[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

1 minute ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

This week has been really good, you have been playing great btw.

I love all of these challenges because they show you all of the different ways you can play a round of golf. And thanks, I've been very happy with my consistency, minus the one irons only round that got away from me, I've pretty much been 81-85 for every full 18 hole round of this challenge (and almost all year) which is awesome for me and big progress since last season.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

Geez, guys. I know I left a few strokes out there, but damn if this isn't the second week in a row where I thought I put up a reasonable score given the challenge and I'm just getting blown apart again.

Seriously though, you all are putting up some incredible rounds given the requirements of the challenge.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

3 hours ago, yungkory said:

Yo someone needs to teach people how to hit from the range wtf is up with those divots? Out here trying to hit off of a cheese grater!

Hahaha, I should grab a picture of my range sometime. My personal favorite are the digger "pits" where people have carved out an entire 2x2 section and basically made a huge hole. You can't use the grass next to it at all because you'd be standing below your ball.

At least with the cheese grater look you have decent footing and can connect the dots with your swings!

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

Just now, Lacassem said:

You have done a great job Cody adapting to new clubs is not easy. Work happens but you have definitely  done justice for MGS and cobra keep it up

Appreciate it! It's been such a crazy ride, and I can assure you we still have a few more great weeks ahead!

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

Unfortunately, it feels like I haven't had a lot to contribute here lately. Work has been really busy as we ramp up for the year and between that and playing actual golf I haven't added a ton to the conversation.

I have been able to make use of my lunch breaks and have been "digging in the dirt" for the past three weeks trying to get some of my swing issues sorted out. I ended up having a really good session today and wanted to share some numbers to show what these clubs are capable of. 

I'm still struggling a bit adapting to these irons, but I made a few tweaks to my setup and also really emphasized getting a good turn with every club over the past few days and they have been performing nicely. The below GIFs are indicative of what I would call a good strike for me (numbers from my FlightScope Mevo with a mix of Pinnacle, Bridgestone and Srixon range balls):

6 Iron

Pitching Wedge

Keep in mind the lofts of these clubs when looking at distance and ball speed. The PW is 42.5 degrees and the 6 iron is 24 degrees. 

The amazing thing about the irons only/woods only challenges is that it forced me to really practice with the 17 degree 2 hybrid. Since it is my only hybrid it "double-dipped" as an eligible club in both challenges. During my wood review I said I didn't think I'd find a use for this club, but I am definitely not letting go of it now. It's almost as long as my 3 wood off the tee! 

And, finally, the SpeedZone Xtreme driver. I still definitely love how forgiving this monster is. I would love to see my ball speed come up a bit more, but I'll be honest and say I didn't strike all of these out of the center. That's how crazy fast this driver is on off-center hits.

Is there anything else that we've failed to touch on in our four reviews so far that someone is dying to know?

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

#MGSCobra2020 #CobraConnect Cobra SpeedZone Stand Bag Review - edingc, a.k.a. #TeamCalvesLikePhil

Cobra set all of us up with the SpeedZone stand bag, a collaboration between Cobra and Vessel Bags. The bag is a slightly downsized version of the SpeedZone staff bag used by Cobra staffers such as Rickie Fowler.

I use a walking cart almost exclusively, so this is my first experience with a stand bag in a long time. Last season, I used an older OGIO cart bag before moving onto a personalized Sun Mountain Sync for my first rounds of 2020.

Look and Feel - 5/5 Stars

Simply put, the SpeedZone stand bag is one of the sharpest looking and best feeling bags I’ve ever been around. It is luxurious in feel, no surprise given Vessel’s reputation. While I understand the color scheme may not be for everyone, if you are a fan of Cobra you won’t find another bag that better embodies the brand.

The material is very sturdy, a welcome change from my Sun Mountain Sync’s nylon-like material that feels so light and fragile. The stitched Cobra snake and Tour Crown logos are . A faux-snakeskin accent panel running the length of the bag completes the look. 

And, really, how many stand bags out there have carbon fiber-wrapped legs?!?

Storage - 3/5 Stars

I try to keep my bag as light as possible given I walk most of my rounds with a push cart. It is simply too much work to push around a heavy bag. While the SpeedZone stand bag provides just enough storage for me, it is lacking in this area overall.

There is a large side pocket that can hold a jacket, with two smaller pockets inside. However, some of this space is reserved for the included rain hood. 

The ball pocket is large, though I generally store my laser rangefinder here along with a bag of tees and my keys and wallet during the round.

The soft-lined valuables pocket, embroidered with the Tour Crown logo, serves as the best place to hold everything I keep in my pockets during a round - balls, short and long tee, divot repair tool and ball marker. I don’t think I would trust my rangefinder out of its case here unless it was the only thing in the pocket.

The two small side pockets hold my golf glove, a can of sunscreen and a small bag containing first-aid supplies. Unfortunately, that’s about all the pockets can comfortably hold.

Almost every round this summer I’ve carried along a 32 ounce Gatorade Zero for hydration. My Sun Mountain bag had a very nice cooler pocket that was large enough to hold the bottle with no issues, and kept it cold for the entire round. The SpeedZone bag does not have such a pocket, but only two small insulated sleeves for much smaller bottles.

On-Course - 3.5/5 Stars

There have been no issues strapping the SpeedZone stand bag on my CaddyTek push cart. I have had no problems with the bag shifting or falling out of the cart’s pinch top or lower bungee straps. All of the pockets remain accessible while on the cart, and the only negative is that the towel/towel ring needs to be lifted up prior to placing the bag on the cart so that the upper supports don’t pinch it down.

I have used a 14-way top bag for the past decade, and my biggest complaint about the SpeedZone stand bag is the four-way top. I understand this is not the only bag on the market with this design, but I hate the four-way divider for multiple reasons:

    •    There is no dedicated putter well, which can make a putter with an oversized grip tough to remove.
    •    Clubs only stay in groups and not in order unless you’re very careful. This is my obsessiveness kicking in - with a 14-way top I have everything organized perfectly.
    •    It is tough at times to remove or replace a club without the grips grabbing other grips or club shafts. Sometimes it takes a good shake for all of the clubs to seat to the bottom of the bag.

I played in a steady rain while attempting the irons-only challenge, and the rain hood fit well and kept my clubs dry while still providing easy access to them.

To be fair to the review, I walked nine holes while carrying the bag and also played 18 with the bag strapped to a golf cart. 

I thought the bag performed really well when strapped to the golf cart, since the grips were much less likely to bind when the bag was standing straight up. I looped the cart strap through the handle, and the bag stayed secure all round.

Carrying, while not something I’d want to do all of the time, was surprisingly enjoyable. There is sufficient padding on both the straps and the bag to make the experience very comfortable. The bag employs a really nifty system that allows for the straps to move independently of each other and resist twisting. 

Miscellaneous - 3/5 Stars

The strap system is easily removed with four clips. It’s a fantastic design and purposeful for those of us who do not carry except out to the range.

I’ve noticed a few marks on the yellow shell of the bag, I think a light scrubbing will take them off without issue.

While the rain hood is a heavy material and well-built like the rest of the bag, it takes up considerable space in the largest side pocket. I only put a single box of balls in the side pocket along with the rain hood and it’s pretty full. Removing the rain hood is certainly an option, but, in my opinion, defeats the purpose of having one.

I also wish the bag had some velcro for my golf glove on the outer shell. It’s a feature on the Sun Mountain, and I found myself using it a lot to keep my glove dry between shots during the hot and humid Michigan summer.

Play It or Trade It - 4/5 Stars

This is a really solid stand bag, but the four-way top and lack of a putter well hamper its utility when strapped to a push cart. I struggle too often with grips grabbing each other when clubs are removed or put back into the bag. For this reason, I doubt I will continue to use the bag during my rounds after the end of #CobraConnect.

The SpeedZone stand bag, however, will become an excellent range/practice bag for me. I rarely take my full set of clubs to the range so binding is less of an issue. I love having the stand on the range, also.

I just can’t trade or not use a bag this beautiful!

Overall Score - 3.5/5 Stars

The SpeedZone stand bag would be an excellent bag if I carried every round. It is extremely comfortable; well-built but not heavy. And, it's a looker.

Unfortunately, the four-way top is a big deal breaker for me when using a push cart.

[What Have You Bought Lately? (CHA - Club Ho's Anonymous)]

1 hour ago, fozcycle said:

 

Edninc, did you ever try the Maxfli Tour CG?


Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy
Tour Edge Exotics EXS(11.5*)w/ Mitsubishi Tense ck Blue Regular; 3W & 5W Cobra King F8 w/ Mitsubishi Tense ck Blue Regular shafts; Tour Edge CBX119 22* Hybrid w/Project X Evenflo Regular shaft; Wilson Staff D-7 5-PW + GW + SW w/UST Mamiya Recoil 460 Regular graphite shafts; Cleveland RTX Zipcore LW(58*) w/DG Spinner shaft. Putter: Bellum Winmore 707; Bag: Cobra Ultralight Cart bag, Peaccoat Blue.

 

Have not, it's on the list when I get curious again. I do Check-Go-Pro all of my Snells so they are "CG Balanced."  

[What Have You Bought Lately? (CHA - Club Ho's Anonymous)]

7 hours ago, HardcoreLooper said:

I've been going back and forth between the Z-Star XV and the MTB-X this season and I can't tell the difference.

They're really, really close. I like both of them a lot, just personally like the MTB-X more but that may be because I've played it for almost two seasons now.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

56 minutes ago, Nunfa0 said:

I decided to go with all 13 clubs and the putter for fairness. I have managed to get one round in but won't post a score yet just in case I can get another under my belt. I will say that I cycled 3.5 times and yes I putted on the 14th with a 56* wedge . The whole thing was brilliant fun and took some serious thought while playing.

That's about where I was yesterday and thought I would need to end up putting with a wedge. Scares you a bit thinking about that while still trying to put the ball on the green...

[What Have You Bought Lately? (CHA - Club Ho's Anonymous)]

On 8/17/2020 at 8:30 AM, dlow206 said:

Ordered 5 dozen Snell MTB-X balls. Have been playing Z-Stars, which I like, but also had occasionally played MTB-X as well. I feel like the MTB-X flies farther off the tee for me, but I don't have my own stats to back it up, but will be able to track now with Shotscope. I know the MTB-X is the longest ball in the high swing speed category on the MGS ball test. 

 

On 8/17/2020 at 9:03 AM, Josh Ross said:

I love the MTB-X! I've been playing it since it released, before that I had a bunch of regular MTB. It was slightly longer than ProV1 for me but I liked the spin and price point better.

Another MTB-X fan here. I have been trying out the Z-Star XV this year as well, and they are similar, but I still think the MTB-X beats it for me. By far the longest ball off the tee, great greenside spin and feels (to me) slightly softer off the face of my Spider X than the XV.

The XV is a good ball, but I think I'm going to go back to MTB-X permanently for the rest of the season.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

Wow, what an utterly challenging week. Not only are you focusing on your current hole and shot, you're thinking at least one, if not two or three holes ahead in your strategy as you play.

I won't bury the lede, I shot 85 on my 69.4/114 home course. I'm happy with that (not really worse or better than I've shot since putting the Cobra stuff in the bag, which has been pretty much solidly 81-85 with only one exception), but disappointed at how I ended up there. Two bad, bad chunked chips with my "real wedges" on the front nine cost me at least four strokes, and I limped to the turn with a 44. After playing Nos. 10-12 one-over (which is fantastic for me), I had back-to-back birdies on No. 13 (pictured above - love the big trimmed up tree) and No. 14, and headed to No. 15 one-under on the back. Bogeyed both 15 and 16, but headed to No. 17 with driver in hand and almost every club available to use. And I promptly pulled the ball OB left. @$#&.

Ended up quadrupling 17 and then went 2 hybrid, 7 iron, 2 putts to par No. 18 to finish the back nine with a frustrating 41.

I turned the bag over three full times and elected to use my putter on every hole. I realize now that in my frustration on No. 17 I hit my provisional/second tee ball with the driver again, not sure if that's allowed, so if it's not I should be able to give this another go over the weekend.

Had a few putts come up just short or roll over an edge, struck the ball OK in general, but had a bad case of the lefts with longer clubs that put me in really bad spots off the tee.

One of the biggest challenges for me this week is that on baby swings the combination of the strong-lofted SpeedZones with the C-Taper Lites don't launch the ball particularly high. Trying to finesse longer irons at short distances is very near impossible when the course is soaked in the mornings from sprinklers running all night. There were a couple holes where it took me multiple shots from 130-and-in to get on the green because hitting soft long irons (and the 2 hybrid) would just run the ball along the ground where it was swallowed up by the wet grass.

I very nearly reached the green in two on No. 3 after a great drive and 5-iron, but ended up hitting a so-so chip with my set gap wedge and two putting for par:

After flaring a 4-iron to the right of the green on No. 17, I hit the exact shot I imagined. Overhanging branches above and sand to clear, with the green running away from me and down a steep hill if long, I popped a low 54 wedge into the grass bank just above the bunker and it rolled out right near the pin. Unfortunately, the par putt just went over the right edge but a very solid bogey save nonetheless.

Arccos updated yesterday so it's a little harder to grab all my stats in a presentable manner...

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

All set for tomorrow's round. They need a bath!

 

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

Old school for me! Similar to @B.Boston I'll just mark the column with hole used number as I go, and when a column is full, I can start over. I do think I'll be putting with an actual putter, however, but that strategy could go out of the window if I really need to.

 

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

1 hour ago, mikeanthony said:

Great round, Cody!  

 

46 minutes ago, russtopherb said:

Dude that is one heck of a round!!

Thanks, guys. Was fun to play up front. Unfortunate that it didn't help my weekly position in the competition, but I'm still really happy nonetheless. 

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

7 minutes ago, GolfSpy STUDque said:

It was almost equal but still .4 higher CCNet than you already had. Your competitors all had strong weeks this week so it would’ve taken 67 or better to improve your rank this week...... which I think was probably within your reach if you got another crack at it with different course management. Thanks for giving the experiment a shot. That looked fun!

Thanks! Yes, it was fun. Definitely a different course from the front tees. Lots of opportunities to hit the driver and partial wedges and still am in love with both.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

Ok, at the urging of @GolfSpy STUDque, I got out for one more round for this challenge and played from the front tees. Shot 74! Rating 62.7/104 for men, ~4,900 something yards.

First off, it was fun having a lot of opportunities to score. The front tees take some of the more difficult holes out of the equation, so it was pretty much either driver or 2 hybrid from the tee all day trying to bash it as far as possible. With my length, I was able to get past most of the trouble on almost every hole so even if I wasn't terribly accurate I usually had little trouble just flipping onto the green with a wedge.

Couple mistakes here and there, and my putting was not great. My speed control completely left me for most of the round. Mashed a 2 hybrid off of No. 10 that just went left and ended up at the base of a tree with no choice but to go backward into the fairway. Tried to get cute with the 2 hybrid from about 195 out on the back par 5, and promptly caught it a little fat, closing the face and sending a high toe bullet hook screaming into the pond that guards the green. 

But, I hit 13 greens, birdied five holes and shot an even par 36 on the front so it was an overall really fun round. Also hit my first 300-yard drive of the year with one that caught a nice dry spot and ran out considerably. 

Unfortunately, Arccos didn't have the front tees for my course in their database, so I chose the closest set of tees which still reported as 5,500 yards. I do not think this is actually better for this competition than my 81 on Tuesday from the back tees because the ratings are so drastically different, but I'll let Stud run the numbers.

[What equipment are you thinking about?]

4 hours ago, dlow206 said:

I'm thinking about longer term, improving at golf just so i can buy player's irons instead of playing SGI shovels. Nothing wrong with the shovels though, i like them for where I am at now in my journey.

Is it bad to aspire to improve just to buy new clubs?

Not at all. I started taking lessons partially because I wanted to play more compact clubs, but also because I wanted to play nicer courses and still have chances to score.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

2 hours ago, palvord said:

Well. It’s over. Thankfully. It was a struggle today with the wedges, which was unusual for me. I really have enjoyed these challenges and may incorporate them into my practice rounds.

Course: Timber Wolf Golf Club
Red Tees: 4862yds
68.4/123
Score: 84

Sorry I couldn’t post a better round to challenge you@edingc




Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

84 is nothing to sneeze at! This is a tough challenge, much tougher than irons only, in my opinion.

I plan to play the front tees tomorrow, and if I drive the ball like today there's little chance I'm beating my 81 from Tuesday.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

Another outing this morning, so I only had time to get in nine holes. Put everything back in the bag for a quick practice round and played OK. Lots of thin stuff, not quite sure why, and the driver was not cooperative in the least bit. But, all in all, one three-putt from 87 feet and a re-tee on No. 15 after skipping my tee shot off the water into the bank of the pond (awful, awful swing) and otherwise played a pretty clean round.

@Lacassem, funny you mention finding out what clubs are important to you, the challenges showed what things like my 2 hybrid could be used for. After not hitting it at all prior to the irons only challenge, I actually elected to use it twice today off of the tee even though I wasn't forced to. Gained a lot of confidence in it because of being forced to use it.

 

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

5 hours ago, GB13 said:

Official MIM Wedges Review - GB13

When you think of Cobra, the last thing you probably think about is wedges. Not to spoil anything, but I’m about to tell you why you’re wrong. 

I orded the MIM wedges in 50°, 54°, and 58° with Stiff KBS Tour 105s. Just like my irons, I was originally fit into Modus3 105s (backordered), and was told these would be a great replacement. Previously, I was using PING Glide 1.0 52° and 58° wedges. I loved those wedges for a long time, however they were starting to wear out when I was selected for this contest.

 

Looks-  4/5 Stars

I received the 50° and 58° in the chrome finish and the 54° in black finish, which are both stunning, and have now been affectionately nicknamed, my “zebras”. (Yes I know I’m weird.) Joking aside, these wedges are super classic at address, and just slick overall. My only (minute) complaint, like @daviddvm is about the scalloped back. It just isn’t my taste, however, after using these wedges, I would NOT advise Cobra to get rid of it. It’s functionality is superb. 

Sound & Feel- 5/5 Stars

The MIM wedges get their name from what Cobra calls Metal Injection Molding, a process which, “results in a more even grain structure than forged and cast wedges and the softest feel the industry’s ever seen.”  I’d say this statement is pretty darn accurate. They feel soft, yet produce a very solid sounding strike. They definitely sound and feel much better than my old PINGs.

 

Basic Characteristics- 5/5 Stars

Everything about these wedges fit my game well. I ordered the versatile grind for all three wedges, and am very happy with that choice. I’m able to hit every shot I want to around the green, from flops to bump and runs. The scalloped back definitely is effective in lowering the leading edge, resulting in less thin open-faced shots. 

The spin rates I’ve been seeing have been perfect. I’m not sucking the ball back, but to be honest, my ideal shot hits and sticks pretty much where it landed. In my opinion, amateurs spinning shots back (or trying to) leads to a lot of trouble. 

 

On-Course Performance- 5/5 Stars

In case you can’t tell yet, I’m loving these wedges. They’re consistent, easy to hit, forgiving around the green, and sound and feel wonderful. 

My average distance to the pin on chip shots has gone down by 4 feet, and my full swing proximity has gotten better as well. These wedges just work for me.

 

Play it or Trade it- 5/5 Stars

Let me think about this for a second... PLAY IT!! These are my favorite clubs that Cobra sent us. I can’t really say I miss my Glides, even when they weren’t worn out, I don’t know if they were ever this good. 

 

Overall- 5/5 Stars

Consistent?

Solid feel?

Easy to use?

Complaints?

I’m not sure why Cobra wedges get overlooked, but I can guarantee you that these will be in the bag for a long time, and Cobra will be top of the list when the time comes to replace them. I don’t have bad word to say about them, and believe me, I’ve tried to find something. Cobra has pulled off absolutely amazing wedges.

Seems like you and I have a lot of the same feelings. I really do love the wedges. Good write-up!

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

3 hours ago, yungkory said:

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish 18 holes today, but it wouldn't have mattered because I wasn't going to beat @edingc anyways. Started out strong at 1-under after 3 holes, then went bogey, bogey, bogey, TRIPLE, and I was pretty over the whole thing. Triple came on a 160y par 3 that I knew was going to be awkward. Played a choke-down, half 4hybrid and it did not turn out well. For your viewing pleasure:

Pitched on the upslope of the bunker and kicked right into the crap. Epic fail!

I was running out of sunlight and they took the flags out of the cups so I just called it after 12. Sadly, going to have to concede my challenge against Cody because it's IMPOSSIBLE to get a damn tee time on this island. Probably wasn't going to win anyways, he put up a good number! Team #chickencalves loses

Also, made a Bryson par on the first hole

My 2nd shot was from the ladies tee box on the 18th hole, haha! Probably shouldn't have tried this challenge when you have a case of the

Aww, man. I wish you could have gotten the full 18 in. Are you out of daylight and that's why they pull the flags? Can't say they do that around here.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

5 minutes ago, B.Boston said:

Do you get nice even pressure with the BOA? I wear my shoes in the looser side... would that work with the boa?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, I think I get a more even pressure from the BOA than laces. The best analogy I can give is that the shoes with laces feel like a comfortable pair of shoes. I enjoy them.

But the BOA/DISC Pumas feel like slippers. They conform so much better to my feet and I don't get uneven pressure from tension in the laces. I also find they are easier to get on/off.

My biggest complaint with the Puma shoes is that they are not truly waterproof. My feet routinely are soaked after wet morning rounds.

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

4 hours ago, goaliewales14 said:

Well done @B.Boston!!!

Look what came today!!  These are sick! Thanks Puma!!

Same exact color as my backup pair. Really love the Puma shoes, I now have three pairs!

I will admit I prefer the feel of the BOA/DISC system vs. laces, however. I find myself reaching for my BOA/DISC pair more often than the laces.

[Happy thread]

29 minutes ago, GolfSpy Stroker said:

Ugh...inspection of a 100+ year old house is something else... lemme tell ya. 

Inspection is such a crap shoot. We had a good inspector who pointed out a lot of things, but totally whiffed on the roof age by about a decade and all the problems that go along with a 22ish-year-old DIY homeowner special roof.

(I say this as there is considerable pounding going on above my head as my roof is being replaced as I type.)

[#COBRACONNECT Challenge 4]

3 minutes ago, sirchunksalot said:

I just finished my round for the woods and wedges challenge and here's the gory details. Shot 46/51 for a 97 at Chatata Valley in Cleveland TN. I played the white tees which have a ratings of 70.1/124. 

Hit 8/14 fairways, 4/18 greens, and had a total of 35 putts. The putter was solid for me with 4 one putts and only 3 three putts. I almost had the wheels come off on my nemesis 10th hole, shooting an 8 after driving the ball short and left along a tree lined creek. I then attempted to take a 5 wood over a tree that it promptly hit. I then topped a 5 hybrid trying to be cute and attempting a low punch out under some branches, topped a SW before finally hitting the wedge on the green. 

I was really comfortable playing without irons and chose the whites knowing I could leave myself 150+ out for most of my second shots. I did hit a couple of situations where I had to play some half hybrid shots and they were awkward. I also blew up on the 18th hole, shooting 9 after losing my tee shot right. I also hit a punch hybrid into the green that hit the NO CARTS sign. 

I had a fun time doing this challenge and thanks to @B.Boston for playing along. 

A highlight of the day came on 17. I hit a 3 wood from the tee and left myself 170 yards to the pin. 

Hit 5 wood over the right edge of the darker green pine on the left to about 18 feet.

I missed the birdie by about 2 feet, but still made par. 

Almost forgot, my current handicap according to Arccos is a lousy 21.6. 

Thanks to the Mods for putting this challenge together, I had a great time.

Glad you got to participate this week!

Course looks like it's in really nice shape. Love how it has so many different tee boxes of varying lengths, too. Not many around here like that, at least not at the courses I frequent.