The new Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver is part of Cobra’s most adjustable range ever. For 2025 they really have taken adjustability to a new level, with 33 different loft and lie settings available via the FutureFit33 technology.
Besides that, the new drivers feature update face technology, improved aerodynamics and an updated look, all whilst offering the brand’s famous value for money.
Who Is It Aimed At?
In theory this should mean it’s best suited to most golfers. However I wonder whether the majority of players would be better suited to the more forgiving Max K model. This is especially true as the FutureFit33 can help you dial in the specifics of that head more closely.
If you’re someone who hates the oversized head shape though, the DS-Adapt X could be for you as it’s a little more compact at address.
The Tech
The main new technology in the DS-Adapt range is FutureFit33. This allows Cobra to offer more than double the amount of loft and lie settings than their nearest competitors. In total, there are 33, providing more fitting options that ever before.
This combines with a new Smartpad design, making sure that the face angle remains square regardless of what setting the head is in.
Cobra have always emphasised aerodynamic designs in their drivers, and this continues with DS-Adapt. The DS-Adapt X has a streamlined perimeter face, higher crown and lower heel area. This design retains a more traditional shape, but creates more speed.
There’s a larger forged face, using H.O.T. Face technology. This is designed to help the face flex more, providing more consistent ball speed and distance on and around the centre of the face.
A back weight and a second forward weight, which can be moved around, allow for better launch and spin-tuning control.
Finally there’s a new internal Adaptive Weighting system. This sees a different version of the Pwr-Bridge weight used depending on the loft and model of the driver.
The 9 degree head has a forward Pwr-Bridge weight to lower spin and increase speed. The 10.5 degree head has no bridge, with weight moved backwards for added launch and forgiveness.
Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver Review
Looks and Feel
This year sees a continuation of the stealth black colourway, with different colour tones depending on the driver model. The DS-Adapt X features a couple of splashes of blue on the sole.
The overall design looks great – it looks really modern, fast and the matte carbon crown is a big plus for me.
Due to the clever new Smartpad, it essentially sits square no matter what loft/lie you choose. This is great for people who like tinkering with their drivers but don’t want to end up with a different look at address.
I really like this feature, especially if you’re going to use a head which is typically draw-biased and therefore they sit closed. But with the Smart Pad, this is no longer an issue which is great.
At address, I love the look of this driver. There’s a neutral shape, which is generous without being too big. The carbon crown looks fantastic, with a clear Cobra alignment aid.
The driver felt solid off the face, but I have to say that there wasn’t much zip. The forgiveness and stability was there, but it just didn’t feel particularly hot.
It did feel really nice and balanced though, and it seemed easy to swing, so perhaps the new aerodynamic design is working here.
Performance
As you’d expect, the FutureFit33 system works well. It sounds a little daunting at first, but Cobra’s handy graph helps you to find the setting which best suits the ball flight you’re after.
The QR code printed onto the driver head near the hosel is a little bit much for me, but I suppose it’s a clever bit of marketing and might help some people to avoid getting stuck.
I tested the DS-Adapt X using the GCQuad to see how it performed.
Overall the numbers were solid, with an average spin of 2300rpm being just about perfect. I found that the ball speed was a little lower than the 150mph that I usually aim for, although an average carry of 252 yards was still good.
Compared to my own TaylorMade Qi35 Driver, I did find that I was losing out a little bit on distance, although that driver is fully fitted for me.
The new Adaptive Weighting is great for launch, but I think this did have an impact too as I felt the ball was flying a little too high at times.
On the course it felt really easy to hit solidly, without having to put too much work in.
I was impressed by the forgiveness levels too, as I only missed one fairway during my testing – which is rare!
As I saw on the launch monitor, the ball did tend to launch and fly pretty high. This is great for downwind holes or during the winter when you don’t get too much roll.
However, if you’re playing in windy conditions more frequently, having something that launches a little lower might help with control. Luckily, with 33 loft and lie settings available, you should be able to tweak things to help this.
Cobra DS-Adapt X Driver Verdict
For me the FutureFit33 system feels slightly gimmicky, as I don’t think it’s that useful for amateurs to be fiddling with the settings too often themselves. However it’s a really great fitting tool and opens up so many options to help golfers to get their ball flight dialled in.
As always, Cobra offer great value for money. The RRP of £469 puts it lower than the Callaway Elyte, TaylorMade Qi35 and Ping G440. This makes it a good option for a golfer who wants a new driver, but is on a budget.
For that, you get a stable, forgiving driver that looks great and performs well too.
Would I Use It?
