REVIEW: Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
The Cleveland Launcher XL driver.
The Cleveland Launcher XL driver is easily one of the longest drivers I’ve ever reviewed. Packed with technology that is meant to help you get the ball airborne effortlessly, the Launcher XL by Cleveland Golf absolutely blew me away.
Let’s take a closer look.
Cleveland Launcher XL Driver Technology
To start things off, the Launcher XL driver features a massive clubhead design (460 cc) that includes the widest “sweet spot” the brand has ever produced. According to Cleveland, a bigger head means an MOI of 5,200 g-cm² – the most ever in a Cleveland Golf driver. Add that forgiveness to a high launch from low-and-deep weighting, and you’ve got a recipe for maximum launch and distance.
The Launcher XL also features Rebound Frame technology, borrowed from the outstanding Srixon ZX series. This technology includes two flex points within the clubhead: one on the face, and another slightly deeper into the head. Alternating zones of flexibility and rigidity direct more energy into the golf ball for increased ball speed and distance on every shot.
Finally, Cleveland incorporates a counterbalanced feel with the inclusion of an 8g weight toward the butt-end of the grip. This further promotes an effortless swing while generating faster swing speeds, thus more distance on your drives.
Throw in a fully-adjustable hosel and you’ve got the perfect combination for control, forgiveness, distance and customization to fit any golfer’s preference.
Performance and Feel
Having reviewed many Cleveland golf clubs in the past, I’ve always felt like the driver category offered the biggest room for improvement. Cleveland is best known for their short game clubs, but after trying the Launcher XL driver, I’m convinced that is about to change.
I couldn’t believe the increased ball speed I saw with this driver, almost immediately. While I normally hover around 150 mph ball speed in my gamer driver, the Launcher XL averaged higher than 158 mph on almost every drive. There were even a few instances where I topped 160 mph — a full 10 mph faster than my average — without changing anything in my swing. I was dumbfounded as carry yardages were significantly farther than my average.
The Launcher XL is a loud driver as well. While not one of the qualities I particularly care for, when you’re sending the golf ball over that pesky fairway bunker for the first time, you’re bound to forgive the noise. Center-strikes felt incredibly solid and muted in my hands, producing a powerful feel with instant feedback that screamed “Wow, you really caught that one!”
Dispersion was a little wider than usual for my driver, but not wildly so. Cleveland does offer the Launcher XL in an “accuracy build” configuration where they take an extra inch off the shaft, if you prefer.
Overall Impression
I was absolutely floored by the Cleveland Launcher XL as it is easily the best driver the brand has ever produced. The minimalistic color scheme and design is pleasing to the eye, as well, only outdone by the incredible drive distances you’ll experience with the club. Even with the notably loud impact, it’s safe to say this driver will be spending a ton of time in my golf bag for the remainder of this season… and beyond.
The Cleveland Launcher XL retails for $399.99. For more information, visit the Cleveland Golf website here.
