Cobra Women's DS-ADAPT MAX Iron Review

We took Cobra's women's DS-ADAPT MAX iron out for a test to see what it has to offer

Cobra Women's DS-ADAPT MAX Iron
(Image credit: Alison Root)
Golf Monthly Verdict

This is a confidence-inspiring iron as it's very forgiving. It allows you to launch the ball with plenty of height and the sound at impact is great, it feels powerful. It looks good too, so an all-round good option, especially if you like a strong swing weight.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Noticeable forgiveness

  • +

    High launching flight

  • +

    Powerful sound

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Heavier swing weight

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Cobra’s DS-ADAPT MAX women's iron is designed to deliver ultimate forgiveness and an effortless high launch, specifically targeting golfers who need to regain lost carry distance. I was therefore looking forward to finding out if it stood up to these claims and is one of the best golf irons for women.

While I haven't tested the regular Cobra DS-ADAPT model, so I can't give you a direct comparison, I can tell you exactly how this enhanced model has been tailored to give female golfers added benefits and if I was impressed with the results.

Cobra Women's DS-ADAPT MAX Iron

(Image credit: Alison Root)

The DS-ADAPT MAX has a slightly larger profile with a thicker topline, wider sole and added offset, which combine to provide maximum forgiveness. Unlike some irons that look intimidating when you address the ball, I found these ‘oversized’ aspects confidence-inspiring, making even the worst lies seem manageable.

In my opinion, there is nothing to dislike about the aesthetic of this iron. Cobra describes the finish as champagne, which is understated but pretty classy and it's fitted with a KBS light graphite shaft that’s mostly black.

When I first picked up this iron, I did find it heavy compared with others on the market, such as the Ping’s G Le3, XXIO 13, or TaylorMade's Kalea Gold. But as we're all different, and what feels heavy to me might feel light to someone else.

Cobra Women's DS-ADAPT MAX Iron

(Image credit: Alison Root)

During testing, I was conscious of the weight of the club on my takeaway into my backswing, but I have to say, while no noticeable distance gains, I did manage to get the club back to the ball and consistently launch it fairly high so I was impressed with the results.

This might well have been due to the 2-degree weaker lofts in this model, which aim to help the ball get up and travel high without sacrificing speed. I also think the extra weight didn’t do me any harm, it helped me to give my shots extra oomph!

What I really appreciated, however, was the sound and feel at impact. Thanks to the hollow cavity that is filled with a soft foam, whatever the outcome, my shots felt robust and powerful without any harsh vibrations. Even on off-centre strikes, the sound was consistent and pleasing.

Overall, the DS-ADAPT MAX women's iron is a great offering if you’re looking for maximum forgiveness and height, which is wrapped up in a sleek package that inspires confidence at address.

Alison Root

Alison Root has over 25 years experience working in media and events, predominantly dedicated to golf, in particular the women’s game. Until 2020, for over a decade Alison edited Women & Golf magazine and website, and is now the full-time Women's Editor for Golf Monthly. Alison is a respected and leading voice in the women's game, overseeing content that communicates to active golfers from grassroots through to the professional scene, and developing collaborative relationships to widen Golf Monthly's female audience across all platforms to elevate women's golf to a new level. She is a 16-handicap golfer (should be better) and despite having had the fantastic opportunity to play some of the best golf courses around the world, Kingsbarns in Scotland is her favourite.

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