve never felt confident pulling a 3 wood off the deck, but that has changed since getting the AJ Max woods. I don’t hit them great every time, but I’m not scared to try it when I have a chance to reach a par 5 in two.
Aerojet Max Fairway Woods Overall 15/15
I’ve been nothing short of ecstatic with the performance of these clubs. They work just as well off the deck as they do off the tee for shorter par 4s, and I would recommend anyone in the market for new fairway woods to try these out. I can’t wait to keep getting more comfortable with them and maybe experiment with moving weights and loft settings.
King Tec 3 Hybrid (Updated 7/27/23)
Looks/Sound/Feel - 4/5
Cobra did a great job with the looks of this club. The matte black crown and subtle carbon fiber are fantastic. I don’t love the look of hybrids, and do not like the head shape as much as my current gamer. Sound is a solid crack and when finding the center of the face the feel is crisp. However, feel drops off quickly when I miss towards the toe. My current gamer, Burner Superfast 2.0, edges it slightly in the feel department and looks for my eye, so docking a point.
On Course Performance 5/5
I honestly have not had many opportunities to hit full shots yet with this club. First time I hit it, though, it was a rocket and seemed to come off the face smoking hot. In my first woods and wedges round, I used it to punch out of some trees after an errant drive on a par 5 and hit a nice punch draw that got me to striking distance of the green. After a bit of a rough stretch with the King Tec, I seem to have started to find a bit more comfort, especially off the tee. Hit two tee shots 220+ this week and if that keeps rolling, I'll be very pleased. Also had some luck off the turf with it recently, so scoring is improving to a 5 from a 4 (7/27/23).
Play It or Trade It 5/5
I do plan to play this club for a couple reasons. #1, my Burner Superfast 2.0 is 18°, this one has an adjustable loft sleeve so I can loft it up and realistically play two hybrids. #2, it’s a club I want to love and am going to try and tinker with it a bit by moving the weights to see if it’ll help me produce a more consistent flight.
King Tec Hybrid Overall 14/15
I think this is a club that will perform very well for those that like the look of hybrids. It has pop and the ball comes off the face hot. I do not love the look of a typical hybrid, as my Burner Superfast 2.0 is longer and looks almost like a mini fairway wood. I’m going to keep it in play this year and see if I can get better with it. I’m not sure the shaft is great for my swing, but this was a club I did not get to hit at my fitting so it was the stock option.
Putter - King 3D Supernova (Updated 7/31/23)
Look/Sound/Feel - 4/5
This is my first venture out of the mallet putter lane, and I really like the look of the 3D Supernova. Size wise, it is nearly identical to my Spider Tour Platinum in both width and length. The Supernova is a single bend hosel vs. the double bend on my Spider, so that will take some adjusting. Sound is a little higher pitched “click” and off the face, the Supernova is firmer than my Spider. Taylormade’s Pure Roll insert is really nice, and at this point I do prefer the softer feel. I did leave a couple putts a bit shorter than I should have, and that I am chalking up to getting used to the feel of a new putter. The head also feels lighter, but overall club weight feels the same as the KBS putter shaft is heavier than the shaft in my current gamer.
On Course Performance - 4/5
Remember how I just said I currently prefer the feel of my Spider? Well, that feel, at least on early results, does not outweigh the performance of the SIK face insert on the Supernova. I had a bad heel miss with a putt in my first round with the Supernova, and the ball started and held the line and dropped middle cup for a par from roughly 5’. I can say, with certainty, that putt would have missed right with the Spider. For my first time out, I was able to lag putt to within 4’ on all two putts. Putting is the strongest part of my game, and there’s a chance the Supernova improves it more. What’s interesting is that when on the Perfect Practice mat, the Spider handles the Nova. On course, I haven’t seen a massive difference in the two.
Play It or Trade It - 3.5/5
The King 3D Supernova is trending into the trade it category at the moment. My strokes gained has gone in the wrong direction since putting it into play. While it is hard to say it is definitively the putter, I am used to that being one of the strongest parts of my game. I'm going to use it throughout this week (writing as of 7/31/23) and see what I can do with it. I should have a good feel of if it'll be staying on the sidelines afterwards.
Overall - 11.5/15
I really do like this putter. Feel is good, it rolls the ball well, and it looks great at address. I just have not found consistency with it yet or seen an immediate improvement over my Spider Tour Platinum. Putting is the most feel based club in the bag for me (probably for most), and with the success I've had with the spider, this was a tough spot to win.
Cobra Aerojet Irons Review
Looks/Sound/Feel - 5/5
The Aerojet irons look great to my eye at address. For a GI iron, the top line isn’t overly thick, and you cannot see any of the back of the iron when setting up to the ball. Feel on well struck shots is crisp, and produces a nice “thwack” sound. You can also feel when you don’t strike the ball well on mishits, which I think is good for feedback. I think sometimes GI irons are TOO forgiving on feel, so I appreciate this aspect.
On Course Performance 5/5
I have been thoroughly impressed with the performance of the Aerojet irons. Well struck shots are missiles with great ball flight, and compared to my TaylorMade RSi 1s, they are longer by about 10-15 yards on well struck shots across the board. Forgiveness has been really good, too. Distance loss is anywhere from 10-20 yards depending on how bad I miss, but the ball still goes straight towards my intended target. As a player who still struggles to consistently hit irons above an 8, this has been great for my game. Spin to hold greens has been much better than I expected as well, and they blow the RSi 1s out of the water here which surprised me as they are stronger lofted.
Play It or Trade It 5/5
Not much to be said here, these are a 100% play for me and have been from day 1. Irons were next in my bag for an upgrade and I am thoroughly enjoying playing these clubs.
Aerojet Irons Overall 15/15
I will be fully transparent in saying I was hesitant to test the Aerojet irons as my preference was the Tec X. The thought that kept creeping into the back of my mind was that the irons with the same name as the driver line that year were “lesser” irons. I am happy to say that I was proven wrong and have loved these irons. They are packed with technology and great for high handicap golfers working on improving their game. I am proof of this as during the challenge my handicap has already lowered from 26.1 to 22.6. These will have a spot in my bag for quite awhile.
Cobra Snakebite Black Wedges Review 52°/8, 56°/10, 60°/10
Looks/Sound/Feel - 5/5
The SB Black wedges look incredible at address. The black club head contrasts the ball and frames it exceptionally well. Feel is very solid and good strikes deliver crisp contact and a muted sound. Paired with the KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 Black PVD shafts, these are the best looking clubs in my bag, hands down.
On Course Performance 3/5
On course performance has been really good 50 yards and in. Spin and control is great, and the 60° has changed my game drastically getting out of bunkers. However, I have had a hard time getting the distance I feel like I should be getting out of these clubs, which is costing me strokes I don’t feel I should lose. I have been short multiple times with the 56°, for example, from 80 yards. That is a distance I had no problem reaching with my previous 56° wedge. I have been taking very deep divots (I typically just “bruise” the ground), so it’s taking some adjusting. I feel as though I’m striking too far behind the ball. I think this will improve once I get more acclimated to the clubs, but I am docking two points for this aspect and how it’s hindered my approach from 75-100 yards. *This may be edited if I get it resolved before the end of the challenge*
Play It or Trade It 5/5
These are a no-brainer play for me. I have never owned a true wedge set, and so far I am really enjoying these clubs. I am confident I’ll get the distance issue resolved. The 60° has been a revelation out of bunkers, and the first shot I ever hit with it was getting up and over a towering pine after missing the green on a Par 3. I was sold at that moment.
Snakebite Black Wedges Overall 13/15
Overall, I love these wedges. They put a ton of spin on the ball, which allows me to take a more aggressive approach to pins if I am in range. They will stop on a dime and I can get them to spin back as well. They look great at address, and the black finish is so far holding up very well. If I can get the distance issue worked out, these are a solid 15/15 and I will update my review to reflect that. I cannot speak to how they compare to a Vokey or other wedge as I’ve never owned or played one, but they have definitely won a spot in my bag.
Cobra Ultralight Pro Cart Bag Review
Looks/Sound/Feel - 5/5
I went with the Antique Bronze/Black colorway of this bag and it looks even better in person than it did online. Material is high quality and has been extremely durable. No wear marks from cart straps and honestly just a very well put together and thought out bag.
On Course Performance 5/5
The #1 issue I had with my previous bag (Callaway Org 14) was that my grips were constantly getting hung up in the individual dividers. Difficult to get out, difficult to put in. The putter well, which I thought I HAD to have, was even worse. I have had exactly zero issues with the UL Pro in this regard and have not missed the putter well one bit. Pockets are laid out well, cooler pocket is massive, rangefinder pocket is magnetic, I could go on and on. It lacks a Velcro patch for my glove which I thought I would miss but I haven’t to this point.
Play It or Trade It 5/5
Nothing to elaborate on here. Already sold my Cally Org 14 to a friend and the UL Pro is firmly in the play it category. Cobra killed it with this bag.
Ultralight Pro Cart Bag Overall 15/15
Overall I am loving the UL Pro. If they added a Velcro patch to it, I believe they have an actual perfect golf bag on their hands. It’s lightweight, well thought out, tons of storage, and clubs go in and out easily. For the money (currently on sale for $174.99), you CANNOT beat this bag. If you’re in the market to upgrade, save yourself the time and research and go buy this thing right now.
Cobra Full Bag Score: 98/105 (Updated 8/4/23)
#LeftyGang
Posting a little unboxing sneak preview video as it is the first official unboxing of the Cobra challenge! Pics and some more words to come in my official thread post! Enjoy!