Is the Cobra DS Adapt Max K Driver for Real?

[cyr67]

I'm looking for a new driver and was very surprised by the showing of the Max K in the highspeed swing test on MGS. (It also showed well in the "Best Drivers of 2025" test on the same site.)

For those of you who have it, what's the story? Hype or no hype? I was surprised by the low spin numbers for a forgiveness-first 10K head. Is that what you have experienced with it? How does it compare with the Ping 430 Max 10K?  I have gotten along well with Cobra drivers in the past and still own an Aerojet LS. That driver is amazing when middled but punishing on off-center hits. I would like something with a bit more forgiveness and low spin. The Max K beating out other low-spin heads for distance got my attention, as well as having lower spin than some of the dedicated low-spin heads. Let me know! Thanks.

[adamwon84]

I was selected for the Cobra Adapt Driver/Fairway wood testing and I am completely blown away with how great this driver has been. I previously had the Ping G430 Max 10k and I thought that driver was perfect until I got the Cobra in my hands. Driver details below:

Ping G430 Max 10k :
10.5 (Set to 9.5)
HZRUDUS Hulk (45 3/4 length)

Cobra Adapt Max-K:
10.5 
Graphite Design VF-7 (45.5 length)

 

The Cobra just seems to keep going whenever I lay into it. Both drivers are very forgiving, but the Cobra seems to balance out better on toe hits (which is my miss). Overall distance, the Cobra is a bit longer than the Ping in carry and a few yards more in rollout. I also really like how the Max-K looks behind the ball, a lot of confidence looking down at it. Sounds is def better on the Cobra over the Ping, but both are great. 

The Cobra has been much easier to shape for me as well. I will give a lot of credit to the shaft in this as the VF-7 is a bit easier to move around, I can confidently put a little cut on the Cobra off the tee where the Ping was basically more of a straight ball (not a bad thing, but its nice to be able to move it around if I need to). 

 

The flight on the drivers are both very different. The Ping was always very straight, boring flight and did what it needed to do. The Cobra has a really penetrating flight, but it just seems to climb a bit better over the Ping (its hard to explain, but it seems to start on a similar path to the Ping but then gets to a point where it climbs a bit higher and holds a bit better over the Ping). 

 

I recommend to anyone that is considering the Max-K, def give it a shot. Go hit it and prepare to fall in love with it on the first swing (I hope so anyways). I always liked Cobra products, but I will say that this is my first Cobra driver in a very very very long time (like 20 years) and its unreal that more people don't play them. I cannot recommend this driver enough!
 

[Tankers99]

Tried it in a fitting and loved it, fully expecting to get it, but ended up in the X instead - would definitely recommend the new DS-Adapt line though, the FF33 hosel lets you fine tune everything to a better extent than other drivers imo

[cyr67]

32 minutes ago, adamwon84 said:

I was selected for the Cobra Adapt Driver/Fairway wood testing and I am completely blown away with how great this driver has been. I previously had the Ping G430 Max 10k and I thought that driver was perfect until I got the Cobra in my hands. Driver details below:

Ping G430 Max 10k :
10.5 (Set to 9.5)
HZRUDUS Hulk (45 3/4 length)

Cobra Adapt Max-K:
10.5 
Graphite Design VF-7 (45.5 length)

 

The Cobra just seems to keep going whenever I lay into it. Both drivers are very forgiving, but the Cobra seems to balance out better on toe hits (which is my miss). Overall distance, the Cobra is a bit longer than the Ping in carry and a few yards more in rollout. I also really like how the Max-K looks behind the ball, a lot of confidence looking down at it. Sounds is def better on the Cobra over the Ping, but both are great. 

The Cobra has been much easier to shape for me as well. I will give a lot of credit to the shaft in this as the VF-7 is a bit easier to move around, I can confidently put a little cut on the Cobra off the tee where the Ping was basically more of a straight ball (not a bad thing, but its nice to be able to move it around if I need to). 

 

The flight on the drivers are both very different. The Ping was always very straight, boring flight and did what it needed to do. The Cobra has a really penetrating flight, but it just seems to climb a bit better over the Ping (its hard to explain, but it seems to start on a similar path to the Ping but then gets to a point where it climbs a bit higher and holds a bit better over the Ping). 

 

I recommend to anyone that is considering the Max-K, def give it a shot. Go hit it and prepare to fall in love with it on the first swing (I hope so anyways). I always liked Cobra products, but I will say that this is my first Cobra driver in a very very very long time (like 20 years) and its unreal that more people don't play them. I cannot recommend this driver enough!
 

That's quite the review..and endorsement. Thanks! At 0.8, you obviously have game. Why are you opting for 10K heads (Ping and Cobra) over LS models? Have you hit the LS models? Also, what is your opinion of the DS Adapt X model versus the 10K? What about Cobra's LS model? When you adjust the Future Fit 33 sleeve, does it change the orientation of the grip, or is it like Callaway's where grip position is unchanged?

[MountainMan]

I love mine. It may not be for everyone but it has been working really well for me. I historically struggle with the hook miss and a lot of high forgiveness drivers tend to have more of a draw bias to help with slice. I have it set 2° flat and it is a fairways finder for me. 
 

Spin wise it seems very stable. I don’t see balls drop out of the sky if I toe it. Doesn’t get too high on other shots either. It isn’t longer but is as long as anything I’ve played before, mostly more consistent. 

[JohnKHawk]

I was pleasantly surprised by the Cobra DS-Adapt Max K. It out performed the X model for me. It was surprising on slight toe mishits in that they stay in fairways & I find the spin on good hits low to mid 2000's. It definitely sounds better than the Ping 10K for sure & is every bit as forgiving while being slightly longer for me. Have it paired with an original Venus Blue 6-S shaft playing at just under 45in.

[Cliffy2020]

1 hour ago, cyr67 said:

That's quite the review..and endorsement. Thanks! At 0.8, you obviously have game. Why are you opting for 10K heads (Ping and Cobra) over LS models? Have you hit the LS models? Also, what is your opinion of the DS Adapt X model versus the 10K? What about Cobra's LS model? When you adjust the Future Fit 33 sleeve, does it change the orientation of the grip, or is it like Callaway's where grip position is unchanged?

Another Member-Tester here with the 10.5 LS head (non- PWRBRIDGE head).  Check out the Cobra thread for more in depth reviews, pictures & video.  The pages are getting looooooong though….  So I’ll chime in here too.

 

The size, shape, finish and sound of the LS is fantastic.  I’m still tuning the thing for optimization.  There are SO many combos to try out between the adapter and the external weights it’s not even funny.  I’d love to try the X model for comparison as the toe ball on the LS can be a bit unforgiving.  And yes, the shaft/grip orientation does change sometimes when you adjust the adapter.  Changing the LETTER setting on the adapter doesn’t change it but changing the NUMBER setting (1-8) does rotate the shaft accordingly.  (where 2&8 barely turns the shaft/grip,  but 4,5,6 basically flips it)

[bryanwmilburn]

I finally got mine on the course today. It’s freaking awesome. I’m playing their stock Fuji Pro Black shaft (swinging at 118) and it’s holding up great. Middled balls produce a perfect boring cut (set up that way) and toe ball Jamal’s stay in the air and don’t nose dive, and still get good distance. I’m extremely happy and coming from the G430 Max 10K - this is way better for me. 

[adamwon84]

On 4/18/2025 at 8:26 AM, cyr67 said:

That's quite the review..and endorsement. Thanks! At 0.8, you obviously have game. Why are you opting for 10K heads (Ping and Cobra) over LS models? Have you hit the LS models? Also, what is your opinion of the DS Adapt X model versus the 10K? What about Cobra's LS model? When you adjust the Future Fit 33 sleeve, does it change the orientation of the grip, or is it like Callaway's where grip position is unchanged?

My miss tends to be a slamming toe hook, and in the past anytime I would try any LS style driver I would get that occasional hook that just cartwheels too far left for me. The Ping G430 10k was really solid for me when it came to the mix of LS style performance with much better forgiveness. When I was selected for the Cobra testing, I decided to go with the Max-K because of how much I liked the Ping 10k so I figured it would be a great test to compare the two models. 

I hit the Cobra Adapt LS a few times at my local fitter, and distance wise I was right on par with the Max-K carry but getting a bit more rollout and lower spin with the LS (which was to be expected). The problem I had was a few swings were nasty toe hits and the LS did what LS drivers do for me and just disappeared left. It feels great when I was catching it on the screws but due to toe hooks being as bad as they were, the Max-K is just better for me. Toe shots on the Max-K are much easier to control, and I don't lose as much distance as I do with the Adapt LS. The LS is a great club, its just not for me.

 

I have not been able to hit the Adapt X, but based on reviews of the X (here on WRX as well as a few YoutTube reviews) is the best mix of performance of the LS with the forgiveness of the Max-K. I do plan on giving the X a few swings, just haven't had time. 

 

The Future Fit does change the orientation of the grip (I use jumbo max grips, so it can feel strange when you set it to a very different setting from A). 

[argee1977]

The Max K won out for me against a few of the newer drivers and replaced my paradym AI, which i liked, but as stated by others, my miss is a toe hook, and with the paradym it fell out the sky, i can still overdo it with the max K, but i don't get that same no spin diver, it's not a huge improvement, but that extra bit of air and lack of low left means less trouble with a recovery shot usually.

 

When i tested it up against the G440s, QI35s, etc, the thing that was noticeable for my testing was spin was tighter than any other driver by some way, clubhead speed was pretty similar and ball speed as well, a few bunched up in distance, but that spin 'window' sold it to me, and it has shown it on course, think test wise, youtube videos have shown the Max K being as good as the 430 10k, GT2, etc, if you're up over 110mph driver speed then it might be a different story.

[this_is_golf]

I was able to hit a few shots with the Max K and the X version today. They both felt really nice and gave pretty good numbers. Dispersion was similar but the X was definitely longer. I’d have to spend a range session to see if the Max K kept more shots in play. 

[CanFred]

Having hit one in a fitting session recently, yes - they are the real deal. It’s been a treat following @adamwon84 and the other testers - Cobra seems to have hit it out of the park with this one. 

[argee1977]

On 4/21/2025 at 1:01 AM, this_is_golf said:

I was able to hit a few shots with the Max K and the X version today. They both felt really nice and gave pretty good numbers. Dispersion was similar but the X was definitely longer. I’d have to spend a range session to see if the Max K kept more shots in play. 

 

Yeah, had the same, but the X would lose a lot of spin and distance with my usual miss, a high toe, same with the Ping G440, it went a little longer, then again it's 46", but the sample across the face and swings just meant the K seemed to just sort out mishits better, i still get toe hooks and so on, but always surprised by how far it goes compared to previous drivers.

 

Again, this is just on my hit, so slightly in to out, high toe area being hit on the face, bad one is right off the toe, someone else will not get the same level of forgiveness they require with a different swing, last years Darkspeeds didn't work for me, i tried a friends draw friendly darkspeed and it was a spinner for me, went high, but too spinny, this year they just seem to have it in a decent spin window around the face.

[uW0tM8]

In short, yes. Absolutely phenomenal driver. I had slightly more optimal spin numbers with the Adapt X, but 2500-2800 spin is a very comfortable spot for me as I like to draw the ball and have a slight toe miss. Toe ball with the Max K still has over 2200 spin for me, whereas the X was less than 2000. Super accurate, still plenty of distance. Feels/sounds/looks better than the Ping G440 Max. 

[Witt80]

 

Redacted

Edited May 8 by Witt80
Redacted

[shaolingolfer]

I have tried a few 10K driver in fitting, this one looks the best behind the ball, sound the best and it seems to spin less than the other 10K.

 

The new future fit 33 is awesome, I probably hit a few other drivers a few yards longer but the Max K is so much more forgiving and inspire more confidence.

[T Creer]

On 4/18/2025 at 7:26 AM, cyr67 said:

That's quite the review..and endorsement. Thanks! At 0.8, you obviously have game. Why are you opting for 10K heads (Ping and Cobra) over LS models? Have you hit the LS models? Also, what is your opinion of the DS Adapt X model versus the 10K? What about Cobra's LS model? When you adjust the Future Fit 33 sleeve, does it change the orientation of the grip, or is it like Callaway's where grip position is unchanged?

The grip changes when you change the adapter setting. 

[bryanwmilburn]

Just a follow-up post here to say this thing is freaking awesome. I've had the G430 Max 10K twice now, and couldn't really make it work either time. I think it's because of the head weight. Got this 10K and cranked it all the way down and it's phenomenal. Toe hits, heel hits, low hits, high hits. All very playable and when I catch it middle/middle - it's a freaking ROCKET. Legitimately hit some of the longest balls I've hit in years this past week on the course. Haven't even gotten it on the monitor but honestly don't even have a desire to. I know it's performing. The other thing I like about it is in its lowest setting - the ball flight is perfect. I was worried about getting launch down because of the rear weight but I'm a pretty high launch guy and the window it's coming out is perfect. HIGHLY recommend testing this Max K. Cobra has always made quick drivers but now this one is quick and very playable. Boom stick.

[JohnKHawk]

On 4/28/2025 at 4:29 PM, T Creer said:

The grip changes when you change the adapter setting. 

Most drivers will do that if you change setting. There are some settings on this new Cobra driver that will not change the grip orientation.

 

I use air compressor to install my own grips so If I change a setting I can remove & reinstall the grip in less the 5 minutes to accommodate the new setting.

[ChadL]

I'm sooooo tempted to buy one of these.  The reviews (AskGolfNut, etc.) have been very positive for this driver.

[shaolingolfer]

This is staying in the bag, I am playing F3 setting with the 10.5 loft.  May be I should try the 9 degree to lower the launch and pick up a little bit of ball speed.😅

[grinder1320]

If anyone has played the OG TM Sim Max and is now in the MAX K I’d love to hear about spin and launch comparisons.

 

Thanks!

[JAM01]

3 hours ago, grinder1320 said:

If anyone has played the OG TM Sim Max and is now in the MAX K I’d love to hear about spin and launch comparisons.

 

Thanks!

So not exact, since I had the Sim2 Max and it differed from the OG. Now playing the Cobra DS Adapt Max K. Really a great club, seems like the FF33 adapter really give noticeable flight alterations as they intended. Plus the head does spin lower that nearly any 10K I have tried (Ping, QI 10, PXG Black Ops with the heavier rear weight). The Max K just holds the line. Several shots I thought for sure would spin out right. This holds the line. Might not be the longest ever, but the spin reduction  gives me a little distance and the fairway.

 

on my GC3 - max2 spin around 3000, Max K about 2400. Launch angle is 13 or so for both in standard settings 10.5 degree heads, different shafts. Ventus Blue vs Denali Red. 

 

HC- 7 ish

Swing speed - slow. 

Edited May 8 by JAM01

[grinder1320]

5 hours ago, JAM01 said:

So not exact, since I had the Sim2 Max and it differed from the OG. Now playing the Cobra DS Adapt Max K. Really a great club, seems like the FF33 adapter really give noticeable flight alterations as they intended. Plus the head does spin lower that nearly any 10K I have tried (Ping, QI 10, PXG Black Ops with the heavier rear weight). The Max K just holds the line. Several shots I thought for sure would spin out right. This holds the line. Might not be the longest ever, but the spin reduction  gives me a little distance and the fairway.

 

on my GC3 - max2 spin around 3000, Max K about 2400. Launch angle is 13 or so for both in standard settings 10.5 degree heads, different shafts. Ventus Blue vs Denali Red. 

 

HC- 7 ish

Swing speed - slow. 

Thanks for the info!

 

Is Max K borderline too low spin for you?

 

I realize, you have to hit it yourself, but trying to narrow the candidates & also not miss something I might not try.

 

This sounds like a real winner.

[argee1977]

Spin off the Max K is what made me buy it, in GC Quad testing it never dropped below 2000, or went above 2800 for me, same test on the G400 Max was between 1800 and 3500, and similar with QI35 and others. Distance wise, a good hit with any of the new drivers is pretty similar, bad hits as well, it was all about average and how it was hit that sold it for me over the others.

 

In using it on course for the last two months, it's been pretty much what i want, distance is good, spin is good and forgiveness has been great.

 

But, as always, test to find out what suits you best, i am a low ball hitter, my Max K is in B7 setting, so playing 12.2 and slightly fade biased, speed of around 95-98.

[JAM01]

8 hours ago, grinder1320 said:

Thanks for the info!

 

Is Max K borderline too low spin for you?

 

I realize, you have to hit it yourself, but trying to narrow the candidates & also not miss something I might not try.

 

This sounds like a real winner.

I can spin a driver like crazy, so I’ve been looking for a head/shaft/ball combo that keeps me in play. 
 

one thing I love is what I see when the ball lands. It’s not a hard right bounce, roll out is mostly forward. 

[Scott@84]

Great driver, it's performed extremely well in our fittings. 

[KhiloD]

Phenomenal driver that performs even better in outdoor than indoor setting for me. ( I think just being able to set up to my eye on terrain over a screen) I've had a few where right away I was thinking oh god that was bad and it just toe drawed back in to the fairway with almost no discernable distance loss. It straight up goes. For any one in the market for a new driver it has to be a try for sure. Can't say it will blow away 1 or 2 year old drivers but will take down older stuff for sure and will be just better with F33 hosel being able to dial in the slightest changes than anything newer.

[sheezymaneezy]

11 minutes ago, KhiloD said:

Phenomenal driver that performs even better in outdoor than indoor setting for me. ( I think just being able to set up to my eye on terrain over a screen) I've had a few where right away I was thinking oh god that was bad and it just toe drawed back in to the fairway with almost no discernable distance loss. It straight up goes. For any one in the market for a new driver it has to be a try for sure. Can't say it will blow away 1 or 2 year old drivers but will take down older stuff for sure and will be just better with F33 hosel being able to dial in the slightest changes than anything newer.

 

How's it compared to your mini driver such as dispersion and distance?

[KhiloD]

2 minutes ago, sheezymaneezy said:

 

How's it compared to your mini driver such as dispersion and distance?

my mini goes about 240 and definitely can turn it over more.

 

the MAX K is a little fade and about 270ish. 

 

I hit the mini on tigher holes or where I want a bit more control with my shot with the shorter shaft. It's nice having the different set ups based on hole shape and make up.