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Cleveland Launcher HB irons review – The technology

There’s a fully hollow construction  with a high-strength steel face, something Cleveland call a HiBore Crown – this allows weight to be pulled low and back into the head.

So overall it’s a hybrid-like design to help golfers launch the ball higher and farther than typical cavity back irons.

Cleveland Launcher HB irons review – The results

Yes, they do look a bit weird as you address the ball but they are incredibly easy to use.

They are fun to use too – you almost feel yourself relaxing in a way that you wouldn’t when normally trying to crunch a crisp iron shot.

These clubs are all about getting the ball in the air easily – and they certainly do that.

From a numbers point of view I wasn’t quite seeing the distance I would normally expect with a 6-iron. With a Ping G400 or a Titleist 718 AP1 6-iron I’d be looking for at least 160 yards of carry.

And I didn’t quite get that with the Launcher HB. Probably because they were flying higher with a bit more spin.

But as I said, that’s exactly what some players need. Launching a 6-iron two feet off the ground with no spin is not going to work out on the course – especially if there is water which needs carrying in front of the green.

Cleveland Launcher HB irons review – NCG verdict

These clubs make me think about the 27th hole at Moor Allerton. Bear with me.

It’s a par-5 where the approach to the green normally requires a shot with at least 130 yards of carry to avoid the water hazard and treacherous bunkers on the bank of a steep slope.

I’ve lost count of times I’ve seen players – normally seniors and ladies – unable to get the ball in the air sufficiently to make it on to the green.

Or they hit a fairway wood which makes the required distance but flies so flat it embeds straight into the bank or worse – the bunker.

These are the players I think about when I think about the Launcher HB irons.

So if you’re someone who struggles to get the ball in the air with your irons – go and give these a try immediately. Trust me, you’ll get so much more enjoyment out of the game.

Details

Men’s steel Set (5-PW): £570 (single iron: £95)
Men’s graphite set (5-PW): £648 (single iron: £108)
Women’s graphite set (5-PW): £648 (single iron: £108)

More information is available on the Cleveland website.