2nd Swing Golf
Master fitters, Trackman-heavy testing
“I'm probably going to lean towards that DS Adapt X”
Beat the Darkspeed X head-to-head with higher launch, about 150 RPM more spin, 7 feet more peak height, and a steeper landing angle; the fitter would put it in his own bag for the stopping power.
+ the facts · 6 pros · 3 cons− the facts
- +Launches higher with steeper landing angle, giving real stopping power into greens
- +More forgiving than the Darkspeed X in the fitter's testing
- +34 hosel and weight settings plus shaft options let fitters dial players in precisely
- −Rounder toe shape can look slightly closed at address (adjustable via settings)
- −Brighter face grooves are busier-looking than the Darkspeed's stealth finish
- −Not the pick if you're purely chasing distance and rollout
For: Players who hit fairway woods into greens and want height, spin, and soft landings, with adjustability to fine-tune
Golf Monthly
UK magazine, season-long testing
The core mid-spin, mid-launch model with the broadest appeal, whose flippable weights effectively create a lower-spin LS-X option.
+ the facts · 4 pros− the facts
- +Did exactly what it said on the tin with mid launch and spin
- +More playable in more conditions than the LS
- +Swapping the two weights changes spin by 150-200rpm for real versatility
For: The widest range of players wanting a stable fairway-finder with tuning headroom
Mark Crossfield
Coach, famously hard to impress
The X gave him top-end ball speeds around 165 mph with a neutral flight at 2,400 rpm; one of the two heads he would personally choose.
+ the facts · 3 pros · 2 cons− the facts
- +Averaged around 165 mph ball speed, top end for him and up there with the best
- +Neutral ball flight around 2,400 rpm spin
- +Solid feel and sound consistent across the range
- −Little to separate it from the other heads in feel or sound
- −Adjustable neck narrative is overkill for most buyers
For: Players wanting a solid all-round head between max forgiveness and low spin
“I don't think there's much split in these two drivers at all”
Matches the Elyte shot for shot, is a fraction cheaper, and its 33-setting neck makes it a fitter's dream even if it can boggle consumers.
+ the facts · 5 pros · 2 cons− the facts
- +Numbers effectively identical to the Elyte: great strikes, good launch and spin, carries around 300
- +33 neck settings give a fitter far more options to suit different deliveries and shot shapes
- +10g rear weight can be flipped forward for lower launch and spin, unlike the Elyte
- −The 33-setting neck sleeve is complicated and mind-boggling for consumers, even if Cobra's chart simplifies it
- −No heel-toe adjustability on the rear weight, unlike the Elyte
For: Golfers getting properly fitted who want maximum adjustability at a slightly lower price
“I just wish I hit it like the 10K”
The standard model he loved the look of but couldn't hit as well as the 10K, coming up short in carry, total and ball speed.
+ the facts · 3 pros · 3 cons− the facts
- +Compact head shape that sets up really well at address
- +Face alignment design he loves, very similar to his Titleist GT
- +Same dark polished styling as the range
- −Carried 9 yards less than the Max-K for him at the same club speed
- −Ball speed 3 mph down on the Max-K
- −Less forgiving, poor strikes dropped off noticeably
For: Players who prefer a smaller, more compact head and strike it consistently