Cobra Announces Launch Of New King Cobra SS 350 Driver Line

First Product Introduced as Part of New King Cobra Equipment Line Scheduled for January.

Leveraging the spirit of innovation that inspired the original King Cobra® metal wood franchise, Cobra® announces the introduction of the next generation King Cobra golf club line, commencing with its new King Cobra SS 350™ driver series. The new King Cobra SS 350 drivers are the first of a full line of King Cobra product introductions scheduled for national launch at the 2002 PGA Merchandise Show in January.

The King Cobra SS 350 driver line will be available in four lofts (7.5º, 9.0º, 10.5º, 12.0º) in both right-hand and left-hand options. In addition, the King Cobra SS 350 will be available with offset in senior (11.0º) and women's specifications (13.5º).

"The new King Cobra SS 350 offers cutting edge oversized titanium technology for golfers whose priorities in a driver are distance, accuracy and consistency," comments Jeff Harmet, General Manager, Cobra. "The SS stands for 'Sweet Spot', and the King Cobra SS 350 features one of the largest and 'hottest' of any conforming driver in the industry, making it easier and more enjoyable to hit for players of all skill levels."

The King Cobra SS 350 features a thin 15-3-3-3 Beta Titanium insert surrounded by an even thinner titanium ring to generate the maximum allowable energy transfer and a higher coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) over a greater effective hitting area. The result is more distance, greater forgiveness and a sweet, solid feel and sound.

An internal low and back heel weight pad is positioned directly in line with the hosel axis to promote a higher, more consistent trajectory, and forgiveness on off-center hits due to its lower center of gravity.

In comprehensive player tests of 30 competitive driver users with handicaps between 10-28, the King Cobra SS 350 was preferred by a wide majority of players in the areas of distance, trajectory, forgiveness, accuracy and feel. Robotic performance results from tests conducted at an independent facility proved equally significant, including a King Cobra SS 350 distance advantage over the Callaway® VFT™ on drives hit from nine different points of the club face*.

"With the King Cobra SS 350, we are inviting a wide range players of competitive products seeking a game improvement driver who may have once played Cobra, to return to the 'new' Cobra brand," said Harmet. "In addition, we invite new players seeking long, straight distance to experience the King Cobra brand for perhaps the first time."

The King Cobra SS 350 driver is characterized by its progressive oversize design. Aesthetically, the size and shape of the sweet spot is constructed into the face of the driver. The unique sole plate features the traditional King Cobra word mark, and identifies the 350cc head volume, loft, .825 C.O.R., size of the sweet spot and Beta Titanium material. The specific gram weight, flex, flex point and manufacturer are identified on each shaft.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers and consumers to obtain as much information as possible about these drivers," said Harmet. "By identifying these characteristics, both on the sole plate of the driver and its shaft, the golfer can make an educated and informed decision."

The new King Cobra SS 350 driver line will ship to Sun Belt (Florida, Arizona, Texas and California) locations in early December. Nationwide delivery will begin following a comprehensive launch as part of an entire new line of King Cobra-branded golf products at the 2002 PGA Merchandise Show in January.

The King Cobra SS 350 models will carry a suggested retail price of $369 offering a significant volume and share shift opportunity for the Cobra franchise. The new line will be heavily supported by demo days, print, television and Internet advertising campaigns and introductory in-shop demo displays designed to stimulate trial and educate consumers of the products' pending arrival in the marketplace and its superior points of difference against competitive offerings.

October 30, 2001