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Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver Review: Forgiving and Fast

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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 the Cobra DS-Adapt X driver.

More forgiving than the LS driver, the Cobra DS-Adapt X has a more traditional profile. However, for those faster swinging golfers, this can still be a good option.

We headed out to the La Cala Resort to see how this traditional looking driver can help to improve your game with our Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver review….

4.5 star review
NCG SUMMARY

Featuring Cobra’s all-new, revolutionary FutureFit33 hosel this driver is sure to be able to fit your game and swing. I am a big fan of the way this driver feels, it’s fast of the face and I felt as though I could give it the beans when swinging.

The Cobra DS-Adapt X also felt strong at impact and avoided the tinny feel and sound some drivers produce. The added lines on the face of the club also helps with set up and are a confidence inspiring in knowing where the centre of the club face is.

PROS

  • Feels strong
  • Looks smart at address
  • Extremely fittable

CONS

  • Produces too much spin

First Impressions

I love the way the way this looks, there’s carbon everywhere. Cobra have made a big deal about showing off the carbon in the crown which differs from last year’s standard Darkspeed driver that was all matte black.

A modern look that has really taken my fancy, aesthetically it reminds me of a Formula One car and their love of carbon fibre. I think this trendy carbon fibre look that has flooded the market over recent years is something that Cobra have always been going for.

The navy blue outlining around the weight area on the bottom of the club head matches nicely with the carbon finish. It’s always nice to have a bit of colour to freshen up the aesthetics.

Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver review

At address, the club sits very square and I think the lines Cobra have added to the face of the driver, which act almost as an alignment aid, look brilliant. Helps massively with set up and gives the golfer an indication of where the centre of the face is. That visual helps to build confidence before and when swinging the club.

NCG Verdict

What I liked from a ball striking point of view is that the driver almost felt meaty upon impact, like there was some substance to the driver head, similar to a Titleist driver. Often, drivers can sometimes sound and feel tinny when striking the ball.

The driver felt strong and I am a fan of the way it feels through the swing. With the aero design, it felt as though I was able to swing fast for maximum carry distance.

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As you can see from the dispersion graphic, all the shots I hit with the Cobra DS-Adapt X driver were straight and consistent in length. Even on the mishits the ball still goes straight and down the middle, valuable for club golfers.

I did find that the level of spin was fractionally too high on a lot of my hits. That is to be expected with a more forgiving driver head.

Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver review

In terms of technology, the big story is the new hosel cobra have introduced, the FutureFit33. What they have built here is the invention of a new loft sleeve which probably makes the Cobra DS-Adapt drivers the most custom fittable drivers ever made.

On the DS-Adapt X head there are two different weights, one close to the face and one towards the back. These allow golfers to be able to adjust the launch and the spin of their driver.

Elsewhere, these drivers have also had an aerodynamic make-over. Cobra have increased the crown height, changed the shaping of the sole and changed the profile of the face slightly so the club can move quicker through the swing. An increase in club head speed will obviously result in more distance gained.

Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver review

Overall, I may not have hit my best shots throughout testing with this Cobra DS-Adapt X head, I still love the way the X feels. It feels fast off the face and it looks great behind the ball. Even though this isn’t the driver head I would usually target I think with a bit of time dialling in, messing with the weights and using a different shaft I would have a seriously well performing driver.

Cobra DS-Adapt X 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 (X, S), Fujikura Pro Black 60 (S), MCA Tensei AV Series Blue 60 (R), True Temper Denali Blue 60 (S, R)

Lofts: 9° and 10.5°

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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