Cobra Darkspeed MAX vs Ping G430 Max 10K
At $599 vs $499, there's a $100 gap between the Ping G430 Max 10K and the Cobra Darkspeed MAX. Is the premium worth it? The Ping G430 Max 10K does score higher overall, but the Cobra Darkspeed MAX punches above its price. Here's the full head-to-head breakdown.
Score Comparison
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Forgiveness
The Ping G430 Max 10K holds a modest edge in forgiveness at 9.8/10 vs the Cobra Darkspeed MAX's 9.2/10. A 0.6-point advantage that's slight but could matter if forgiveness ranks high on your priority list. Ping G430 Max 10K's 10,000 MOI is among the highest available.
Distance
A negligible difference in distance: the Ping G430 Max 10K scores 8.8/10 vs 8.4/10 for the Cobra Darkspeed MAX. The 0.4-point gap is slim enough that other factors should guide your decision. Key tech like Carbonfly Wrap drives the Ping G430 Max 10K's speed numbers.
Feel & Sound
The Ping G430 Max 10K holds a modest edge in feel & sound at 8.4/10 vs the Cobra Darkspeed MAX's 7.8/10. A 0.6-point advantage that's slight but could matter if feel & sound ranks high on your priority list. The Ping G430 Max 10K's 460cc head produces a confident, full-bodied sound.
Adjustability
A negligible difference in adjustability: the Ping G430 Max 10K scores 8.4/10 vs 8/10 for the Cobra Darkspeed MAX. The 0.4-point gap is slim enough that other factors should guide your decision. The Ping G430 Max 10K offers Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel (8 positions) for fine-tuning.
Value
A clear advantage for the Cobra Darkspeed MAX in value: 8.6/10 vs 7.2/10 for the Ping G430 Max 10K. The 1.4-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 | Cobra Darkspeed MAX | Ping G430 Max 10K |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499 | $599 |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Head Size | 460cc | 460cc |
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Adjustable | Yes | Yes |
| MOI | 9100 | 10000 |
| Key Tech | PWR-Bridge Weighting, AI Designed H.O.T. Face, Carbon Fiber Crown and Sole | Carbonfly Wrap, Spinsistency Face Technology, Perimeter Tungsten Weighting |
Which Should You Buy?
If you want maximum forgiveness
Go with the Ping G430 Max 10K. Its 9.8/10 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 Ping G430 Max 10K has the edge at 8.8/10 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 Ping G430 Max 10K's 7.2/10 at $599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Cobra Darkspeed MAX or Ping G430 Max 10K?
The Ping G430 Max 10K scores higher overall at 8.7/10 vs 8.5/10. It wins on forgiveness, distance, feel and sound, adjustability. The Cobra Darkspeed MAX is better for value. The best choice depends on your priorities and handicap level.
Is the Cobra Darkspeed MAX more forgiving than the Ping G430 Max 10K?
The Ping G430 Max 10K is more forgiving, scoring 9.8/10 compared to 9.2/10 for the Cobra Darkspeed MAX. It offers excellent stability on mishits.
Which is better value: Cobra Darkspeed MAX or Ping G430 Max 10K?
The Cobra Darkspeed MAX ($499) scores 8.6/10 for value vs 7.2/10 for the Ping G430 Max 10K ($599). It costs less and delivers more bang for the buck.