After months of rumors and a few leaked images, we now have official confirmation, thanks to the USGA and R&A conforming driver lists, that the new 2021 Cobra RAD drivers exist. The line also includes a new extension to the Cobra line with an XD version—which looks to stand for eXtra Draw, and a model specifically for Bryson, but we’ll get to the full rundown in a minute.

We have reached out to Cobra and have no official comment yet, but based on the images and our knowledge of previous models, we can draw some conclusions based on the visual elements of the four total models.

Cobra RAD (Version 2)

The RAD looks to continue the trend of Cobra utilizing a front and back weight system after a few early iterations with previous models had a sliding track—F6+ anyone? This system offers a lot of center of gravity movement and also allows the simple adjustment of weights without shifting the CG too far from side to side. If it’s not broken—don’t fix it!

RAD appears to refer to Radial Speed, and the weighting system along the bottom close to the face, we don’t know what this means for total performance but if Cobra’s driver progression is working along the lines of previous models and industry trends then it means more stability and speed around the whole head.

Cobra RAD XB

The RAD XB falls in line with the SpeedZone Xtreme by having only one adjustable weight towards the rear of the clubhead. This inevitably pushes the CG away from the face to create a higher MOI and extra stability—the trick for engineers is creating stability without increasing spin.

Just like the standard RAD, the XB features the radial weighting towards the face to most likely increase ball speeds, and if I had to guess what XB stands for its eXtra Balance which could also mean Cobra is looking to sell some longer length drivers.

Cobra RAD XD

The XD is the easiest model to identify, based on the visuals of the head which includes a 10g weight port towards the heel.

Heel weighting is designed to help reduce slice misses, and for OEMs placing the weight and marking it not only tells the visual story but helps golfers who are in the market for a driver quickly identify the best possible choice.

Cobra RAD (Version 1)

This is the outlier of the group, and it could be a “tour only” version or a secondary prototype, and the reason for that is the additional lofted included with the submission to the USGA—5.5 degrees, or what we could also call the “Bryson Loft.”

It’s very difficult to derive from the image since it is so close to “version 2,” but version 1 appears to be slightly smaller from front to back, which opposite to the XB means a more forward CG and a driver that will spin less—something that is desperately needed when you are generating over 195 mph ball speed on a regular basis. It could be a camera trick that is causing the driver to look smaller, and it’s not often Cobra has produced a smaller headed driver for workability.

At GolfWRX we’ll be keeping our ears to the ground, but for all the hot talk surrounding the newly spotted Cobra RAD drivers check out the discussion in the GolfWRX forums: New Cobra RAD drivers on the USGA conforming list.