Cobra Amp Cell Driver Review – Is it Forgiving for High Handicappers?
“The Cobra Amp Cell driver came out in 2013 but the line is no longer in production. Does the discontinued status speak to the quality of this driver? Let’s find out!”
When the Cobra Amp Cell driver first came out, it represented a landmark design. It was touted as six drivers in one because of the innovative adjustable loft settings. Nowadays, such a feature is commonplace but back then it was very impressive.
And even when it came out, it was hailed as an excellent game improvement driver. But you don’t hear too much about it these days. I wanted to see how well the Cobra Amp Cell driver has aged and whether or not it is a viable option for high handicappers in 2023.
The Cobra Amp Cell Driver in 50 Words or Less
“With the adjustable lofts and the single balance point placed near the back of the head, the Cobra Amp Cell driver offers a glut of shot-shaping options.”
Furthermore, it has an oversized head which provides inherent forgiveness. The titanium construction and AMP weighting also make for a surprisingly fast driver.
First Impressions on the Range
“The first thing I noticed was how square the face sat behind the ball no matter what loft setting I was on.”
This is apparently the work of the SmartPad sole. In any case, I really liked the way this club sat behind the ball. It is a 460cc driver, but maybe because I got the dark red version, it looked more compact than that.
Don’t get the wrong idea, this is still an oversized driver. But surprisingly, it didn’t feel as heavy as I was expecting it to. The “AMP” (Advanced Material Placement) panel on the crown helps to reduce the overall weight of the club. This is sort of a predecessor to the carbon fiber crowns that are so commonplace today.
What’s New With the Cobra Amp Cell Driver?
“The first thing I noticed about the Cobra Amp Cell driver versus its predecessor, the AMP driver, was the look of the head.”
It looks like the club face is a bit smaller on the Cobra Amp Cell driver than it is in the original AMP driver; but this is most likely an optical illusion. What is certain though is that the Cobra Amp Cell driver has a titanium panel on the crown that helps shift the CG lower than the original AMP driver.
And of course, the Cobra Amp Cell driver is much more adjustable than its predecessor. The new SmartPad helps keep the look at address much squarer and you get more loft options.
What Handicap is it for?
The Cobra Amp Cell is clearly a game improvement driver meant for mid and high handicappers. The face profile is nice and deep so you get a lot of leeway on your heavy and thin shots.
The Cobra Amp Cell driver also features the E9 metal wood face. At the time, this was one of the most forgiving face designs in the industry. And even compared to today’s GI drivers, it offers the player a massive sweet spot.
As I alluded to before, the Cobra Amp Cell driver has 6 different loft settings ranging from 8.5° to 11.5°. More importantly though, two of those loft settings are also draw settings (9.5° and 10.5°). I mention this because it is further evidence that this is a driver designed for mid and especially high handicappers. The draw settings will help players straighten out their slice.
How Does it Compared to the Cobra Aerojet Max Driver?
“The Cobra Amp Cell offers more loft settings.”
The Aerojet has a carbon fiber sole and crown, a forward oriented suspended weighting system and variable face thickness. Overall, the Aerojet achieved lower spin and faster club head speeds.
However, the Cobra Amp Cell driver was a bit easier to hit with even if it did yield shorter distance than the Aerojet.
Overview of the Cobra Amp Cell Driver
“An incredibly versatile driver that allows for a high degree of forgiveness.”
Was the Cobra Amp Cell driver the longest Cobra driver I ever tested? No. My longest drive was 261.1 yards (carry). But I loved the dispersion and workable flight. In windy conditions, you can quickly adjust the loft down. And if you want to eliminate the right side of the fairway, the Cobra Amp Cell allows you to do that. The Cobra Amp Cell is also forgiving even if you consistently miss the sweet spot.
Pros:
- Multiple color options
- Various loft options
- Optional draw bias
- Relatively lightweight design
Cons:
- Not the longest driver by today’s standards
Distance: 95/100
Workability: 96/100
Feel & Sound: 96/100
Forgiveness: 97/100
Value: 97/100
Overall Score: 96/100
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Is it Worth it Overall?
“The fact that the Cobra Amp Cell was discontinued seems to have nothing to do with its quality or performance.”
The Cobra Amp Cell absolutely holds up against modern GI drivers and is still a great option for high handicappers. Plus, you can get it for a decent price these days so it;s a solid investment.
Other Drivers to Consider in 2023
Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver
“With a carbon fiber face and stabilizing body ring, the Stealth 2 is disrupting the entire industry.”
This is also a very forgiving driver with high MOI thanks to the heavy steel weight in the back of the head. The Taylormade Stealth 2 driver would be a good choice for players who tend to use the whole face.
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Mizuno STX 230 PLTNM
The Mizuno STX 230 PLTNM driver is incredibly lightweight and fast. A stainless steel weight encased in thermoplastic urethane helps to mute spin despite the large club head. This driver also sports a forged titanium face. The STX 230 PLTNM driver is a great choice for slow to moderate swing speed players.
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver
“A carbon fiber crown and titanium brace helps keep the weight and the CG low.”
The Callaway Rogue ST Max driver delivers towering trajectory and powerful distance. Even if you’re a high handicapper, you should be able to add 5 yards to your drive with this club.
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Aidan is a low-handicap golfer who came from over 110 to breaking 80 in less than 1 year.
Aidan has become obsessed with becoming a scratch golfer and plays golf on every possible occasion, even in the snow!
