Cobra DS-ADAPT Drivers – The Hackers Paradise

Gearheads, get ready because release season is officially here! It might feel like this launch is happening earlier than usual, but Cobra has something incredibly special for golfers that, frankly, they couldn’t wait any longer. Today, Cobra unveils their newest driver lineup, the DS-ADAPT, which is being touted as the fastest and most fittable driver line they’ve ever created.

Aerodynamics – Cobra DS-ADAPT Drivers

Cobra has been focusing on aerodynamics and its benefits for drivers for quite some time. Similar to last year’s Darkspeed lineup, the DS-ADAPT LS model features the most aerodynamic design in this series. Since the LS model targets faster swingers, it makes sense to enhance the speed of the clubhead. All DS-ADAPT models include softer edges around the face, but the LS model offers additional features, such as a raised crown and aft design, which help maintain smooth airflow around the head for as long as possible.

Across the four driver head designs released, Cobra has implemented a progressive aerodynamic shape that transitions from the most aerodynamic LS model to the Max-D model, which prioritizes playability. The Max-D model is designed for players seeking greater forgiveness, higher launch angles, and some draw weighting, placing a lower aerodynamics priority.

Adaptive Weighting – Cobra DS-ADAPT Drivers

Cobra’s DS-ADAPT drivers also feature adaptive weighting across their entire range, similar to their approach with progressive aerodynamics. This adaptive weighting allows for optimal weight distribution within the clubhead, tailored to different golfer segments. The PWR-Bridge technology, seen previously in the Aerojet and Darkspeed models, is incorporated in the 9° loft of the DS-ADAPT LS and X driver heads, while the 10.5° versions do not include this feature. This results in two distinctly different driver head designs based on the stated loft of the head. Cobra’s rationale is that golfers opting for the lower loft typically seek lower launch and spin. By excluding the PWR-Bridge in the 10.5° heads, Cobra R&D can reposition an additional 6 grams of weight to enhance forgiveness and launch characteristics. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these design differences when testing the LS and X models in the hitting bay.

Moving on to the DS-ADAPT Max-K, this model completely omits a PWR-Bridge, and its weight has been positioned lower and deeper than any other model in the series. The Max-K is the most forgiving and stable DS-ADAPT driver head available. On the other hand, the Max-D features additional weight on the heel side, making it ideal for golfers who need help closing the clubface at impact. This results in the most draw-biased driver within the DS-ADAPT lineup.

H.O.T. Face Technology

No matter which DS-ADAPT driver you choose, you can be assured that every model features Cobra’s H.O.T. Face Technology. This technology utilizes variable thickness patterns to enhance the coefficient of restitution (CT) across the face, providing improved distance and forgiveness. Each H.O.T. Face is equipped with a 15-pad system, and the design of these pads varies in depth and density across all four heads.

The Adapter

When companies release new drivers, we as Golf nerds, anticipate a discussion about specific technologies. We’ve come to expect talk around a combination of aerodynamics, faster clubfaces, and conversations surrounding internal weighting and the placement of the center of gravity. The last technology we want to highlight is particularly impressive, so pay close attention. As stated before, Cobra aims for the DS-ADAPT line to be the fastest and most customizable driver line they have ever produced. With that in mind, Cobra has moved on from their MYFLY8 adapter to enhance fitting options and is introducing a new dual-cog fitting sleeve known as FUTUREFIT33.

From a golfer’s perspective, the MYFLY8 adapter was easy to use and understand. The eight different settings were clearly labeled, and Cobra even included a small window in the hosel to make the loft selection visible to users. However, since it is a single-cog adapter, loft and lie adjustments cannot be made independently and any change to the loft setting also affected the lie angle. Cobra acknowledged that the MYFLY8 adapter had no option to adjust the sleeve for a flatter lie angle than the standard setting and how important that could be for fitting. The FUTUREFIT33 adapter addresses this limitation and certainly kicks things up a notch.

Cobra has expanded its previous eight settings to thirty-three with this new adapter. This system allows for independent loft and lie angle adjustments, adding a valuable dimension to the brand’s fitting process.

“FUTUREFIT33 is a true breakthrough in metalwood fitting,” says Jose Miraflor, VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections at Cobra Puma Golf. “Never before has any hosel system provided 33 unique loft and lie settings that can be adjusted so quickly and easily. 33 settings is more than four times our previous hosel system and more than double our nearest competitor.”

Now, with 33 different combinations, some may think it will bring extra confusion when adjusting one’s club. Cobra has your back there. On each driver’s head is a QR code, which will bring up a fitting app that can help golfers find their most desired setting. Meanwhile, on the adapter sleeve are indicators of what each setting will do for both loft and lie. Without having the app handy, golfers can add those numbers together to figure out what it will do to the loft and lie on that specific setting. Credit to Cobra here; they are doing what they can to make a potentially overwhelming situation more understandable to the golfer. For golfers who worry about how a driver looks at the address when making the adjustments, remember that Cobra utilizes their SmartPad technology, which helps the clubface retain a square appearance regardless of the hosel setting.

After spending some time tinkering with this new system, one thing is clear: FUTUREFIT33 now takes the mantle of the gold standard for hosel adapters. For golfers who like to tinker, Cobra will make the new FUTUREFIT33 adapter available for sale on their website.

The Cobra DS-ADAPT Driver Lineup

DS-ADAPT LS – As mentioned earlier, the LS models are designed for golfers with the fastest swing speeds who seek a more penetrating ball flight and reduced spin. The 9° model features a curved PWR-BRIDGE that shifts additional weight lower and more forward, creating a low-spin performance powerhouse. In contrast, the 10.5° head excludes the PWR-BRIDGE, offering a more forgiving, easier-to-launch, low-spin option.

Equipped with FUTUREFIT33 and three adjustable weights (two 3g and one 10g), this driver offers an impressive range for launch, spin, and side-to-side ball flight adjustments. Additionally, the DS-ADAPT LS is the only driver in the family that measures under 460cc, with a size of 445cc.

DS-ADAPT LS drivers are available in 9° and 10.5° lofts for right-handed and left-handed golfers. They come stock with an aftermarket Denali Black 60 shaft, with other custom options also available.

DS-ADAPT X – With the X driver, golfers can expect a combination of speed and forgiveness. Compared to the LS model, the X has one fewer adjustable weight. However, it still features one 10g and one 3g weight, allowing players to choose between a more backweighted, forgiving setup or a configuration that helps reduce spin. The PWR-Bridge in the 9° head is straighter than the curved version in the LS, which positions the center of gravity slightly further from the face. The 10.5° head does not include the PWR-Bridge.

The DS-ADAPT X drivers are available in 9° and 10.5° lofts for right-handed and left-handed golfers. They come standard with an aftermarket Denali Blue 60 shaft, which has a mid-launch profile.

DS-ADAPT Max-K The Max-K is Cobra’s entrance to the 10K market. Acknowledging the evolution of 10K drivers, Cobra has designed the Max-K to minimize excessive spin while promoting a more neutral ball flight. It’s important to note that the Max-K is not exclusively aimed at players with moderate swing speeds; golfers who generate more speed but seek added stability can also expect strong performance from this model.

In internal testing, the Max-K face demonstrated an exceptionally high Moment of Inertia (MOI) for both heel and toe strikes. If you typically miss in those areas, the Max-K may be a suitable option.

The DS-ADAPT Max-K drivers are available in 9°, 10.5°, and 12° lofts for right-handed and left-handed golfers. They come standard with an aftermarket Denali Blue 60 shaft.

DS-ADAPT Max-D As expected, Max-D indicates “maximum draw.” This driver features the most weight on the heel side, including a 10g weight that can be swapped out for adjusting swing weight or fitting purposes. In addition to its weight configuration, the Max-D is Cobra’s most upright driver, which assists golfers in mitigating a slice or achieving a specific shot shape.

DS-ADAPT Max-D drivers are available in 10.5° and 12° lofts for right-handed and left-handed golfers. These drivers come stock with an aftermarket Denali Red 50 shaft, which saves a little weight and offers the highest launch of the three Denali shafts.

Initial Thoughts

Thanks to Cobra Golf, I spent some early time with the DS-ADAPT X driver. I had the 9° with the stock Denali Blue 60s shaft for my setup. While an official review will follow soon, I wanted to share some initial thoughts and a quick overview of the club’s data.

Last season, the Darkspeed LS driver was sometimes in my bag and other times not. I appreciated the look, speed, and ball flight, but there were days when it felt a bit too punishing for my swing. Because of this, when given the chance, I chose the DS-ADAPT X as my preferred clubhead.

With the clubhead behind the ball, two features immediately caught my attention. First, the carbon fiber crown resembles the designs we saw in the LTDx and Aerojet models, offering a cap design that differs from last year’s Darkspeed lineup. It still has a sleek, all-black appearance, but the carbon fiber is now more prominent. Additionally, Cobra introduced a new laser etching pattern on the face, which was developed based on feedback from their tour staff.

FUTUREFIT33 is undoubtedly an essential aspect of the DS-ADAPT experience. Without access to the fitting app, I found the process quite intuitive. While there is a learning curve, the loft and lie settings are clearly labeled directly on the adapter, which allowed me to make adjustments without needing to reference a chart. For full disclosure, I did consult the chart to confirm my decisions. During my initial trial period, I settled on F3, which lowers the loft by 1.7° and achieves a more upright lie angle.

Below is some dry ball data captured with the help of a SkyTrak+ launch monitor. With the F3 setting, I saw a launch angle that hovered around 15° and spin rates in the mid-2000s. For being the off-season here, I was pretty happy with the data I was seeing. Numbers aside, what stood out to me was the ball flight, a very playable fade that could start just down the left side of the center line and fall ball to the right, which is a very playable shot shape for the courses I typically play. Again, we will have more testing and more numbers of the DS-ADAPT X driver in the near future, which will include more experimentation with adapter and weight placement settings.

Cobra’s Darkspeed lineup generated a lot of excitement last year, and I believe the DS-ADAPT will make a similar impact. With four different heads available, there’s a DS-ADAPT driver for every golfer. Whether you desire a low-spin design with the LS, the stability of the 10K experience with the Max-K, a draw-biased option with the Max-D, or the ideal blend of speed and forgiveness with the X, you can find the right fit. Regardless of which driver you choose, the pricing is uniform across the board, with all DS-ADAPT drivers priced at $549.

The Details – Cobra DS-ADAPT Drivers

Pre-sale: December 12, 2024
In stores: January 10, 2025
Price: $549
DS-ADAPT LS 9°, 10.5°
DS-ADAPT X 9°, 10.5°
DS-ADAPT Max-K 9°, 10.5°, 12°
DS-ADAPT Max-D 10.5°, 12°

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