Cobra DS-ADAPT Iron Review

Cobra Golf has released some genuinely impressive game-improvement irons in recent years including the Aerojet, King LTDx, and last year's very successful Darkspeed, which I actually named my favorite game-improvement iron of 2024. It is always difficult to follow up and improve upon such success, so when the DS-ADAPT irons arrived on my doorstep I was keen to see whether they could rival some of the best golf irons of 2025.

My first impressions when I pulled them out of their wrappers were somewhat underwhelming to be completely honest. Other than a new badge on the back, it was very difficult to distinguish them in any way from their predecessor. The familiar charcoal finish returns - albeit maybe a shade lighter - and the head shaping is identical to my eye, but Cobra is telling me that the changes were more like ‘refinements’ found under the hood and would manifest themselves in performance. I'll be the judge of that.

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The new DS-ADAPT irons are actually available for men in two slightly different models: standard, and Max with the only difference between the two being 2 degrees of extra loft in the Max version, and a lighter head/wider sole combination implemented to improve ease of launch. The DS-ADAPT and DS-ADAPT Max irons both fall very much into the game-improvement category and are designed with mid-to-high-handicap players in mind.

Both models feature pretty much the same core technologies, including a hollow body construction designed to increase speed and launch through improved flexibility of the body and face. The hollow cavity is filled with soft and lightweight foam microspheres to improve the feel from poorly struck shots across the face. The PWR-BRIDGE weighting system is back to lower the CG to once again facilitate as high a launch as possible.

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These irons look very good from a shelf appeal point of view, with the core model retaining its sophisticated dark appearance, while the MAX model offers a little splash of color with a subtle red accent in the cavity. In the playing position, the shaping of the head is genuinely very good and is proportioned well. As is my general preference, and unlike the DS-ADAPT range of drivers, there is nothing too angular about the aesthetic of these irons, instead offering soft curves and a palatable level of offset. As with the Darkspeed iron from last season, the darker finish of the head does a good job of minimizing a fairly substantial topline.

I tested the DS-ADAPT and irons at Saunton Golf Club using TaylorMade TP5 golf balls both on the course and on the practice ground using my FullSwing KIT launch monitor and the results were familiar, but very good. In truth, I barely saw any perceptible difference in the launch monitor data I collated from last year's Darkspeed irons. Spin was within 100rpm, launch within a degree, and the distance output within a yard, but I guess, ‘if it ain't broke, don’t fix it’ right? It was a tremendous game-improvement iron last year, and this new iteration is very much more of the same.

I will say however that the Max version does provide a nice alternative of a softer, easier-to-launch ball flight, and those with moderate swing speed will appreciate this new option wrapped up in a lighter-weight head.

In terms of feel, much like last year's Darkspeed, it is fairly robust and harsh at impact, but the ball zips off at an impressive speed, and turf interaction is smooth. This will remain one of the most powerful irons available in 2025 and those seeking distance should have this very near the top of their shopping list.

Both the DS-ADAPT and DS-ADAPT Max irons (£799/$999 steel, £899/$1099 graphite) are available in a 4-SW and 5-GW iron set compositions with the choice of KBS Tour Lite steel shafts (S, R) or KBS PGI graphite shafts (S, R, A).