When discussing Cobra irons, the KING and KING Tec models often attract the most attention. However, their core line releases provide significant game-improvement technology without the high price tag associated with the KING series. If you’re seeking technology-packed irons that look and feel great, look no further. Today, Cobra announces the launch of their latest models: the DS-ADAPT and DS-ADAPT MAX irons.
“COBRA has long been a leader in game improvement irons, but the new DS-ADAPT family represents a major breakthrough in both performance and fitting,” said Jose Miraflor, VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections at Cobra Puma Golf. “We have two models that can fit a massive group of players with varying swing speeds, all of whom are looking for maximum distance, exceptional forgiveness, and optimal overall performance.”
The Construction – Cobra DS-ADAPT Irons
Cobra’s new DS-ADAPT irons feature a 360 SpeedShell Face, an expansive cup face extending over the topline and toe, connecting at the back of the iron. It represents the largest face cup design they have used. Inside the SpeedShell face is a speed channel designed to enhance ball speed on contact across the face. The SpeedShell works alongside Cobra’s H.O.T. face technology, resulting in a 23% increase in face flex. This combination provides higher launch, increased ball speed, and greater distance.
Thanks to the weight savings achieved through the SpeedShell Face and hollow body construction, Cobra was able to reposition the PWR-BRIDGE. This adjustment helps concentrate more weight lower in the clubhead, promoting a higher launch angle. PWR-BRIDGE is a critical technology that allows the DS-ADAPT irons to flex more freely, similar to the performance of a fairway wood.
As is typical with hollow-body irons, sound is a crucial aspect that can significantly influence a user’s impression. Cobra addresses this by injecting foam microspheres into the head, which expands and dampens vibrations, resulting in a pleasing sound and feel. Additionally, the foam microspheres allow for increased face flex. If you’ve noticed a pattern, Cobra is doing everything possible to enhance the speed of these irons.
TECFLO Set Construction
Many golfers are considering combo or split sets and looking for a progressive set design. Cobra has been a leader in this area, having developed a progressive iron set with their TECFLO construction. This innovative design is a key feature of the DS-ADAPT and ADAPT-Max irons.
In the TECFLO construction of these sets, the 4-7 irons are designed with a hollow body featuring a 360 Speedshell face, PWR-Bridge weighting, and foam microspheres. As we move to the 8-PW (pitching wedge), the hollow body design and foam microspheres remain, but the PWR-Bridge and Speedshell face have been removed. For the gap and sand wedges, the foam microspheres are also absent, but these wedges retain the same badging in the cavity to help enhance sound and feel.
2 Models of Cobra DS-ADAPT Irons
If you’re unsure which model would best suit your game, here’s a comparison: the DS-ADAPT MAX irons are designed for higher handicap players compared to the standard DS-ADAPT. The DS-ADAPT MAX irons feature a thicker topline, a wider sole, and more offset. Additionally, they have weaker lofts, typically 2° less across the board. According to Cobra’s testing, the Max irons offered 1.6° more launch, 2.4 yards higher peak height, 2° steeper descent angles, and an additional 550 rpm of spin.
Cobra DS-ADAPT and DS-ADAPT MAX irons are offered in set configurations of 4-SW and 5-GW. The standard steel shaft option is KBS Tour Lite, while KBS PGI is the standard for graphite shafts.
Initial Thoughts
Thanks to Cobra, I have had the opportunity to spend quality time with the new DS-Adapt irons before their release. During this period, I captured some data using a SkyTrak+ launch monitor, which I will discuss later.
When considering game-improvement irons, it’s common to expect a thick topline. Dating back to the LTD irons, Cobra has done an impressive job of creating a slimmer and more appealing topline, and this trend continues with the DS-ADAPT models. They look very comforting behind the ball without appearing too bulky. Additionally, a slightly darker finish contributes to a sleeker appearance, which often enhances the overall slim look of the irons.
At impact, these irons sound powerful, especially when hitting the longer irons, and while there are foam microspheres to dampen vibrations, there is enough feedback to tell if contact was good or subpar. With the technology present and strong lofts, I expected to see some super low spin. Combining the design with hitting off my indoor mat is a perfect combination for some numbers that might scare people.
The data collected for the 5-iron, 7-iron, and pitching wedge (PW) highlights a few key observations. Firstly, Cobra aimed for these clubs to generate speed, and they delivered on that front. Reviewing additional numbers I gathered over the past year, I’ve noticed significant gains in ball speed with the 5-iron and the 7-iron. While launching the ball has never been an issue for me, all of these clubs produced launch angles within my normal window, achieving peak heights of over 30 yards. With the 7-iron and PW, descent angles were steep enough to help these lower spin shots effectively hold the green.
Cobra DS-ADAPT and DS-ADAPT MAX irons are available for preorder on December 12, 2024, and will be in stores on January 10, 2024, for a price tag of $999 for steel and $1099 for graphite shafts.
More information on the entire DS-ADAPT lineup is available at www.cobragolf.com.
