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Country: us Page generated at: Monday, 13 April 2026 at 15:02:18 British Summer Time
reviews
Drivers
Cleveland Launcher XL driver review

published: Dec 2, 2022

|

updated: Dec 20, 2024

Cleveland Launcher XL driver review

Jack BackhouseLink

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We sometimes use affiliate links to products and services on retailer sites for which we can receive compensation if you click on those links or make purchases through them.

What’s new? How much does it cost? And how does it perform? Jack Backhouse brings you the low down on Cleveland’s new Launcher XL driver

Cleveland Launcher XL driver review

Table of Contents

Jump to:

  • Cleveland launcher xl driver review: ncg summary
  • First impressions
  • Ncg review
  • Cleveland launcher xl driver review: the details

How does the latest edition of the Cleveland Launcher XL driver perform? Find out in our Cleveland Launcher XL driver review.

  • RELATED: The most forgiving irons on the market? Cleveland reveals Launcher XL irons
  • RELATED: Best Drivers for High Handicappers 2024

Cleveland Launcher XL driver review: NCG Summary

Cleveland Launcher XL driver
4.5 stars
NCG SUMMARY

This driver performs really well. Cleveland have put together a driver that performs competitively with the big names at a very attractive price.

The Launcher XL has a brilliant adjustable shaft sleeve that gives the player 12 different options to dial in their flight. This driver will suit a lot of players.

PROS

  • Huge sweet spot
  • impressively long
  • Great adjustability
  • CONS

    • The elongated head could be off-putting if you’re used to something more traditionally shaped
    • CG Launcher XL Drv 10.5 R RH

      $249.99

      View Deal

    First Impressions

    The Cleveland Launcher XL has a huge footprint and looks humongous behind the ball. The clever face design makes you feel like the hitting area of the club is big as well, which gives you the confidence you don’t need perfect swings all of the time.

    Cleveland Launcher XL driver review

    NCG Review

    I really like this driver. As a fan of an underdog and a huge proponent of keeping the price of playing golf down, I am always hopeful that less expensive drivers made by someone other than one of the big brands will perform well. The Cleveland Launcher XL did not let me down.

    Cleveland Launcher XL driver 2021

    The Launcher XL driver has a couple of features that result in high long drives. The first is 2 rebound frames that flex on impact which gives more ball speed. The other is that because the head is so big, they can move the centre of gravity lower and deeper to give a higher launch and low spin.

    The result of this tech is quite impressive. Although I didn’t achieve particularly high club head swing speed or ball speeds, the ball launched pretty high with low spin, giving me a great 262-yard carry distance and nearly 280 total distance.

    This is just as good if not better than a lot of other more ‘premium’ drivers I’ve hit this year, so I am really pleased.

    Cleveland Launcher XL driver trackman data

    I also must talk about how forgiving the Cleveland Launcher XL driver is. Those recorded shots in my Flightscope were certainly not all out of the centre of the face and there really wasn’t much drop-off in distance. This forgiveness is probably down to the size of the head and the massive MOI it provides.

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    This driver somehow feels quite a lot different in the swing than my current driver of choice. This could be due to the size of head, but also could be down to the 8g counterweight that Cleveland have put at the grip end of the shaft.

    This is in to make the club feel more balanced and give more control to the player. It made the club feel heavier, which may be why my club head speed wasn’t as high as normal. There is also a Cleveland Launcher XL Lite driver available in the line if you do feel like you want something lighter.

    The Launcher XL also has a loud distinct sound which perhaps is caused by the size of the head.

    cleveland driver

    One of the best parts about the Launcher XL driver is the adjustable hosel. It offers 12 different options ranging from 9 to 12 degrees, with options to open and close the face. This makes the driver really easy to custom-fit and set up for a golfer’s tendencies.

    I was able to set the driver up with a low loft and a flatter, more open setting which helps me hit fades and helps lessen the chance of a card-ruining pull hook.

    You can also order this driver in an ‘accuracy build’ which comes with an inch shorter shaft and no counterweight at the top end. This will slow you down a touch but help you hit the middle of the face more often, which if you play at a narrow golf course might be useful.

    This driver is a great performer and should be tested by all golfers looking for more yards and increased forgiveness. Its low price is a draw but it’s not what you will end up buying it for!

    • CG Launcher XL Drv 10.5 R RH

      $249.99

      View Deal

    Cleveland Launcher XL driver review: The Details

    Available: Now

    RRP: £379

    Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°

    Shafts: Project X Cypher 50 Shaft – A, R, S

    More information: Cleveland XL Driver

    • RELATED: Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore Wedge review
    • RELATED: Cleveland HB Soft 2 putter review
    • RELATED: Cleveland Launcher XL Halo fairway wood review

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    About the author

    Callaway Epic Max driver review
    Jack Backhouse

    A member of the PGA for 13 years, Jack has lived golf for more than half his life. Inspired by Tiger Wood’s winning putt at the 2008 US Open, an obsession began with watching slow motion golf swings on the internet and reading What’s In The Bag articles in magazines.

    Not destined for a life behind the desk in a pro shop, Jack has focussed more on coaching, working closely with regional teams in North Yorkshire and helping golfers of all levels on their journey to enjoying playing the game more. Jack has coached many junior golfers into the county teams, and once worked with a player at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

    After letting his game fall apart prior to COVID, Jack rediscovered his love for playing golf after joining Silloth Golf Club in 2020 and whipping round the windy, firm links course. Playing regularly with a half set of clubs he has a passion for shot making and developing skill, and claims to have the sharpest 30-100 yard game in the North of England (only because he doesn’t know anyone in the South), and now maintains a +1 handicap at a club much closer to home, Sand Moor GC.

    Jack has always tinkered with his equipment, once building his own Frankenstein one length set of clubs after watching Bryson DeChambeau burst onto the scene after winning the US Amateur. He firmly believes in getting custom fit and is happy to debate anyone about blade irons being superior to any other iron category.

    Jack loves: playing quickly, 2 ball golf, match play, heathland courses, pencil bags, foursomes, Tiger Wood’s swing 2005-2009.

    Jack hates: buggies, unnecessary trees, giving shots, the 7 iron loft debate, graphite shaft lovers weird superiority complex.

    What’s In Jack’s Bag:

    Titleist TSR2 Driver

    Titleist TSR2 Fairway wood

    TaylorMade P7MB 3-P

    Titleist SM10 wedges

    TaylorMade TP Reserve Blade putter

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