Callaway Ai Smoke Max vs Cobra Darkspeed MAX
At $599 vs $499, there's a $100 gap between the Callaway Ai Smoke Max and the Cobra Darkspeed MAX. Is the premium worth it? Interestingly, the more affordable Cobra Darkspeed MAX actually matches or beats the Callaway Ai Smoke Max in several key areas. Here's the full head-to-head breakdown.
Score Comparison
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Forgiveness
The Callaway Ai Smoke Max edges the Cobra Darkspeed MAX 9.4 to 9.2 in forgiveness, but the 0.2-point gap is virtually identical in practice. You won't feel a real-world difference between these two here. Callaway Ai Smoke Max's 9,200 MOI provides solid stability.
Distance
A negligible difference in distance: the Callaway Ai Smoke Max scores 8.9/10 vs 8.4/10 for the Cobra Darkspeed MAX. The 0.5-point gap is slim enough that other factors should guide your decision. Key tech like Ai Smart Face drives the Callaway Ai Smoke Max's speed numbers.
Feel & Sound
The Callaway Ai Smoke Max holds a modest edge in feel & sound at 8.6/10 vs the Cobra Darkspeed MAX's 7.8/10. A 0.8-point advantage that's slight but could matter if feel & sound ranks high on your priority list. The Callaway Ai Smoke Max's 460cc head produces a confident, full-bodied sound.
Adjustability
Both the Callaway Ai Smoke Max and Cobra Darkspeed MAX score 8/10 for adjustability — a dead heat. Neither has a meaningful edge here, so this category won't be the deciding factor. The Callaway Ai Smoke Max offers OptiFit hosel with loft and lie adjustment for fine-tuning.
Value
A clear advantage for the Cobra Darkspeed MAX in value: 8.6/10 vs 7/10 for the Callaway Ai Smoke Max. The 1.6-point gap represents a meaningful difference you'll likely notice on the course. At $499, the Cobra Darkspeed MAX is priced in line with flagship competitors.
Specifications
| Spec | Callaway Ai Smoke Max | Cobra Darkspeed MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | $499 |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Head Size | 460cc | 460cc |
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes |
| MOI | 9200 | 9100 |
| Key Tech | Ai Smart Face, Forged Carbon Composite, Triaxial Carbon Crown | PWR-Bridge Weighting, AI Designed H.O.T. Face, Carbon Fiber Crown and Sole |
Which Should You Buy?
If you want maximum forgiveness
Go with the Callaway Ai Smoke Max. Its 9.4/10 forgiveness score means more consistent results on off-center strikes compared to the Cobra Darkspeed MAX's 9.2/10.
If you want maximum distance
The Callaway Ai Smoke Max has the edge at 8.9/10 vs 8.4/10. Its design is optimized for ball speed and carry distance.
If you're on a budget
The Cobra Darkspeed MAX at $499 scores 8.6/10 for value — better than the Callaway Ai Smoke Max's 7/10 at $599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Callaway Ai Smoke Max or Cobra Darkspeed MAX?
The Callaway Ai Smoke Max scores higher overall at 8.5/10 vs 8.5/10. It wins on forgiveness, distance, feel and sound. The Cobra Darkspeed MAX is better for value. The best choice depends on your priorities and handicap level.
Is the Callaway Ai Smoke Max more forgiving than the Cobra Darkspeed MAX?
The Callaway Ai Smoke Max is more forgiving, scoring 9.4/10 compared to 9.2/10 for the Cobra Darkspeed MAX. It offers excellent stability on mishits.
Which is better value: Callaway Ai Smoke Max or Cobra Darkspeed MAX?
The Cobra Darkspeed MAX ($499) scores 8.6/10 for value vs 7/10 for the Callaway Ai Smoke Max ($599). It costs less and delivers more bang for the buck.