Cobra produced a quite brilliant game improvement iron in 2024, the Darkspeed. I was so impressed in fact, that I named it my favorite game-improvement iron of the year! My one slight criticism, however, was that with their extremely strong lofts, whilst powerful, they maybe lacked the stopping power of some other models. It seems that Cobra has listened, and along with the new DS-ADAPT iron, they have brought to market a sibling, the DS-ADAPT Max, that might just solve that issue. Let’s see if it can sit amongst the best golf irons of 2025…
At first glance, the only real tangible difference between this model and the standard DS-ADAPT is the splash of color on the badge in the cavity. But look a little closer and you will start to see some more subtle differences. The sole width increases in the Max model, along with the blade length and top line, and the specification has been tweaked a little too. Firstly, to aid launch, Cobra has weakened the lofts of the Max by 2° pretty much throughout the set, and furthermore, lightened the heads to make it easier for more moderate swingers to generate clubhead speed.
A lot of the same technologies and features have been brought forward from the Darkspeed iron including the hollow body construction designed to increase speed and launch through improved flexibility of the body and face. That hollow cavity is filled with soft and lightweight foam microspheres which are designed to enhance the feel when you don’t quite get the optimal strike. The PWR-BRIDGE weighting system also returns in an attempt to lower the CG and create the highest launch Cobra can muster.
For irons as substantial as these in terms of their physical size, I actually think Cobra has done a nice job with the aesthetic. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, the darker finish on these irons is a very clever and effective way of slimming down an otherwise fairly chunky profile. Although subtle, you can definitely tell the Max apart from the standard DS-ADAPT iron just through the scale, everything is a touch bigger. The top line, blade length, and sole width have all expanded but it has all been done in proportion so it doesn’t look unwieldy in any way, just a bit friendlier for the less proficient or consistent ball striker.
I tested the DS-ADAPT Max 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 as I expected. A very similar firm and lively feel off the face as with DS-ADAPT iron, but with some subtle differences. Launch - thanks to the weaker lofts - was a little easier to come by, and predictably spin popped up a little too resulting in a slightly steeper landing angle which could be very beneficial to some. The wider sole provided smooth turf interaction and could help those with steeper angles of attack to improve their exit from the ground.
I personally think that this model might do better than the standard DS-ADAPT at retail, purely because of the slightly less aggressive ball flight they produce. If you are looking at irons like DS-ADAPT or even last year's Darkspeed, you are obviously looking for an iron with a bit of assistance, so why not maximize that help with a slightly larger head size and extra stopping power while you are at it? At very worst, Cobra has now provided another flight option for players in the game-improvement category.
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).
