Cobra DS-Adapt Irons Review

Cobra DS-Adapt Irons Key Features:

• New 360 degree SPEEDSHELL design
• Highly optimised topology (H.O.T face)
• Updated PWR-BRIDGE weighting
• Internal foam microspheres for improved sound and feel

With their latest DS-ADAPT iron range, Cobra has continued its rise in the game improvement iron scene. Three models are available to the public (DS-ADAPT, DS-ADAPT MAX and women’s MAX).

I will focus on the core DS-ADAPT iron for this review, which will target the majority of mid-high handicap golfers with looks, forgiveness and feel.

GolfMagic's Review Editor and I tested these irons on the course before digging deep with them at Foresight HQ with a GC Quad launch monitor.

Let's get into it.

Player Level

The Cobra DS-ADAPT iron set is that of a game-improvement iron, so this is for a golfer who is looking for forgiveness as their primary asset in the iron set, thus sacrificing a touch of looks down at address with the size.

Cobra DS-Adapt Irons Looks and feel

The 2025 Cobra DS-ADAPT iron continues the fine form of the 2024 Darkspeed iron with an aesthetic that's modern, out there, and appealing to the modern golfer. The subtle changes to 2024 sees the 2025 line include more of a glossy finish which dramatically boost shelf appeal.

Is this better? That’s up for you to decide? I find the DS-Adapts to be more youthful, although I feel that the 2024 Cobra Darkspeed iron looks more premium. Either way, this iron will certainly receive a lot of compliments in 2025.

The feel of this iron was what I was really hoping would improve. The internal foam microspheres had me very intrigued, and thankfully they did translate into a much softer feeling iron than 2024.

The 2024 Cobra Darkspeed iron was let down by the clunky, hollow feel off the face (including the sweet-spot), and Cobra has clearly listened to consumer feedback and provided alterations to give the sweet spot a much softer and pleasing feel. At times, it felt very premium. That being said, I still think the off-centre strikes (especially out the toe) are somewhat underwhelming, however the performance says otherwise.

Cobra DS-Adapt Irons Performance and Forgiveness

I tested the Cobra DS-ADAPT and DS-ADAPT MAX iron at Chart Hills Golf Club with a Foresight GC3 and TaylorMade TP5x golf balls. What I expected, unsurprisingly, was punchy numbers.

The numbers, although punchy, were less offensive than 2024. These irons generated slightly more launch and spin, which may sound like a negative to some everyday golfers, but I promise you it’s the opposite.

The slightly increased data metrics meant the ball was stopping a little bit quicker on the greens than other models. My only problem was when you struck it across the face, these numbers did change slightly. Off the toe, I saw the spin drop substantially, although I guess that’s my fault for missing the sweet-spot!

The launch was very impressive across the face, with the descent angle staying high with mishits. The MAX model did yield far more positive results, but that is understandable considering the size difference.

I found that these irons were more complimentary in the categories where I thought it would suffer. Looks and feel are superb, making a truly enjoyable game improvement iron. The forgiveness was acceptable, and the distance very impressive.

Should you buy the Cobra DS-Adapt Irons?

The Cobra DS-ADAPT iron set will suit a mid-high handicapper who favours superior shelf appeal alongside a premium feel for a game improvement iron. If you have a fast swing speed, these lofts are likely not for you, and if you favour extreme forgiveness, then the DS-ADAPT MAX will be the set for you.