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Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K Driver Review: Maximum Forgiveness

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What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K driver.

Cobra’s latest 10k MOI is the DS-Adapt MAX-K offering. This is their maximum forgiveness driver from their new line-up that pushes the levels of MOI forgiveness to the limit.

So, how does this affect the performance of the driver. Let’s take a look and see how you it can benefit your game!

5 star review
NCG SUMMARY

There’s a new forgiving driver on the market and is a serious option for club golfers everywhere. A smartly designed driver that is packed with technological advances, including Cobra’s new FutureFit hosel system for a better fitting.

Offers fantastic forgiveness on off-centre strikes, out of the toe and heel. Despite its high spin rate, there is still plenty of distance available to achieve.

PROS

  • Strong distance
  • Easy to hit
  • Very forgiving

CONS

  • Spin rate may be too high

First Impressions

I love a carbon look on a driver and the Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K ticks that box. It doesn’t look vastly different from the standard head in the DS-Adapt range, the X.

Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K Driver review

Although, this is a driver head that is going to promote a slightly higher launch, a bit more spin and an all-round easier to hit profile. The head is more elongated and has a slight oversize in shaping.

Considering a maximum forgiveness driver is something I would not go for or be fitted into I actually found the shape of the driver was extremely playable. I can respect that is going to be a confidence inspiring look for those who maybe struggle off the tee or aren’t as consistent as they would like.

NCG Verdict

In truth, I am a massive fan of Cobra drivers in general. I think the technology in their club heads is as good as anybody and I don’t think people game them enough. So, I was looking forward to testing the Adapt driver out whilst at the La Cala Resort in Spain.

Last year we saw brands such as Ping and TaylorMade bring out 10K drivers, this year Cobra have done the same. This is the most forgiving driver the brand has released as part of the DS-Adapt line-up, its not as draw biased as the MAX-D which makes it more useable for all different swing types and ball flights.

Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K Driver review

Located on this driver is a big, heavy weight at the back of the head which drags the centre of gravity back away from the face of the driver. In turn, this increases the level of forgiveness so that for mishits out of the toe of the driver the ball is still going to go quite straight.

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The club speed of the drives I hit were as fast, but I often find that when the profile of the driver head looks larger it tends to slow my speeds down. However, there was plenty of ball speed and this reduction in speed was expected as low spin drivers tend to have better aerodynamic for me and my swing.

As you can see from the data I averaged 164mph ball speed which is not a million miles away from what I would average normally.

The job of this driver isn’t to necessarily deliver top level club head or ball speeds but to provide a more playable profile for club golfers. The spin rate was also up as it’s not a driver that optimises spin, which for me costs me a touch on distance.

I loved the shape of the shots I was hitting and the workability I could use. Also, the feel of the club was amazing and just what I would look for in a driver. Each strike felt as though there was plenty of mass behind the ball which pings the ball off.

Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K Driver review

Although the spin wasn’t optimising my distance a 270 yard carry was pleasing. With a custom fit shaft I don’t see how this couldn’t be a driver that I could put in play. I like the forgiveness, I would just need to reduce the spin levels for more optimal launch and distance.

Overall, I think the Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K is a sneakily good driver in this category. The forgiveness levels are great ant the heel and toe strikes perform really well. I think the custom weighting really helps to deliver better ball speed and enhanced launch.

Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K Driver review: The Details

Available: Pre-sale from the 19th of December. Retail from the 19th of January.

RRP: £469 / $549.99

Shafts: True Temper Denali Black 60 (S), True Temper Denali Blue 60 (X, S, R), True Temper Denali Red (CB) 50 (S, R, A)

Lofts: 9°, 10.5° and 12°

More information: Cobra UK / Cobra US

La Cala Resort

We were fortunate enough to head out to the La Cala Resort in Spain to conduct some of our equipment reviews. A picturesque resort that is located in the Sierra de Mijas, just 30 minutes from Málaga Airport and 20 minutes from Marbella.

The place offers outstanding views of the Andalusian countryside and the Mediterranean Sea as well as three magnificent golf courses. All three were designed by Cabell B. Robinson and it’s a popular choice for players seeking variety, challenge, and stunning scenery. For more information head to La Cala Resort’s website here.

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About the author

Callaway Epic Max driver review
Jack Backhouse

A member of the PGA for 13 years, Jack has lived golf for more than half his life. Inspired by Tiger Wood’s winning putt at the 2008 US Open, an obsession began with watching slow motion golf swings on the internet and reading What’s In The Bag articles in magazines.

Not destined for a life behind the desk in a pro shop, Jack has focussed more on coaching, working closely with regional teams in North Yorkshire and helping golfers of all levels on their journey to enjoying playing the game more. Jack has coached many junior golfers into the county teams, and once worked with a player at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

After letting his game fall apart prior to COVID, Jack rediscovered his love for playing golf after joining Silloth Golf Club in 2020 and whipping round the windy, firm links course. Playing regularly with a half set of clubs he has a passion for shot making and developing skill, and claims to have the sharpest 30-100 yard game in the North of England (only because he doesn’t know anyone in the South), and now maintains a +1 handicap at a club much closer to home, Sand Moor GC.

Jack has always tinkered with his equipment, once building his own Frankenstein one length set of clubs after watching Bryson DeChambeau burst onto the scene after winning the US Amateur. He firmly believes in getting custom fit and is happy to debate anyone about blade irons being superior to any other iron category.

Jack loves: playing quickly, 2 ball golf, match play, heathland courses, pencil bags, foursomes, Tiger Wood’s swing 2005-2009.

Jack hates: buggies, unnecessary trees, giving shots, the 7 iron loft debate, graphite shaft lovers weird superiority complex.

What’s In Jack’s Bag:

Titleist TSR2 Driver

Titleist TSR2 Fairway wood

TaylorMade P7MB 3-P

Titleist SM10 wedges

TaylorMade TP Reserve Blade putter

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Cobra DS-Adapt MAX-K Driver review: Maximum Forgiveness- National Club Golfer | National Club Golfer