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.
- Premium Sound & Feel
- Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
- No noticeable improvement over last year's model
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 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
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?
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
Primary Rating:
4.8
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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Primary Rating:
4.8
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~$399 New
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~$599 new
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~$599 new
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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- Great sound & feel
- Loads of distance & forgiveness
- Best price in premium driver market
- Would like more contrasting colors for easier alignment
- Exceptional Forgiveness & Distance
- Great Sound & Feel
- Premium Looks
- Great Launch & Trajectory
- Not a significant upgrade over Stealth 2 drivers
- Stellar Distance & Forgiveness
- Launches ball high
- Adjustable
- 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.
- Premium Sound & Feel
- Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
- No noticeable improvement over last year's model