Cobra Fly-Z XL Hybrid_0046

50 Words or Less

The Cobra Fly-Z XL hybrid is a true example of what a hybrid/rescue club is designed for.  A great long iron replacement with solid forgiveness.

Cobra Fly-Z XL Hybrid_0042

Introduction

I have been pleasantly surprised by the entire Cobra Fly-Z XL club line, but none more so than the Fly-Z XL hybrid.  It fits well in the Fly-Z XL line in regards to its forgiveness and ease of use, but is also the best feeling club of the Fly-Z XL woods.  The Fly-Z XL hybrid has the same offset and Speed Channel Face found in the other Fly-Z XL fairway woods and goes as high as a 31ยบ 7 hybrid.  This review will discuss the characteristics of the Cobra Fly-Z XL hybrid that make this club a solid option for beginner and high-handicap golfers.

Cobra Fly-Z XL Hybrid_0060

Looks

When I think of the looks of the Cobra Fly-Z XL hybrids, I think "pleasantly moderate."  I'm not a fan of super tiny hybrids, but I don't like giant apples on the other end of the club either.  I like a medium sized, pear-shaped hybrid, and the Fly-Z XL falls into that category.  While I wouldn't quite say the Fly-Z XL is the most pear-shaped club I've ever seen – it's a little more rounded and symmetrical – it's close and still looks good at address.  The black crown with the signature Fly-Z XL accents on the trailing edge keep it simple.  The face is a medium depth and creates a confidence-inspiring setup at address.  The offset found in other Fly-Z XL clubs is present in the hybrids, but considering that most hybrids have a little a offset built into them, this doesn't negatively impact the look at address.

Cobra Fly-Z XL Hybrid_0057

Sound & Feel

While I find that the Cobra Fly-Z XL hybrid is the best feeling club in the Fly-Z XL woods line, I feel the sound is pretty generic.  You get a quiet metallic tick that sounds extremely neutral.  It doesn't sound all that explosive, nor does it sound quiet and solid.

At impact, the Fly-Z XL felt very forgiving and responsive.  The ball felt like it really jumped off the club when I found the sweet spot.  This mishits were noticeable but still felt like the ball hopped off the face.  The feel was very solid and rewarding which also contributes to building the confidence you need to make a dreaded longer shot from a tough situation.

Cobra Fly-Z XL Hybrid_0054

Performance

Long story short, the Cobra Fly-Z XL hybrid is one of the most reliable and consistent clubs I've ever hit.  This club is a little bit of a one-trick pony in the sense that it pretty much only produced straight, high launching shots.  In reviewing my ten best shots on the monitor, I've never seen results as consistent as I saw with this club.  My club head speed and ball speed were within .2 MPH of each other, my distances within 2 yards of each other (carry and total), and peak heights ranged about 2 yards across six of my ten best shots.Six shots were almost totally identical to each other! The Fly-Z XL hybrid almost felt like it controlled the ball for me, and made my swing more consistent than it really was.

Consistency is one of the greatest struggles among golfers, so the Fly-Z XL hybrid almost becomes a no brainer.  For the golfer that is just looking for a simple shot where their hybrid just gets up in the air, goes straight, and carries a dialed in distance, the Cobra Fly-Z XL is must try.  If you're looking to have something to change trajectories and shot shapes, you will likely want to try out a different club.

Cobra Fly-Z XL Hybrid_0050

Conclusion

For my money, the Cobra Fly-Z XL hybrid is the crown jewel of the Fly-Z XL woods.  For the game of golf to seem easier to players, they need to be able to consistently repeat good shots and know they can rely on themselves to effectively use their equipment in different situations.  Though I entered my testing with skepticism, I came out extremely impressed with how well the Cobra Fly-Z XL hybrid performed and would recommend it to a wide audience beyond beginners and the twice-a-year outing golfer.Cobra has addressed an area of the market that so many other manufacturers neglect. That need is more affordable equipment that is easy to use and keeps players coming back and getting better at the game…and having fun doing it.

Watch the Video

The following two tabs change content below.

  • Bio
  • Latest Posts

Bill is a true golf gear nerd by definition who loves making custom club creations in his garage with tools like sledge hammers, blow torches, and his bare hands. By day, Bill is a technology manager living in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and kids. Bill plays Scott Readman Concepts putters and accessories.