When Cobra released its Darkspeed range last year, the look really impressed me - it was near faultless. The combination of satin and gloss blacks really gave the products a premium visual and I think it knew this was popular among many club golfers. As such, the DS-ADAPT range looks very similar with just a hint more color in the detailing to help you easily identify each model. The DS-ADAPT X fairway wood is the model in the range that has been designed to suit the widest range of golfers but can it truly be considered one of the best fairway woods on the market? I took it out for a lengthy practice session and on the golf course to find out.
The DS-ADAPT X fairway boasts a fairly symmetrical shape when looking down at address and I love how the face is beautifully highlighted by the contrasting white score lines running horizontally across it. Sometimes when I use a head with a black finish the head can look a little compact and may put some golfers off but these lines will really help with showing off the loft on the face and also help with alignment.
From the first couple of swings, the DS-ADAPT X fairway wood launched with ease and seemed to go a solid distance. The DS-ADAPT fairway wood line features much of the same technology as the drivers and one of those is the Pwr-Bridge technology that was also used in the Darkspeed range. The DS-ADAPT X fairway wood has the Pwr-Bridge positioned just slightly forward of the middle of the head to help reduce a little spin and increase playability to those that want it.
The main tech story with all of the DS-ADAPT metalwoods is the new FutureFit33 hosel. As you can probably guess from the name, it features 33 different settings and while this may initially feel a little overwhelming, there is a handy QR code etched onto the neck of the club that you can scan and it will bring up a graph showing all of the different settings and how they will affect the flight. I can’t help but feel the QR code stands out a little too much and slightly weakens the look of the club, but at just $329/£289 this fairway wood offers superb bang for your buck.
Positioned in the lineup to be the most versatile and appeal to the most golfers, the X model has a slightly shallower face compared to the LS fairway wood model. I found this makes the head look so inviting behind the ball and particularly when the ball is placed in the rough and you’re looking for a little extra launch. Staying on versatility, the X model performed superbly from the tee as well as hitting into green from the fairway. The ball was soaring at a high trajectory and landing very softly into greens which will appeal to slightly shorter hitters who use their woods regularly on their second or third shots.
The feel was similar to the Darkspeed X fairway wood. The Titleist Pro V1x ball I was using on the course felt firmer than usual off the face of the X model compared to my Titleist GT2 fairway wood but felt every bit as fast. I felt as though I could flight the ball fairly well and received good feedback from the strike location - sometimes more than I would like!
I have no doubts the Cobra DS-ADAPT X fairway will become a favorite among club golfers thanks to its slick looks and solid all-round performance. With a high launch and speed combination, the X model is certainly a club worth checking out if you’re looking for an update within the top section of your bag.
The whole Cobra DS-ADAPT range will be available from the 17th January.
