I might have said this before, but COBRA woods (and hybrids for that matter) don’t get the attention they deserve. It is unlikely that this article will change this unfortunate situation by itself, but, nevertheless, we continue. My problem persists.
What you won’t see with COBRA’s DS-Adapt fairway woods and hybrids are any radical changes in shape, footprint or base formation from the DARKSPEED 2024 family. What golfers will notice, however, are the improvements on the rise and a new FF33 tube adapter, which, according to this panel of one, is what COBRA will lean on as its main differentiator and competitive advantage.
It’s not often that the most noticeable feature of any new club isn’t the material, weighting scheme or face topology. In a sense, this may suggest that the point of COBRA is that it can provide golfers with a bigger performance hit through increased fit options rather than mass materials and properties.
Future Fit 33 or FF33
The FF33 hose adapter is, at first glance, incredibly complex, and I wouldn’t blame anyone for treating it the same way you would a long text from an in-law. So, Happy Holidays or I’m sorry it happenedbut i’m not reading all this.
But listen to me. The FF33 adapter is 1) primarily a tool for assemblers and 2) actually quite simple to use if you need it.
Most importantly, the FF33 adapter disconnects the loft (not what happened to me after junior prom) and lies. In other words, this adapter allows the loft (or lie) to move independently of the other. So if you want to lower the loft but make the club fairer, that’s fine. More loft, but a flatter lie angle? No problem.
Beyond that, the performance impact (trajectory and dispersion) offers a balance and range of adjustment equal to, and in some cases, beyond that of competitors. The Cobra puts the numbers at 4° of trajectory change and 15 yards of lower left/right dispersion.
If you work with a qualified fitter, and preferably one skilled in Cobra installation, the FF33 simply gives that individual more levers to pull and dials to spin to get you in optimal shape. For the tinkerers out there, a handy QR code on the tube takes you directly to the adapter chart. From there, my advice is to “work in reverse” – meaning that whatever behavior you’re looking to fix, take the current setting (say B3) and see which setting sits directly opposite (B1). From there, play with that setting and the 4-5 adjacent options (C1, C2, A8, D3) and see what happens.
Tungsten tells the story
The Cobra again has three freeway models and a hybrid model. And as with most fairway wood stories, the mass properties (and concentration of tungsten weights) tell you what each model is designed to do.
The DS-ADAPT LS pairs a titanium face with a carbon body to generate 60 grams of free weight, 34 grams of which sits low and extremely forward in the head. What this suggests is that this will be the lowest spin but highest ball speed model in the lineup. Allowing for reasonable assumptions, the closer the CG is to the face, the better the ball speed will be. The lower the CG, the less spin it will generate.
The remaining 26 grams are split equally between two movable 13 gram weights, and the DS-ADAPT LS features the deepest face of the three models.
If you remember the Cobra King LTD (yes, the one with the orange spaceport), the DS-ADAPT LS is a direct descendant, so the genetic profile is strong. And I know that on paper every successive model after the KING LTD was somehow “better”, but I’d easily place the original in the pantheon of legendary freeway metal. Anyway, a topic for another day.
Ultimately, the DS-ADAPT LS is for the golfer who either generates excess spin or is looking for a hotter/lower trajectory from a fairway wood.
Moving forward, the DS-ADAPT X is the middle-of-the-road option with a balance of speed and forgiveness. Discretionary weight is split mainly into two places – a revamped PWR-BRIDGE that pulls the CG closer to the face (not as close as the DS APAPT-LS) and a rear weight. The learning point here is that as the CG moves away from the face, the forgiveness (often referred to as MOI) tends to increase.
Compared to the LS model, the DS-ADAPT X will launch slightly higher with a higher torque. Beyond that, I fully expect most golfers to fit into this model, because well, most golfers need moderate launch and spin to find optimal performance.
The DS-ADAPT MAX is Cobra’s dedicated “draw-biased” (or at least, draw-enhanced) model. Looking at the sole, the dead giveaway is the two weight ports – one in the rear and one in the heel. This tells us that the Cobra is using its free mass to pull the CG back and toward the heel, and because the CG sits closer to the shaft axis, it should be easier to square the face at impact (or leaving it less open for them to be inclined to cut the ball).
It’s getting HOT HERE
If you’ve already reviewed the DS-ADAPT driver article, you’ve likely noticed the term aggregate incrementalism. If not, the simple definition is that many small improvements can lead to more visible and large improvements. It is in that context that Cobra’s updated HOT Face topology exists. This version again features 15 individual hot spots (or mini sweet spots if you want to think of it that way) which work to maintain ball speed (and proper spin) on off-center shots. This time, Cobra developed a slightly larger face with improved face flex and more powerful launch conditions.
What this means is that a larger face percentage can provide performance attributes closer to what you would expect from a face centered impact. How close, exactly? Well, like we said, it’s on the rise—meaning we’re talking about tenths of a mile per hour of ball speed and some spin. It’s not enough that you’re likely to notice in every single shot, but better is better, right? Every step forward, however small, is still a step.
If you’re looking to upgrade without breaking the bank, last year’s COBRA DARKSPEED clubs are now up to 30% off
I see your true colors
The golf industry struggles to reach consensus on any number of topics, including but not limited to how to measure a club. Yes, 1” is not the same for everyone. That said, occasionally common sense prevails and we end up with a semi-consistent definition or application of terminology—in this case, it’s color.
It mostly applies to compound axles, but here’s the tip sheet:
- Black/Grey/White = low start / low spin
- Blue = mid-launch / mid-rotation
- Red = high start / high rev
Again, this is not a hard and fast rule, but more of a guideline. Additionally, any changes in launch / rotation will be relative to that family or series. For example, the DS-ADAPT Max will be higher in launch/spin than the DS-ADAPT X, but that doesn’t mean the DS-ADAPT X will always produce less spin/launch than the top offering. another manufacturer’s spin/launch. Does it make sense?
A word about the DS-ADAPT Hybrid
The Cobra hybrid nomenclature can get a little confusing. The DS-ADAPT is the flagship metalwood line and one you’re likely to see in the bags of the likes of Ricky Fowler and Gary Woodland. However, the DS-ADAPT hybrid is primarily aimed at game-enhancing gamers. For reference, the KING family is where you’ll find Cobra’s line of irons and the smaller, more compact hybrids, which are generally preferred by better/faster players.
What this means for you is that considering the continuum of hybrids, the DS-ADAPT will tend towards the larger, more wood-like footprint.
Beyond that, the DS-ADAPT hybrid carries over key technologies (FF33 tube adapter, HOT Face topology, revamped PWR-BRIDGE), but in a slightly larger package than the Darkspeed hybrid it replaces. If you put the two models (Darkspeed and DS-ADAPT) side by side, the increased footprint is most noticeable along the toe and back of the club. It’s not much of a difference, but then again, it’s growing people.
I’m excited because…
This release is potentially giving some hints as to what Cobra might be up to in the future. The FF33 adapter tells me that Cobra continues to seek meaningful advancements that enhance performance for all golfers and create an authentic competitive difference. But it is more than what this line of thinking can lead down the proverbial road. Enter 3D Printing. We saw the first commercial trials of Cobra’s 3D printing capabilities last year with the limited release of irons. At the time, my question to Mike Yagley (VP of Innovation at COBRA) was whether 3D printing could take advantage of the metal wood design, and if so, how far down that rabbit hole it went. The answer was one that suggested there was reason for golfers to be optimistic about the future implications, hypothetically speaking of course. If this ever happens, it could lead to a level of innovation that is anything but incremental.
What I am asking
As fun as it is to pontificate about the future, companies need to sell the product now. Cobra is no exception. However, the brand’s challenge remains the same as it has been for the past few years – find a way into the consideration set. If a golfer is looking for a new fairway wood – either together or separately – a new driver, how does the Cobra make the interview list? Golfers will consider at least two brands, and often three, before making a purchase. Assuming some slots go to other big-name manufacturers, can Cobra get enough golfers to give it a try, hoping it can win its fair share of launch monitor battles from it point.
In doing so, the DS-ADAPT can’t be as good as anything coming out of the market leaders. It has to be somewhat better – or at least a better value. Stay tuned.
Specifications, price, availability
Stock axles and pricing varies by model:
Fairway Woods
DS-ADAPT LS ($429): The LS is available in 3W (14.5°), 3HF (16°) and 5W (17.5°) models and comes standard with a True Temper DenaliBlack 60 (X, S) shaft and Lamkin Crossline handle.
DS-ADAPT X ($329): Model X is available in 3W (15.0°), 3HF (16.5°), 5W (18°) and 7W
(21°), with a choice of True Temper Denali Red 50 (A flex) or True Temper Denali Blue 60
axles (R and S flex).
DS-ADAPT MAX ($329): The Max model is available in 3W (15.5°), 5W (18.5°),
7W (21.5° ) and 9W (24.5° ) with True Temper Denali Red 50 shaft (S, R, A).
The DS-ADAPT MAX is also available in a women’s model in 3W (18.5°), 5W (21.5°) and 7W (24.5°)
with UST Helium Nanocore shaft (43g) in Flex Ladies and a small size Lamkin Crossline grip (45g).
hybrid
DS-ADAPT Hybrid ($299): DS-ADAPT hybrids are available in 2H (17° ), 3H (19° ), 4H (21° ), 5H (24° ) and 6H (28° ) with KBS PG HYBRID graphite shafts in 85 (S) , 75 ( R) and 65 (A) bending. A women’s DS-ADAPT hybrid is also available in 4H (21° ), 5H (24° ), 6H (28° ) and 7H (31° ) with KBS PG Hybrid 55 (L) flexible graphite shafts.
Retail availability begins on January 10, 2025.
For more information, visit cobragolf.com.
Looking to upgrade without breaking the bank? Last year’s DARKSPEED models are up to 30% off.
Post Why we’re interested in Cobra’s DS-ADAPT Fairway Woods and Hybrid appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
