Cobra Updates AMP Lineup

2012 is going to be a big, big year for Cobra. For a company that looked like it may be falling by the wayside, some major changes have taken places. Earlier we saw the company partner up with Puma and along with that came the signing of two of the game’s brightest stars, Rickie Fowler and Lexi Thompson, to endorsement deals. Along with the new star golfers are the new AMP series of clubs, and while the bright orange color may be a little unique, there is something for players at every level.

Woods
First, let’s take a look at the AMP drivers, and there are two of them, the regular AMP driver and the AMP Offset driver. While the drivers are unique from one another and are definitely aimed at different level of players they have their similarities as well. To star,t both drivers kind of take a page out of the TaylorMade playbook as neither one has a black crown, instead opting for a silver top. Beyond that, both drivers feature E9 Face Technology which creates a 30% larger sweet zone on the club as well as a new approach to bulge and roll design with the aim of increasing both distance and accuracy. Basically, what this amounts to is more forgiveness as the club will still produce high ball speeds on off-centered hits.

Both clubs also have the AMP technology for which the line was named. AMP stands for Advanced Material Placement and what Cobra engineers have done is created a club with thin walls to save weight and then redistribute it (up to 15 grams) deep and in the back of the club head to optimize launch conditions.

One of the differences between the two versions of the driver, as you might expect, is offset. Golfers who suffer from a slice off the tee may want to take a look at the offset version as, according to Cobra, the offset helps to square the face through impact and produce a straighter ball flight. Probably the biggest key difference between the two clubs however is AFT or Adjustable Flight Technology; the regular version has it and the offset does not. AFT allows the user to set the face angle to open neutral or closed via a screw on the sole to help tune their ball flight for increased distance and accuracy.

Both clubs come stock with the Aldila RIP speed-tuned shaft as well as an orange Lamkin R.E.L. 3Gen grip. As with the majority of companies, there are custom options available for an up-charge. The AMP driver comes in lofts of 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, and 11.5° (lefties can choose either the 9.5° or 10.5° versions) while the AMP Offset is available in 10.5° and 11.5° (only the 10.5° for lefties).

The AMP driver will set you back $299 while the AMP offset is $50 less at $249.

Along with the pair of drivers, are the AMP fairway woods and hybrids. The fairway woods and hybrids have the same technology as the AMP driver with the E9 Face Technology, AMP and AFT, as well as the same stock shaft. The woods come in 3, 4 and 5 wood models (15°, 16.5°, and 18°), while the hybrids come in 2h, 3h, and 4h models (17°, 19°, and 22°). Lefties will be able to get their hands on the 3 and 5 woods and the 3 hybrid. The fairway woods are priced at $199 each and the hybrids are $189 each.

Irons
As with the drivers, Cobra has two versions of the AMP irons. First, there are the regular AMP irons which are aimed at higher handicappers and then there are the AMP Forged aimed at the better player. Also like the drivers, both set of irons feature the AMP technology. Additionally, the AMP irons also have E9 Face Technology. In the irons, this means that the face is thicker in the region typical to a golfer’s impact pattern. The 3- through 7-iron in the AMP irons feature a two-piece design where a high-strength 17-4 stainless steel face is welded to a 431 stainless steel body. The 8-iron though LW have a one piece design made from 431 stainless steel.

The AMP irons also feature V-Skid Sole technology which combines a high bounce with heel and toe relief to give the club maximum playability in a multitude of conditions.

For the better players, Cobra offers the AMP Forged which are forged from S20C steel. These irons feature a thinner top line and less offset than the regular AMP irons as well as increased feel and workability. Also, Cobra has worked on dampening vibrations through the use of a thermoplastic rubber (TPU) aluminum medallion and TPU insert in the cavity.

Both sets come with stock with orange Lamking R.E.L. 3Gen grips.

The AMP irons are available with either the Aldila AMP RIP graphite shafts or True Temper Dynalite 90 shafts and come in a few different stock set compositions. The stock set if you get regular or stiff flex (both steel and graphite are available) is 4-PW, GW or you could opt for the hybrid/iron combo set which features a 3 and 4 hybrid and then 5-PW in the irons. For those going with the lite flex (graphite only), the stock set is comprised of 5-PW, GW, SW. The regular set with steel shafts cost $699 with the combo set costing $799; you can plan on adding $100 to that if you want graphite.

There are a few less options with the AMP Forged irons. The stock shaft is the KBS Tour steel shaft and there is no stock graphite shaft available (although you could get one as a custom option). The stock set is 4-GW though there is a 3 iron available as well. The set goes for $899 in stores and individual clubs are $129 each.