Cobra Announces AMP Cell Junior Driver

[Tony Covey MGS]

 

Cobra-PUMA Golf just announced one of the most brilliant initiatives I've seen from a golf company in quite some time (probably since Cleveland's trade-up program). Capitalizing to an extent (likely a very large extent) on the popularity of Rickie Fowler (particularly among the younger demographic) Cobra has released a junior version of the AMP Cell Driver.

 

We haven't seen sales numbers yet, but anecdotally we're hearing that the AMP Cell is performing extremely well at $299, so it's reasonable to assume that something in this year's product (could it be as simple as the color?) is resonating with the consumer. Building on that success by leveraging the Rickie factor to reach a largely untapped market is pretty frickin' smart.

 

Redesigning a grown-up, as-seen-on-tv (on Sunday) driver specifically for juniors is yet another example of how Cobra-PUMA golf isn't simply shifting demographics, they're basically re-inventing them.

 

Notable differences in the junior model (specifically designed for ages 8-14) include higher lofts (11.5°-14.5°) and shorter shafts (youth flex - 39", 41", 43"). Apart from the appeal that comes from offering young golfers the ability to play what Rickie plays, Cobra has built an element of future-proofing into the AMP Cell Junior which the parents of those ever-growing juniors will no doubt appreciate.

 

Parents (or juniors) who register their AMP Cell Junior Driver get a one-time, free shaft upgrade to a longer, firmer shaft. If I could get the same kind of deal with my kid's pants, I'd be pretty damn excited.

 

I expect Cobra is going to do exceptionally well with this offering.

 

Full Press Release Below:

 

Play what Rickie Fowler Plays. Custom Fit and Designed for You

CARLSBAD, CA (May 1st, 2013) - Junior golfers, it's time to get excited. COBRA has announced a Junior version of the driver Rickie Fowler plays on Tour, the AMP CELL Junior Driver. This Driver features the same game-changing technology that Rickie has, including MyFlyTM, SmartPadTM and CELL weighting - and it comes in Vibrant Orange. Besides the higher lofts in the youth version, the head of the AMP CELL Junior Driver is the same engineered settings as the adult driver. The best part? The Driver grows with you. Junior golfers can register their purchased driver and receive one free upgrade to a longer, firmer shaft when needed, even if it is the standard adult AMP CELL Fujikura Fuel shaft.

 

"The AMP CELL Junior Driver brings COBRA into a new category in golf," commented Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. "While Rickie bridges the generation gap, there's no question a lot of youth golfers look up to him as a role model. We felt it was time to deliver the same, high performance technology and 'Rickie Fowler' look to the Junior golfers out there. It's important to recognize the need for their game development, which ultimately leads to growing the game."

 

MyFly Technology offers a simple solution for golfers to optimize trajectory and distance. Junior golfers will be able to easily adjust their loft as their game and swing develop. The AMP CELL Junior Driver can be adjusted to the following lofts with a simple wrench; 11.5°, 12.5°, 12.5° Draw, 13.5°, 13.5° Draw and 14.5°. The higher loft offerings deliver higher launch and lower spin for optimized launch conditions for the average youth swing speeds. This ultimately provides more distance than junior golfers using an adult driver or cut down shafts would see. The AMP CELL Junior Driver takes adjustability a step further with SmartPad technology. Unlike other drivers that require a golfer to adjust the sole plate after adjusting loft for a square face, COBRA's proprietary SmartPad technology delivers a square face at address regardless of loft setting and still allows for workability to slightly open or close the face as desired.

 

The AMP CELL Junior Driver is sold with a 39", 41" or 43" Fujikura Fuel shaft. By registering your purchased AMP CELL Junior Driver, golfers can get one free upgrade to one of the longer, firmer models when it's time. Below is a recommended fitting chart.

 

Swing Speed 60-75 MPH 75-85 MPH 85+ MPH

Typical Age 8-9 10-11 12-14

Typical Height 45"-55" 50"-60" 55"-70"

Recommended Loft 14.5° 12.5° 11.5°

Recommended Length 39" 41" 43"

 

COBRA's E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll is used in the AMP CELL Junior Driver for an elliptical face shape with a canted bulge and roll that improves distance and accuracy on mis-hits from heel to toe and above and below the centerline. Advanced Material PlacementTM and CELLtechnology work together to enable a 12% larger elliptical E9 Face shape to deliver faster ball speeds and high MOI (moment of inertia) on mis-hits. The CELL technology saves and redistributes weight in a granular way and is visible on the drivers in the CELLband which wraps around to the crown. This wrap also visibly shows a golfer where the weight is distributed.

 

The COBRA AMP CELL Junior Driver (MAP $299) is available in right handed models with MyFly technology, allowing any driver you purchase to be adjusted from 11.5° to 14.5° loft settings, including 12.5° and 13.5° Draw settings. It features a Fujikura Fuel shaft (universal youth flex) with a 460cc head and COBRA Lamkin REL 3GEN 360 grip.

[Super Tuna]

So simple and yet so brilliant.

[furu]

Excellent product from Cobra Puma. I've "sold" it to a reader who asked for advice. Only problem is that few stores here sell it. They have to buy a package with all three drivers. And they don't see that there's a market for it. I'm sure people want it. It will sell. It's up to golfers to let them know.

[hckymeyer]

Well done Cobra/Puma, well done.

 

I just wish they made a version for a 2yr old.

[whiskey golf]

This is a great business move. Get kids to play Cobra at a young age combined with Rickie Fowler looks, you'll see Cobra/Puma everywhere in the future generation of golfers.

[Firstkart]

That is very clever.

 

AJ

[SPY ZINGER]

Nice to see Golfspy Matt can finally play Cobra.

 

#xtreme