Review: Cobra DS-ADAPT fairway woods

Cobra DS-ADAPT fairway woods review

FutureFit33 isn’t just coming to Cobra’s range of 2025 drivers. We’re also seeing the incredible adjustability incorporated into the brand’s fairway woods.

I got the chance to hit these in Sotogrande and I was certainly impressed. Here’s what you can expect from the latest fairway woods from Cobra.

The First Look

I’ve always been a fan of the way that Cobra fairways look. While I’m a decent ball striker, I took a particular shine to the Cobra Darkspeed Max fairway wood at the start of 2024 and the DS-ADAPT Max is no different. This is a very shallow faced fairway wood, which really promotes confidence, especially for someone who might struggle to get the ball in the air from the deck.

Elsewhere in the range, if you were a fan of the Darkspeed looks, you’ll like these. Both the LS model and the X model are very easy on the eye, in Cobra’s new all black colourway. From the top, these are very clean. On the bottom, they are certainly busy, but that’s what you expect from Cobra and I’m a fan.

You’ll see that the drivers feature new laser etching on the face. I’d love that to have transferred down to the fairways. Not a big issue, but it’s personal preference for myself. Enough on looks, let’s get to the tech, of which there is a lot.

The Tech

Only one place to start…

FutureFit33

Just like the DS-ADAPT driver, all three fairway wood options feature the hosel that allows you to decouple loft and lie. 33 different settings allow you to dial in ball flight and adjust your downrange dispersion to ensure you get the most out of your fairway woods.

Smartpad Technology

Smartpad technology helps to keep the clubface square behind the ball, regardless of how you set up your loft and lie configuration.

Adaptive Weighting Technology

Each of the three models of fairway wood feature adaptive weighting to give different performance characteristics. The LS model features the lowest and most forward centre of gravity, the X model features low and forward weight, but slightly more central than the LS, while the Max model features low and back weighting located in the heel, to counter a slice.

H.O.T Face Technology

Designed to improve launch, spin and ball speed, the variable face thickness helps to improve face flex, allowing for more robust launch conditions.

The bunkered Verdict

I’m a huge fan of these fairway woods and that’s largely thanks to the FutureFit33 technology. I really do think that Cobra has created something here which will appeal to a lot of golfers, myself included.

As I said, I found the DS-ADAPT Max D to be extremely easy on the eye, confidence inducing and an all-round joy to hit.

However, if I was picking a club to put in the bag, as someone who is a decent ball striker but still looks for some help, especially on shots from the fairway, the DS-ADAPT X could go in my bag. From the deck, I found it to have a penetrating flight without being out of control.

From the tee, however, is where I really enjoyed using this. I was able to launch it high and with the option to add two degrees of loft, I could really see this being a versatile club in the bag.

Looks wise, all these fairway woods are beautiful, although the matte black head might make them appear slightly smaller than what they actually are, particularly in the LS and X models.

I think one of the best upgrades to the DS-ADAPT driver is the new laser etching on the face and I wish that was extended to the fairway wood. That would really help golfers to line the ball up in the middle of the face and give confidence in a club that might otherwise be difficult to hit.

Having said that, I’m sure this is going to be a popular fairway wood, along with the rest of the DS-ADAPT range. If you were a fan of Darkspeed, you’ll get those great technologies, along with a revolutionary adjustable hosel design that could change your game.

More on Cobra DS-ADAPT

Available: Fitting and pre-sale: December 12 2024; General Sale: January 10 2025

More on Cobra DS-ADAPT

• Cobra DS-ADAPT drivers review

• Cobra DS-ADAPT hybrids review

• FutureFit33: The expert explains what it’s all about

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