These woods were tested out very much on a ‘first hit’ basis with more in-depth reviews to follow.

Shots were hit from a hitting bay towards a fairly strong headwind. Results were monitored using Trackman 4.

Cobra King F7 Baffler Fairway and hybrids review – First impressions

The Cobra King F7 Baffler Fairway and hybrids look superb with added shelf appeal from the rail technology on the sole.

Both have adjustable lofts which is a real bonus when getting the right gaps at the top end of the bag.

Being able to set the 3-wood to a 4-wood is a great option as it should be a bit easier to hit without really suffering much distance loss.

 

cobra fairway topWith the hybrids, I often struggle to get the gapping right between my longest iron and my fairway wood so an adjustable hybrid solves this problem.

The Cobra King F7 Baffler Fairway has a large and deep head so looks like it can be hit easily from the tee and the turf. It comes in three colours – black/orange, silver/yellow and blue/red.

The hybrid has a fairly compact profile so very much more a long iron replacement rather than a smaller fairway wood. This should help with workability and keeping the spin lower.cobra f7 hybrid top

Cobra King F7 Baffler Fairway and hybrids review – The technology

Cobra told me to think about the rails a bit like fins on a surfboard. They essentially help the club move more easily through the turf to maintain clubhead speed.

The Baffler rail system was first introduced in the brand’s original Baffler woods more than 40 years ago. Last year it was added to Rickie Fowler’s fairway woods.

cobra f7 fairways

 

In the F7 it is blended with front-to-back weighting systems to achieve higher or lower ball flights and effective spin control

“Rails on our fairways and hybrids create a more forgiving and efficient turf interaction when hitting from any lie,” said Jose Miraflor, Cobra’s senior director of product marketing.

“Proven though Rickie’s performance with his current Baffler fairway wood, the rail technology allows him to be aggressive when attacking greens. These same tour-proven technologies will provide all golfers with the perfect blend of distance and control.”

Cobra King F7 Baffler Fairway and hybrids review – Results/NCG verdict

I’m a bit fan of a 3-wood to hit off the tee but rarely feel confident hitting it off the deck when faced with a 220-yard approach shot.

When I set the Cobra King F7 Baffler Fairway down behind the ball it felt very easy to it. And once I got going I really enjoyed it. It has a lovely sweet sound and feel off the face.cobra f7 fairway faceI tested the blue/red/white model and think it looks stunning. I’d need a bit more time testing it out on the course so see if I was benefiting from the rail technology but my initial impressions are that this club would be very welcome in my golf bag.

I’m a big advocate of hybrids as feel they are easier to hit than long irons – especially from dodgy lies.

The look of the F7 hybrid was a little bit smaller than what I’m used to but after I started hitting it, I may have a re-think.

The smaller head gave me a much more penetrating and straighter ball flight rather than the high left to right shot that I normally hit.

 

cobra f7 hybrid Our resident pro James Whitaker says my spin rates with a more fairway wood-like hybrid could be costing me a bit of distance.

My distance and dispersion with the F7 hybrid were both very pleasing and again the sound and feel are both much improved on previous Cobra products.

Details

Cobra King F7 Baffler Fairway
SRP: £189
In store: January 27, 2017

Cobra King F7 Hybrids
SRP: £159
In store: January 27, 2017

For more information visit the Cobra website HERE

James Savage

Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.

Handicap: 17

Subscribe to NCG