These will give you all the confidence you need: Cobra DS-ADAPT MAX Irons Review

Cobra’s new DS-ADAPT MAX irons aim to deliver maximum speed while enhancing forgiveness.

The Cobra DS-ADAPT MAX irons are designed for speed, forgiveness, and playability. Hollow body construction boosts launch and ball speed, while foam microspheres provide a soft feel and satisfying sound, even on mishits. The PWR-BRIDGE weighting system lowers the center of gravity for optimal launch and impressive distance.

Engineered for higher handicappers who value forgiveness and draw bias, the DS-ADAPT MAX irons feature an oversized shape with a longer blade, thicker topline, and wider sole, making it easier to achieve higher launches and improved ball-striking consistency. The 2-degree weaker lofts boost carry distance and enhance stopping power on approach shots, while the additional offset helps straighten ball flights and counteract slices.

The DS-ADAPT range is sure to become some of the best irons of 2025.

Looks, Sound and Feedback: 3.5/5

The DS-ADAPT MAX irons have a large, forgiving profile that immediately stood out to me. The oversized shape, longer blade, and thicker topline will clearly give confidence at the address, especially in the long irons, for those needing to get the ball airborne quickly. It isn’t my preferred clubhead look, but it’s clear to see how they will appeal to their target golfer. At impact, the sound was solid and reassuring, and the foam microspheres ensured a soft feel, even on mishits. I appreciated the feedback, which made it easy to identify where I struck the ball on the face.

Distance and Spin: 4/5

I found the MAX irons delivered a higher launch and softer landing shots, thanks to their 2-degree weaker lofts and wider soles. Despite my moderate swing speed, I noticed consistently higher trajectories, which helped hold greens more effectively. The increased spin and peak height added control while still producing impressive carry distances, making these irons ideal for gaining extra help in the air.

Forgiveness and Control: 4.5/5

These irons really do excel in forgiveness. The oversized head design and draw bias corrected off-center strikes and reduced left-to-right flights, keeping my shots straighter and more playable. The added offset will give confidence to golfers needing help to square the clubface, and the high MOI provided stability throughout the swing. These features made the MAX irons incredibly easy to launch, even from tough lies.

Technology and Components: 4/5

The 360 SPEEDSHELL face and H.O.T. Face Technology worked together to generate faster ball speeds across the face, improving performance on mishits. The foam-filled hollow body construction enhanced feel, while the weaker lofts promoted effortless height and stopping power. The draw bias and additional offset are game-changers for players who struggle with slices or directional control. I liked how these irons offered consistent results without sacrificing distance or forgiveness.

Alternative Options

If you’re looking for a set of irons geared more towards a mid-handicap, then consider the Cobra DS-ADAPT irons.

About the author

Sarah Pyett – Deputy Digital Editor

Sarah Pyett is the Deputy Digital Editor of todays-golfer.com. She specializes in ladies’ equipment reviews, including drivers, irons, and golf balls.

After a career in a golf professional shop, and earning a qualification in golf club management, Sarah joined Bauer in 2014 as a Web Producer for Today’s Golfer. She has since worked across multiple brands in a mixture of digital marketing and paid media roles, before returning to focus on golf full-time as Deputy Digital Editor in 2024.

RRP: £799 / $999 Steel, £899 / $1099 Graphite
Availabllity: 4-SW and 5-GW
Stock shafts: KBS Tour Lite steel shafts (S, R) or KBS PGI graphite shafts (S, R, A)
Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline

The new DS-ADAPT MAX Irons are also available in a lightweight Women’s model (£769 graphite) 6-PW, SW in RH paired with a lightweight, women’s flex aftermarket KBS PGI graphite shaft.