Cobra Baffler XL Hybrid Review

Written by: Tony Korologos | Wednesday, December 11th, 2013
Categories: Golf Clubs • Golf Equipment • Golf Gear • Reviews
Tags: Cobra Golf • Golf Equipment

Cobra Golf is definitely on an ascending path. Their gear is getting better and better. The latest example is the new Cobra Baffler XL Hybrid, what Cobra says is the most forgiving and easy-to-hit hybrid in their 40 year history.

Cobra Baffler XL Hybrid – click to zoom

Has Cobra been making hybrids for 40 years? Anyway… Lets take a look.

Cobra Golf – Baffler XL Hybrid

Baffler XL Features

One of the most unique features of the Baffler series of clubs for many years (maybe even 40), has been the trademark rails on the bottom of the club. What do the rails actually do? They provide smooth turf interaction as less of the club is in contact with the ground. The lower drag on the sole and leading edge of the club help the club launch the ball higher and longer from all kinds of lies.

The Baffler XL Hybrid has tungsten weighting positioned at critical places low and in the back of the club. This weighting increases the clubs MOI (moment of inertia). The higher the MOI the more resistant the club is to twisting. This makes even off-center hits fly farther and straighter.

The center-of-gravity of the Baffler XL Hybrid is also low and back. The result is a high trajectory shot with low spin and more distance.

Specifications/Models

Model	Loft	Length	Swing Weight	Stock Flex	RH/LH
2H	17°	41″	D2.5	S, R, Lite	RH
3H	19°	40.50″	D2.5	S, R, Lite	RH/LH
4H	22°	40.00″	D2.5	S, R, Lite	RH/LH
5H	25°	39.50″	D2.5	S, R, Lite	RH/LH
6H	28°	39.00″	D2.5	S, R, Lite	RH/LH
7H	31°	38.50″	D2.5	S, R, Lite	RH/LH

Shafts

Model	Flex	Weight	Kick	Torque	Tip Diameter
Baffler XL Graphite Hybrid	A	60g	Low	Mid	0.370
Baffler XL Graphite Hybrid	R	62g	Mid	Mid	0.370
Baffler XL Graphite Hybrid	S	63g	Mid	Mid	0.370

Cobra Golf Baffler XL Hybrid Topline – click to zoom

Looks and Feel

I’m not a big fan of blue (college football issues). But the dark blue hue of this club is beautiful. My playing partners have all salivated over this beauty. The look at address is as Cobra advertises, confidence inspiring.

The feedback of the club in feel and especially audibly, is great. The club makes a very nice sounding “ping” on crisp shots. You know when you’ve hit the sweet spot.

On The Course

There was a slight period of adjustment for me with this club. I think it is primarily due to the mid kick point of the shaft. I had to experiment a bit with ball position before I started to hit it really well. The best position, forward in the stance, produced some amazing results.

Once dialed in the XL for me launched very high and produced a slight draw. I’m normally a straight ball player. The model I tested, 19 degrees, was great for layup shots on short par-4’s or going for it in two on par-5 holes. The high launch and forgiving performance made those very long par-3 holes quite fun.

I understand and love the rails now. This hybrid launches the ball brilliantly from any kind of lie, tight or thick.

Baffler XL Hybrid Head Cover – click to zoom

Head Cover

I dig the head cover on the Baffler XL. It is small and fairly thin, which helps keep it from taking up too much space in my bag. I typically use smaller carry bags so club real estate is valuable.

Despite being so compact, the cover protects this beauty well.

Critiques

My only critique is that the club is only available in blue (a college football issue once again). I’d prefer any other color.

Conclusion

At $159 retail, the Baffler XL is a great hybrid. It is very easy to hit, launches the ball very high, and produces long shots. This one has earned a starting position in the bag, and the previous hybrid is now keeping the garage warm.

Related Links

Cobra Baffler XL Hybrid pictures

Cobra Am Cell irons review

Cobra Amp Cell driver review

Golf Equipment Review: THE BALL

Written by: Tony Korologos | Tuesday, December 10th, 2013
Categories: Golf Balls • Golf Equipment • Golf Gear • Reviews
Tags: Golf Balls • THE BALL

THE BALL

Lately there are small golf ball companies popping up which compete directly with the big boys. One great example is THE BALL.

THE BALL is a new golf ball which can be found at www.ineedtheball.com. This golf ball stands toe-to-toe with any premium golf ball on the market with regards to distance and short game control.

Technology

THE BALL is a three piece (three layer) golf ball. Each layer features materials and properties which contribute to the ball’s performance.

The core is the first layer. The core is the largest layer, in the center of the ball. This layer contains Tungsten, chemical element 74, a hard steel-gray metal. The core is primarily responsible for the distance and compression of the ball.

Layer two is the mantle layer. The mantle layer construction promotes high initial velocity (ball speed) and a low launch angle with lower spin. The low launch angle and lower spin promote longer distance off the driver.

The outer layer is known as the cover. The cover of THE BALL is made from cast urethane, the same material found on the cover of 90% of the premium golf balls on the market. The cover is responsible for the spin of the ball and the control it has in the short game.

THE BALL – Layers

There are 318 dimples on the cover of the ball. The dimples promote lift and help the ball carry farther and straighter.

Specs

Driver spin is 2745 revolutions per minute (RPM), lower than the leading brand (they say “leading brand.” I’d guess they mean the Titleist ProV1), which his 3022. Lower driver spin is good.

Carry for THE BALL is 266 yards compared to 263.

Carry + Rollout for THE BALL is 277 compared to 272 for the leading brand.

Short game spin with the ball is 7410 RPM’s compared to 7500.

On The Course

Specs and techie stuff aside, how is this ball on the course, where performance really counts? I’ve played every premium ball known to man and this ball has no weaknesses compared to any of them. In fact, it outshines many premium brands for my game in the distance department.

Two weeks ago (before it snowed) I played a couple of rounds in some very cold and wet conditions. We’re talking low 40’s and even upper 30’s toward the end of the round. In these cold conditions golf balls go much shorter as the ball does not compress easily. That was not the case for me and THE BALL. In fact, I was pleasantly amazed that I was out-driving my regular distances by 20 to even 40 yards!

Case in point was the 468 yard 2nd hole at my home course, the toughest hole on the course. Normally my drives end up around the 200 yard marker, give or take 10 yards. My yearly average approach is about 275. With a nice solid drive I found THE BALL way up the fairway at the 160 mark. Ding ding ding! Winner. Much more fun to hit 8-iron into a green than a 4-iron.

The Ball – click to zoom

300+ yard drive in the cold? I couldn’t believe it. But by the time the round was done, I believed it. Same case on the 15th hole, the hardest hole on the back. Normally once again I’m looking at a 5-6 iron approach on this tough hole. Instead, I was at the 150 marker debating a 9 or 8-iron.

Distance isn’t the only strong point of THE BALL. I found the feel to be fantastic around the greens, even for my very mediocre short game. I had nice control on short shots inside 100 yards and especially chipping and pitching. THE BALL feels great off the putter too, easy to control distance.

Conclusion

At a retail price of $34.99, THE BALL clocks in at $10-20 less than premium brand name golf balls.

THE BALL is golf’s equivalent to a car that costs as much as a Honda, but outperforms a Porsche.

First Look: Ecco Golf Street EVO One Shoes

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, December 9th, 2013
Categories: Golf Apparel • Golf Gear • Site News
Tags: Ecco Golf • Golf Apparel • Golf Shoes

In for review is the new Street EVO One hybrid golf shoe from Ecco Golf.

Ecco Street EVO One Shoe

I’ll be putting these in play as soon as possible, as in when the snow melts. Stay tuned for my review, hopefully very soon.

This Week in Golf – Northwestern Mutual World Challenge, Nedbank Golf Challenge, Hong Kong open

Written by: Tony Korologos | Thursday, December 5th, 2013
Categories: European Tour • PGA Tour • Pro Golf • Rory McIlory • Tiger Woods
Tags: Bubba Watson • Graeme McDowell • Rory McIlory • Tiger Woods

Northwestern Mutual World Challenge
Dates: December 5-8
Venue: Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Golf Channel Airtimes (Eastern):
Thursday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 8-11 p.m. (Replay)
Friday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 8-11 p.m. (Replay)
Saturday 1-3 p.m. (Live) / 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Replay)
Sunday 1-3 p.m. (Live) / 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Replay)

NBC Airtimes (Eastern)
Saturday 3-6 p.m. (Live)
Sunday 3-6 p.m. (Live)
Purse: $3,500,000 Winning Share: $1,000,000

Headlining the Field: Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Jason Dufner, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Keegan Bradley, Jason Day, Webb Simpson and Bill Haas.

Nedbank Golf Challenge
Dates: December 5-8
Venue: Gary Player Country Club, Sun City, South Africa

Golf Channel Airtimes (Eastern):
Thursday 4-9:30 a.m. (Live) / 6:30-8 p.m. (Replay)
Friday 4-9:30 a.m. (Live) / 6:30-8 p.m. (Replay)
Saturday 4-9:30 a.m. (Live) / 3-6 p.m. (Replay) / 9:30-11:30 p.m. (Replay)
Sunday 4-9:30 a.m. (Live) / 3-6 p.m. (Replay / 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (Replay)

Headlining the Field: Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald, Charl Schwartzel, Martin Kaymer, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Matteo Manassero, Gary Woodland and D.A. Points.

Hong Kong Open
Dates: December 5-8
Venue: Hong Kong Golf Club (Composite Course), Fanling, Hong Kong

Golf Channel Airtimes (Eastern):
Thursday Midnight-4 a.m. (Live)
Friday Midnight-4 a.m. (Live)
Saturday Midnight-4 a.m. (Live)
Sunday Midnight-4 a.m. (Live) / 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Replay)

Headlining the Field: Miguel Angel Jimenez, Guan Tianlang (a), John Daly, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Daniel Chopra, Thorbjorn Olesen, Thomas Levet and Jeev Milkha Singh.

Holiday Golf Gift Guide – Golf Apparel

Written by: Tony Korologos | Monday, December 2nd, 2013
Categories: Golf Apparel • Golf Gear • Miscellaneous
Tags: Golf Gifts • Holiday Golf Gift

There are so many great golf apparel companies which make some fantastic threads. Here are a few quick gift suggestions for the golfer on your Christmas list. Each short description includes a link to the original Hooked On Golf Blog review.

Tattoo Golf Clubhouse Collection Polo – $49

Tattoo Golf Clubhouse Collection Golf Polo

Tattoo Golf’s Clubhouse Collection Polo is a very comfortable and sharp looking golf polo. The fabric, 100% woven polyester, is high on comfort and low on management. The fabric resists wrinkling and doesn’t need to be ironed if you take it right out of the dryer.

Not only is the polo very comfortable and high performance, it is adorned with the timeless signature Tattoo Golf skull and cross club bones.

Brilliant.

Dunning Base Layer

Dunning Merino Wool Boxer Brief Base Layer

Staying warm on the golf course is imperative for comfort and playing well in cold conditions. If I’m not warm, my back tightens up and the swing goes bad. Very bad.

The Dunning Golf base layer is a system you wear under your normal golf threads. The base layer system can include a long or short sleeve merino wool undershirt as well as merino wool boxer-briefs.

My personal experience with the Dunning base layers has been nothing short of fantastic, on and off the course.

Nike Golf Hyperadatpt Storm-FIT Jacket – $280

Nike Storm Fit Jacket

If you were to give this $280 jacket as a gift, you’d be telling someone they’re very special. This is the same jacket the likes of Rory McIlory and Tiger Woods had in the bag at the 2013 British Open.

The Nike Hyperadapt Storm-FIT Jacket is an amazing performance golf jacket which a very stylish design. Most importantly, this jacket can hold off even the worst of Scottish rain and wind.

FORE!! Axel & Hudson Golf Apparel for Boys and Girls

FORE!! Axel & Hudson

Got a baby or youngster who could use some very classy golf apparel? Back on October 21, 2013 I posted a review of some of the products from FORE!! Axel & Hudson, makers of very stylish and classy golf apparel items for ages 12 months to 12 years.

Included in the review: Crinkle Plaid Driver Cap, Poncho Stripe Shorts, two Golf Polos.

OGIO Groove Shorts – $90

OGIO Groove Golf Shorts

2013 marked the year that the very cool company OGIO started to offer golf apparel to go along with their killer golf bags and accessories.

I’m thrilled with the comfort and style of my OGIO Groove golf shorts. These are made from 94% polyester and 6% spandex. The end result is mega-comfort, no wrinkles and easy care.

Greg Norman ML75 Golf Polo – $69

Greg Norman ML75 Polo

Here’s one you may find in your local apparel store or golf shop, the Greg Norman ML75 golf polo.

The ML75 is a very sharp looking polo which comes in some really great color combinations. The polo is made from a super fine microfiber polyester yarn which is so soft and smooth that the shirt feels like it is made from silk.

Switch Belt – $29

Switch Belts – click for HOG review

I’ve raved about Switch Belts many times. These are so cool.

Switch Belts are made from plastic. They come in one size and the wearer cuts them down for a tailored fit. There are 14 colors available in both the belt and buckles, which are interchangeable. That makes 196 different color combinations. Better budget some extra time for getting dressed in the morning.

Since the belts are made from plastic, they can be washed in the dishwasher. Yes, the dishwasher.

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