This is Golfer Geeks’ Cobra DS Adapt X driver review.
I’m an avid golfer, a 7.8 handicap 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 X Driver has great sound and feel, plenty of distance and forgiveness, and a high launch with good carry. However, I don’t find it a meaningful improvement over the Darkspeed X (which I loved).
In this review of the Cobra DS-Adapt X driver, I discuss my experience with the club, its unique features and benefits, customer reviews, and potential alternatives.
- Premium Feel & Sound
- Ample Distance & Forgiveness
- Highly Adjustable
- Not a big improvement over last year's Darkspeed X 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: 103
Launch Monitor Data
Club Speed | Ball Speed | Carry Distance | Smash | Peak Height | Spin |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
103 | 150 | 237 | 1.47 | 60ft | 3177 ft |
Driver Specs
- Loft setting: 10.5
- Shaft type: Project X Denali Blue 60
- Shaft flex: Stiff flex
How We Tested
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) I like the black mat finish with the carbon weave. It’s well-made and looks premium enough and has minimal design elements – like I prefer. But, they could do a little better. Not a big knock, though.
Sound/ Feel: (A) Up there with the best in the game. Soft and solid. Never hollow or off-tune.
Distance: (A) Ample distance. I’m in early season form, so I didn’t let it out like it deserved. (I’ll likely retest in a few weeks)
Forgiveness: (A) Kept me playable when I didn’t deserve it.
Flight / Playability: (A) Despite my launch monitor numbers, the ball goes plenty high with the DS-Adapt X (I don’t trust the peak height numbers). I hit mostly slight pushes, a few straight shots, a couple fades, and a number of pulls. All playable.
Value: (A) ~$549 – Most inexpensive of the premium drivers.
Overview & Why Consider It
The DS-Adapt X is designed to be the driver that appeals to the greatest range of golfers. It’s got:
- Ample forgiveness with a large sweet spot for higher handicaps.
- Low spin and medium launch for better players.
- More speed for everyone.
I tested out that ample sweet spot during my testing plenty. Not every drive was a thing of beauty, but it kept me playable during my round.
The head shape is slightly different from the Darkspeed X and may take getting used to. You’ll notice this most at setup.
It’s got the same weight configuration as the Darkspeed X – 3g and 12g.
Unlike the Darkspeed X, the DS-Adapt X comes with the 10g weight situated in the rear position in the sole.
I’m swinging like a 15 handicap at the moment and I got around with it. Do with that what you will.
My Experience with the DS-Adapt X Driver
I had one minor and one legit range session before finally hitting the links with the DS-Adapt X driver.
During my sessions, I hit a number of findable drives with decent distance. It had to cover a lot for me, and it did so admirably – most noticeably on the course.
I had to duct tape together a swing for my round. The Adapt X kept the ball in front of me and playable with a shot at the green.
This is all I ask from a driver. I failed the Adapt X; it didn’t fail me. (I know I mentioned this above, but I owe the Adapt X another round of testing)
It had the familiar stellar sound and feel I expect from Cobra drivers, which are really the hidden gems of the golf world.
Who is the DS-Adapt X for?
It’s open to a wide variety of golfers because of its built-in forgiveness and adjustability.
Low handicaps: (Yep) Unless you fight to keep spin and ball flight down. The LS version may be better suited to you..
Mid handicaps: (Yep) I think so. My swing is mid-handicap at best right now, and it got me around the course fine.
High handicaps: (Maybe) I would test the Max-K version before pulling the trigger on this one—test, test, test.
Potential Alternatives
The Darkspeed X is either 1 or 1a on my list of drivers from last year. I hit it WELL to say the least. Save yourself $150 and get the same performance.
The Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is also either 1 or 1a on my list from 2024. It has an awesome sound and feel, is surprisingly forgiving, and has all the length you need.
The
Primary Rating:
4.9
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Primary Rating:
4.9
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Primary Rating:
4.7
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~$399 new
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~$499 new
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~$599 new
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Cons:
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- Superb Sound & Feel
- Long & Forgiving
- Looks great at address
- Plain cosmetics
- Solid sound & feel
- Surprisingly forgiving
- Easy to launch high
- Good distance
- Not in love with the cosmetics
- Long & Forgiving
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Premium Looks
- Not a significant upgrade over the Stealth 2
Customer Reviews
It has an average rating of 5/5 out of 4 reviews at cobragolf.com.(1)
- Customers rave about the sound, feel, and distance.
Final Verdict
The Cobra Ds-Adapt X is a solid choice for average golfers. It costs about $50 less than its premium competition.
- Great sound and feel, as expected from Cobra drivers.
- Long, forgiving, and playable.
- Tons of adjustability with the new hozel and sole weights.
My #1 suggestion is to get your hands on it before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our Cobra DS Adapt X driver review.
- Premium Feel & Sound
- Ample Distance & Forgiveness
- Highly Adjustable
- Not a big improvement over last year's Darkspeed X model