Cobra Long Tom Driver Review: Distance, Feel, and Value - SirShanksAlot.com

Puma’s purchase of Cobra Golf brought some exciting changes, like the popular Amp line. But the Cobra Long Tom driver? Not so much. I finally understand why this club, inspired by WWII cannons, didn’t live up to the hype. In this Cobra Long Tom driver review, I’ll share my experience, from its unique design and extra-long shaft to its actual performance on the course. Is the Cobra Long Tom driver worth considering, or is it just a novelty item? Let’s find out.

The background behind the Long Tom actually goes back to World War II. Where the US Army used massive cannons that could hit enemy targets with a 94 pound shells from 14 miles away – these cannons were nicknamed Long Tom’s.

I tested the 10 degree model with the stock stiff flex Grafalloy blackbird shaft. This club is one of the longest, and lightest clubs in the market today. At 48 inches long (the USGA max), it’s 3-4 inches longer than most drivers, and at a mere 269 grams, is extremely light. Cobra made this possible by utilizing a new titanium alloy that is extremely strong, allowing designers to build an extremely thin face, and help remove/reposition weight. The shape of the Long Tom features a deep face and has a triangular shape that reminds me of the old TaylorMade Burner or Titleist 907 D1. It has a pretty sleek all-black textured look, but unfortunately, that’s about all this club has going for it. You may also recall, Cobra released some unfinished versions with a muted grey color as limited editions.

How Does the Cobra Long Tom Driver Perform?

I’m going to preface this section with a disclaimer: If you struggle to keep the ball in the fairway already, don’t buy this driver.

The Long Tom is one of the most unique clubs on the market and I was really excited to try it, simply because I can’t remember ever hitting a 48 inch driver. Long drivers such as these have been seen before, mostly on long drive tours, where you see shafts up to 50 inches long. They are notoriously difficult to hit solidly, almost impossible to hit accurately, and rarely if ever can you rely on any form of consistency.

I struggled with the additional length right from the beginning. I routinely lost control of the ball with the Long Tom and missed a large percentage of shots to the right. While the club makes you feel like you really want to go after the ball, doing so, and timing your swing to do it, is very difficult. I mean, who wants a driver that gives them 10 extra yards 10% of the time, but puts them 30+ yards off-line 90% of the time? I could feel my swing getting flatter, and my posture more upright as I tried to find a way to swing this club with consistency. A driver shouldn’t force you to chance your swing. I felt like a kid who was swinging a club way to big for them. Cobra, have you ever heard of a thing called club-fitting?

I consistently produced a high launch and ball flight, and even higher on my harder swings. You really need to keep a smooth tempo and let the club do the work for you. I felt zero confidence over the ball, and really had no clue where each shot was going. Cobra, in their attempts to make a club that could help get players a couple extra yards ended up with a club that 99% of the golfing population would never be able to hit. There is a reason no tour players are using it.

Key Takeaways

The Cobra Long Tom’s extreme length makes accuracy a challenge. While promising extra distance, the 48-inch shaft makes consistent contact difficult, leading to mishits and lost control, even for skilled players.
Its lightweight design creates an unusual, inconsistent feel. The combination of a light shaft and overall construction hinders feedback and control, making it hard to know where the club head is during your swing.
Cobra offers better-balanced alternatives. The LTDx and Aerojet driver families provide a more practical blend of distance, accuracy, and forgiveness, making them more suitable for a wider range of golfers.

Distance and Accuracy

Independent Golf Reviews found the Long Tom surprisingly accurate despite its 48-inch length. Their reviewer maintained their typical fairway hit percentage and even gained an average of 10 extra yards per drive. This contrasts with some claims about the club’s inaccuracy. Today’s Golfer rated it 4/5 stars, highlighting it as the longest driver in their 2012 tests. They noted a slight accuracy trade-off because of the longer shaft, but most testers maintained reasonable control. CheckYourGolf mentions technologies like Advanced Material Placement and E9 Face Technology, which are designed to improve both distance and accuracy.

Shaft and Specifications

The shaft weighs 50 grams, and the overall driver weight is a light 269 grams. Available lofts are 8°, 9°, and 10°, with a 460cc head size and a Grafalloy Blackbird shaft. Left-handed versions and custom fitting options are available. While the 48-inch shaft contributes to distance, Today’s Golfer’s testers wouldn’t use it during actual play, suggesting a shorter shaft for practical use. Different shaft flex options (regular, stiff, senior, extra stiff) are available depending on the loft.

What’s the Cobra Long Tom Driver Feel Like?

The Long Tom is one of the lightest drivers I have hit (Cleveland’s 265 still takes the lightweight cake). This combination of length and an extremely lightweight shaft made for an odd feel. I had difficult time feeling where the club was throughout my swing. At the top, I felt like I was going way past parallel, and also felt as if the club was forcing me to change my tempo. While solidly struck shots (few and far between) felt good, off-center hits felt absolutely awful. I didn’t receive the feedback that I normally do on shorter drivers, and the reverberations through the shaft did not jive with what I’m used to at all. Call me old-fashioned, but after 20+ balls with the Long Tom, I never wanted to hit it again.

Aesthetics and Design

The Cobra Long Tom driver definitely makes a visual statement. The standard model has a sleek all-black textured finish, giving it a modern, almost stealthy look on the course. But the real head-turner is the limited edition “raw” finish. This unpainted grey metal gives the club a unique, industrial vibe that some golfers find particularly appealing, as noted by Independent Golf Reviews. It definitely stands out from the typical shiny, polished drivers.

Beyond the finish, the overall design scored high marks from testers at Today’s Golfer, earning a 4.1 out of 5 for its appearance. They liked the club’s dimensions and alignment features, which, despite the unconventional length, make it surprisingly easy to address the ball. The deep face and triangular shape—similar to older drivers like the TaylorMade Burner or Titleist 907 D1—also contribute to a confident setup. Even the Grafalloy Blackbird shaft and Lamkin shorty grip contribute to the premium feel.

Is the Cobra Long Tom Driver Worth It?

There is a niche for just about every club. For this one however, you’ll have to look long and hard to find it. If you want bragging rights about being the longest off the tee with your Saturday group, you better be playing 36 holes, and don’t expect to brag too often. The price tag of $349 is reasonable in today’s driver market, but for what you’re getting they should be giving them away for free. If you’re seriously thinking of buying this driver, you must not like improving your game, or only play in 4-man scrambles.

Accuracy trumps distance more often than not for most golfers. I’d rather be able to hit my drives 250-280 with some consistency, than 280+ with no control. Taking you game to the next level requires consistency and reliability in your swing. The Long Tom will not help you get there.

To add insult to injury, Cobra also released 500 unfinished models of this driver at a price tag of $499. This marketing scheme is pretty shameless, and brings my overall opinion of these drivers down a peg or two. I mean how can you honestly charge $150 more for a club that isn’t even finished, let alone hittable?

With all that said, Cobra did put some cool technology into this driver, it’s just a shame that its in a driver few people can hit. Cobra, take a mulligan, and try again.

Target Audience and Recommendations

This driver is best suited for golfers who consistently crush their drives and are looking for a few extra yards. However, if accuracy is a struggle, I’d strongly advise against the Long Tom. It prioritizes distance over control, which could worsen any existing slice or hook. If you’re still intrigued by the added distance, try it at a demo day or simulator before buying. For tips on improving accuracy, which might make the Long Tom a more viable option later, check out this article on shot-making.

Pricing and Availability

The Long Tom retails for $349, a standard price for drivers today. Cobra also released 500 unfinished models with a raw finish for $499. Given the performance issues, even the standard price seems high, and the premium for the unfinished version is questionable. Investing that extra cash in lessons or a new golf cart could improve your game more.

Alternatives and Comparisons

If you’re in the market for a new Cobra driver, consider these lines for a better balance of performance and forgiveness:

Cobra LTDx Drivers

The LTDx line (LTDx, LTDx LS, LTDx Max) offers a more refined, forgiving experience than the Long Tom. The LTDx provides impressive distance and a sleeker look. The LTDx LS is designed for low spin and workability, while the LTDx Max offers draw bias and increased forgiveness. They also have various loft options.

Cobra Aerojet Drivers

The Aerojet line (Aerojet, Aerojet LS, Aerojet Max) focuses on aerodynamics for increased club head speed and distance. The Aerojet offers a balance of distance and forgiveness, the LS provides low spin and workability, and the Max is designed for maximum forgiveness and a draw bias. They feature a sleek design and technologies like the PWR-BRIDGE weighting system for optimized ball flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cobra Long Tom driver suitable for high-handicap golfers? Probably not. While the added length is tempting for more distance, the Long Tom’s lack of forgiveness makes it challenging for golfers who already struggle with accuracy. The extra length exaggerates off-center hits, leading to more errant shots. Focus on improving your swing consistency and accuracy before considering a driver like this.

What are the key design features of the Cobra Long Tom driver? The Cobra Long Tom stands out with its 48-inch shaft, the maximum length allowed by the USGA. It’s also incredibly lightweight at 269 grams, due to a strong titanium alloy and a thin clubface. The clubhead has a deep face and a triangular shape. It comes in a sleek all-black finish, with a limited-edition “raw” grey finish also available.

How does the Cobra Long Tom compare to other Cobra drivers? Compared to Cobra’s LTDx or Aerojet lines, the Long Tom prioritizes distance above all else, often at the expense of accuracy and forgiveness. The LTDx and Aerojet drivers offer various models catering to different swing types and preferences, with a better balance of distance, forgiveness, and control. They also incorporate newer technologies for optimized performance.

Where can I try out the Cobra Long Tom driver before purchasing? It’s highly recommended to test the Long Tom before committing to a purchase. See if you can demo the club at your local golf store or driving range. This will allow you to experience the club’s unique feel and performance firsthand and determine if it suits your game. A simulator session can also provide valuable data on your swing with the Long Tom.

What are some alternatives to consider if the Cobra Long Tom isn’t right for me? If you’re looking for distance but want more forgiveness, consider Cobra’s LTDx Max or Aerojet Max drivers. These models are designed for higher launch and draw bias, helping to correct slices and maximize distance on off-center hits. If you prioritize control and workability, the LTDx LS and Aerojet LS models offer lower spin and a more penetrating ball flight. It’s always best to try out different models to find the best fit for your swing.