This is Golfer Geeks’ Cobra DS Adapt Max K driver review.

I’m an avid golfer.I have a 7.8 handicap and am on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.

Summary: The Cobra DS-Adapt Max-K Driver is long and forgiving and has premium sound and feel, but I didn’t experience significant improvement over last year’s Darkspeed Max.

In this review of the Cobra DS-Adapt Max-K driver, I discuss my experience with the club, its unique features and benefits, customer reviews, and potential alternatives. 

Highly Recommended
Cobra DS-ADAPT MAX-K Driver
4.7
Pros:
  • Premium Sound & Feel
  • Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
Cons:
  • No noticeable improvement over last year's model
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Club Tester

Jamie

  • Average score: 85.9
  • Handicap: 8.3
  • Reviewing Clubs Since: 2015
  • Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
  • Typical ball flight: Baby draw
  • Golf ball: Titleist AVX
  • Swing speed for this test: 100

Launch Monitor Data

Club
Club Speed
Ball Speed
Carry Distance
Smash
Peak Height
Spin
100
148
234
1.47
63ft
3153 ft

Driver Specs

  • Loft setting: 9.0
  • Shaft type: Project X Denali Blue 60
  • Shaft flex: Stiff flex

How We Tested

I tested it alongside the DS-Adapt X driver every step of the way.

  • On the course during a round of golf.
  • On the range for two sessions.
  • On the hitting mat, hitting into the net for two sessions.

Performance & Review

Category
Grade
Looks
B
Sound/Feel
A+
Distance
A
Forgiveness
A
Flight/Playability
A
Value
A

Looks: (B) Not a lot going on with the crown. It has a black mat finish with the carbon weave. That’s repeated on the sole as well, with a few more graphic elements. It looks fine, but they could do more.

Sound/ Feel: (A) As usual, Cobra drivers consistently have among, if not the best, sound and feel in the game.

Distance: (A) Plenty of distance. Early in the season for me, so I’m not able to let it out like I’d like to.

Forgiveness: (A) Kept me playable when I didn’t deserve it.

Flight / Playability: (A) Pretty high and pretty straight by default. I pushed and pulled some during my round and in my testing. That’s on me, though.

Value: (A) ~$549 – Best value in premium drivers.

Overview & Why Consider It

Cobra DS Adapt Max-K driver w: Headcover

Cobra says it’s their most forgiving driver to date. They achieved 10 K MOI by moving internal and external weights as low and far back as possible in the clubhead.

This makes the head more stable on off-center strikes.

My Experience with the DS-Adapt Max-K Driver

Cobra DS-Adapt Max-K Driver Face

I had one extended range session and part of another one before hitting the course. I did additional testing on my mat and launch monitor after my round.

I didn’t hit any genuinely great drives, but I hit a number of good drives on the range and on the course. I also threw in a few forgettable ones.

As I mentioned earlier, my swing is in proper early-season form. Which means, I likely owe the Adapt Max-K another round of testing in about a month.

I fought a pull during most of my round and even managed to pull out a couple of push-slices toward the end.

But it took my worst swings to get in trouble with the Max-K. Any decent or decent-related swings meant I had a playable shot into the green next.

This is pretty much all I ask out of a driver.

Sound and feel remain top-notch with Cobra drivers, an important factor in my book.

Who is the DS-Adapt Max-K for?

Cobra DS-Adapt Max-K Driver & Headcover

I think mid and high handicaps…or anyone who wants an easier time off the tee should give the Max-K a try.

Low handicaps: (Maybe) You may fight hitting the ball too high and have too much spin for this one.
Mid handicaps: (Yep) It’s made for you and worth testing…for sure.
High handicaps: (Yep) See above.

Potential Alternatives

The Darkspeed Max offers the same performance for about $150 less. (As I write this.)

The Ai Smoke Max is a solid alternative and a little more versatile.

The Taylormade Qi10 Max has a LOT of the same attributes as the Max-K. Worth a test.

Best Feel & Sound
Solid Performer
Superb Distance & Forgiveness
Primary Rating:
4.8
Primary Rating:
4.7
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$399 New
~$599 new
~$599 new
Pros:
  • Great sound & feel
  • Loads of distance & forgiveness
  • Best price in premium driver market
Pros:
  • Exceptional Forgiveness & Distance
  • Great Sound & Feel
  • Premium Looks
  • Great Launch & Trajectory
Pros:
  • Stellar Distance & Forgiveness
  • Launches ball high
  • Adjustable
Cons:
  • Would like more contrasting colors for easier alignment
Cons:
  • Not a significant upgrade over Stealth 2 drivers
Cons:
  • Sound & Feel downgraded from the Paradym
Best Feel & Sound
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$399 New
Pros:
  • Great sound & feel
  • Loads of distance & forgiveness
  • Best price in premium driver market
Cons:
  • Would like more contrasting colors for easier alignment
Solid Performer
Primary Rating:
4.7
~$599 new
Pros:
  • Exceptional Forgiveness & Distance
  • Great Sound & Feel
  • Premium Looks
  • Great Launch & Trajectory
Cons:
  • Not a significant upgrade over Stealth 2 drivers
Superb Distance & Forgiveness
Primary Rating:
4.8
~$599 new
Pros:
  • Stellar Distance & Forgiveness
  • Launches ball high
  • Adjustable
Cons:
  • Sound & Feel downgraded from the Paradym

Customer Reviews

It has an average rating of 5/5 out of 4 reviews at cobragolf.com.(1)

Final Verdict

The Cobra Ds-Adapt Max-K is a solid driver for golfers needing more help off the tee.

  • Premium sound and feel.
  • Ample distance with max forgiveness.
  • Tons of adjustability with the new shaft adapter.

My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on it before you buy, either at your local golf store or by taking advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.  

Thanks for checking out our Cobra DS Adapt Max-K driver review.

Highly Recommended
Cobra DS-ADAPT MAX-K Driver
4.7
Pros:
  • Premium Sound & Feel
  • Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
Cons:
  • No noticeable improvement over last year's model
Shop Global Golf Shop Worldwide Golf
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.