There really is no community testing party, like a THP testing party. Often imitated, but never replicated, we have been putting equipment from manufacturers across the industry into the hands of one of the most passionate communities in all of golf. Sure, we pride ourselves on the depth and breadth which our Staff Writers bring to the table in every release and review done here, but there remains something very special about testing driven by everyday golfers like you.
Recently members of our community have completed an eight week product testing opportunity where THP joined forces with Cobra Golf to put DS-ADAPT Drivers into the hands of six community members. Each tester was able to choose any model (LS, X, or MAX-K) with the standard shaft of their choosing.
Though it might carry over a piece of the Darkspeed name, this ADAPT iteration has proven to be one of the most versatile lineups ever. While the shift in aerodynamic shaping as well as improved H.O.T. Faces alongside Adaptive Internal Weighting options based upon lofts (X and LS) bring the power to the table, Future Fit 33 earns its piece of the discussion as well. We tasked the testers to put all of the features to work for their games, and with swing speeds across the spectrum it was eye opening.
Don’t just take our word for it though, not only can you check out the long term feedback recorded during the testing period here but we also asked asked each reviewer to highlight their findings in a one-shot breakdown which you can read below:
Cobra DS-ADAPT Driver Testers
hedley_lamarr08 – forum member from West Virginia
Club Tested: DS ADAPT LS
The DS Adapt LS is the first “low spin” driver that I have ever felt comfortable taking into competition. The sultry satin look with nearly invisible top marker along with the added heel side forgiveness make this product amongst the very best on the market. Make no mistake, this isn’t the K version for forgiveness, however the ability to move the ball both ways may be the most overlooked quality of this driver.
As someone that lives towards the toe, the heavy weight that direction pushes the center of gravity outwards and improves the forgiveness on that particular miss.
The 3 adjustable weights really do change ball flight. As someone that lives towards the toe, the heavy weight that direction pushes the center of gravity outwards and improves the forgiveness on that particular miss. Of the 33 FF33 settings, I tried 25 and A1 was a great place for my swing to be.
Is it long? Yes! With dormant Bermuda and damp fairways, my distance hasn’t dropped off with driver compared to numbers from last season. That only tells part of the story though, like many amateur golfers, I use all of the face at random. The ball will move as expected per strike, but this driver seems to hold the line in the heel and mid toe region better than the previous generations I have played.
Thrillbilly Jim – forum member from North Carolina
Club Tested: DS ADAPT MAX-K
In the past, I had struggled with hitting the driver so much that I took it out of my bag entirely. I could occasionally bomb one down the center of the fairway, but the majority of the time, I was OB left or right, and my scores reflected that. However, that was until I started gaming the Max-K.
My FIR has climbed from <30% to >65% in just a few short weeks. I also hit personal bests in ball speed, carry, and total distance!
This driver has not only broken the mold but changed what a driver can be in the future. Forgiveness across the whole face is unbelievable. I have gotten away with some terrible strikes and still hit the short grass. It has given me the confidence to swing away and produced some jaw-dropping results. My FIR has climbed from <30% to >65% in just a few short weeks. I also hit personal bests in ball speed, carry, and total distance!
Not to mention, I was really able to dial-in my strikes using the FutureFit33 adapter. This adapter has rocketed Cobra passed other OEMs in how and what can be achieved in a driver fitting. This driver has not only revolutionized the market, but my game as well!
Hadi05 – forum member from Kentucky
Club Tested: DS ADAPT X
The FF33 adapter has revolutionized and simplified hosel adjustability for the consumer.
The DS-ADAPT X is the only driver I’ve ever been able to use to maximize distance and tighten dispersion without feeling like I was sacrificing something elsewhere.
The FF33 adapter has revolutionized and simplified hosel adjustability for the consumer. The 33 different adapter settings give a much more finite level of adjustment, which enables optimized ball flight and reduction of misses by allowing the golfer to properly address the ball. Initially, it seems like 33 settings could be overwhelming, but the FF33 app makes adjustment as simple as scanning a QR code.
Not only does this driver perform well, but looks great. The attention to detail and finishes make this a premium looking driver. The DS-ADAPT X will not be coming out of the bag foreseeable future. I would 100% buy this driver.
Pattyboy21 – forum member from Arizona
Club Tested: DS ADAPT X
The Cobra DS-ADAPT X inspires confidence!
This starts with the aesthetics, and how well it sits at address. Beyond that, this driver is SO very easy to hit and surprisingly forgiving. If you want to work the ball with a fade or draw, this driver makes it effortless to accomplish. Do you like to experiment? The Cobra FutureFit33 has 33 unique loft and lie settings, allowing you to truly make this YOUR driver!
K.P. – forum member from Georgia
Club Tested: DS ADAPT X
I’ve nicknamed the FF33 adapter the “Fairway Finder 33”, because my fairways in regulation have never been better.
The greatest thing about the DS Adapt X Driver is how forgiving across the face it is. Being able to dial in the ideal loft and lie for your game in a way no-one has ever done thanks to FF33, is where the new DS-ADAPT X shines. It provides confidence while standing on the tee box knowing how you’re able to dial it in to provide the perfect combination of forgiveness and consistency.
DataDude- forum member from Kentucky
Club Tested: DS ADAPT MAX-K
I love this driver. I’m not a great ball striker by any stretch of the imagination and this doesn’t turn me into Rory, but it puts a good solid thwack on the ball from a lot of different face angles and impact locations. The design of the head paired with a HZRDUS black shaft seems to really transfer energy into the ball even deep out on the toe or a little inside toward the hosel. I really can’t afford to give up much power, so this is very important for me.
So it performs, how does it look? I mean if understated stealth bomber style is your thing this driver looks amazing. The all matte black look slims the large forgiving design right up. As mentioned earlier, I got a HZRDUS Black shaft in mine combined with the Lamkin Crossline grip and it has a look that will be in style as long as I want to keep it in the bag.
For more information on the Cobra DS-ADAPT line of drivers, check out their website at www.cobragolf.com.
