Cleveland Launcher XL Lite Driver review 

I picked up one about a month ago (had 30 days to give it a try) and it has seriously impressed me. Kicked a Ping G425 out of the bag. Just as forgiving with less spin and much more distance. I love trying other clubs but this thing performs so well the driver is set and no more tinkering.

I’ve had this driver in my bag for 6 months now and delighted with it. Good 10-15 yards longer than my previous Callaway and seem to hit more fairways. Will be looking at more Cleveland products in the future.

Hi Andy. As a 67 yo taking up golf this year I find your reviews and tips to be easily the best for my needs. Just got my handicap of 28 and hoping to gradually whittle it down . I tried this years XL Launcher driver and the Lite version but found the the standard driver suited me better. I can hit way off the toe and still produce a reasonable shot. Here in Australia Cleveland and Tour Edge are well priced while PXG is priced as a premium brand. Would love to have tried the Hy wood after your review but they are not even bringing it to Australia. Picked up second hand Mavrik Max 5 wood at same loft as Hy wood and love it. Feel it does a similar job.Thanks for the advice on lofted fairway woods. Have added an old 7 wood with 23 degree loft as well. Keep those videos coming !

I have Cleveland’s CBX Zipcore wedges 52-56-60 and a Cleveland Huntingdon Beach#6 putter and my short game is probably the best part of my game at the moment. They are great products and well priced. Especially the putter. I tried it against some Taylormade, Ping, Scotty Cameron, Evenrol products and none of those high-end products performed well enough to justify the price difference. I’ll need to change my 3 and 5 woods next season. Cleveland is on the list of products to try. I put them on the same level as Wilson as being a very underated company. I play the D9’s irons and hybrids and I quite certain the Cleveland fairways would be a great addition to my other clubs.

I replaced my Cobra F9 Driver ( set at 12) with the previous model Cleveland HB Launcher 12 degree head to address my low launch angle. It worked and eventually as I improved the 12 degree was going too high. I bought the adjustable XL Launcher Driver and played with the loft setting ( now at 10 degrees) and gained another 10 m of total distance. it is very easy to hit well. I also use their CBX2 wedges, which I think perform well. I did buy a second hand set of their HB Launcher irons ( 5-GW) for my wife to use. I tested them and hit a 81 round first time. How I wish I had found these clubs a few years earlier. I get the ball into the air well with a slight draw. If the newer models have improved, they are well worth a try.

I have the Halo hybrids and the Hy-wood. They are, without a doubt, brilliant. The 5 Halo hybrid is my favourite club in the bag. So easy to hit and goes for miles. I bought them without testing as there are no stockists in the area. I’m so glad I did and have zero regrets. Highly recommended!

Great Review ! Got 54 and 58 CB wedges in the bag, it was watching you review them that made me give them a go ! Can honestly say ! Best 2 clubs in the bag ! So consistent ! Being older does not mean too much these days, if they work they work !!!

Bought the adjustable version of the Cleveland driver in the spring and its been brilliant. Finally replaced my trusty Ping G30 after so many years and false starts with other drivers. FWIW I had the shaft cut down 1 inch, but kept the (purple) counter-balance weight . Really really forgiving face combined with decent distance. A few weeks after I tried the Hi Wood (3 wood/3 hybrid cross) and it was another straight-in-the-bag winner. During the hot and dry summer I tended to play it off the tee as well as the fairway it was just so easy to hit. Have more recently purchased the 4, 5 and 6 hybrids which are also very nice, though TBH/TBF I haven't played enough rounds with them as yet to fairly comment. I was always a Mizuno or Ping guy in the past but definitely appreciate the price: performance ratio of these clubs.

I have always loved their Wedges and would love to try out their Hi-Wood if I could find one anywhere, so the Driver looks as though it would be a great addition to anyone's Bag👍👍

I was lucky to test a lot of putters at the local shop, and thought I would like the cobras. But the Cleveland frontline actually felt better (in my opinion), and made me feel much more confident. Plus loved the grip, and wife loved the price. Headcover was kind of cheap, but putter is great looking at address. I got the cero 35” straight arc, and have been impressing my ‘mates’ on the green ever since. Made me want to practice putting more too which helped

I have 3 Cleveland zipcore wedges in my bag, 50, 54 and 58. I love these wedges. I really haven't tried any Cleveland drivers, irons or HyW.

Another great review Sir. I really enjoy you non-biased honest product review. Cleveland looks very promising. Just picked up a Launcher 4 hybrid. Can't wait to try it out

I switched from Titleist to RTX Zipcore wedges and love them! They helped me lower my handicap this year from 4.0 to 1.8.

The XL Halo irons are in my bag, as is a Halo 5 hybrid. Very pleased with both. Was going to test the driver when PXG dropped the Gen5 driver price to £250, so went with that. Also a good stick. Cleveland clubs are a lot of good quality kit for the money. Fairways next, so I will look at them when I buy.

Yes sir I picked up the Cleveland 3+ Hy-Wood pretty much based on your review and it's one of my favorite clubs. I also picked up a 6 Hybrid. Not so impressed with it quite yet, but that is more about me having a new swing than it is the club. I also built the low end of my bag around Cleveland with a Smart Sole 50 degree GW, RTX Zipcore 56 SW and Smart Sole chipper (another AVG. recommendation). It has really helped me simplify my short game which is shaping up very well.

Bought the UHX irons. Very long and fun to play with. 4 iron great off the tee. Also play the RTX-3 cavity back wedges. Really, really accurate.

I've got the Hywood and have been playing it for a couple months. Great club. I got it to slot in between my Ping G425 4 Hybrid and my 4 wood. It's very easy to hit almost goes as long as my 4 wood! 😀 I play last year's ST-Z driver and it's great, too. I'm an 11 HCP and to be honest if I want to get better, it's not equipment that is holding me back. Maybe I'll go demo one of these. I like Cleveland. I play their full face ZipCore RTX wedges and those have been great, too. Enjoy your videos. Cheers.

I bought a new old stock, of this driver. $299.99 Canadian dollars. Still wrapped and never hit. 12*, regular shaft. It performs admirably and feels good. Also purchased a 5 hybrid from the same line, and it moves the ball out easily.

I’m still hitting a Cobra Fly Z driver! It sits so well, sound good, flys nicely! I have four Cleveland hybrids in my bag. They are very good.

I've had the driver in the bag since July and that's impressive, and also have the 5&7 fairways in my bag and they are brilliant! They're longer than my previous clubs (cobra hybrids) more accurate, more consistent and have helped reduced my scores, can't fault them.

I play Halo XL irons and a Cleveland Chipper. I totally agree that Cleveland is a truly under rated company. I woyld probably have that driver had I not bought a Radspeed XB for a a few dollars less. My friend bombs his 2nd hand Cleveland driver though.

Be interested to see you review the Cleveland Launcher XL irons Andy. Love their products, as good as any of the big manufacturers at a fraction of the cost. 👍🏻

Bought a CBX2 56 wedge a few months ago, and couldn't be any more impressed! Absolutely impossible to chunk it, so easy to hit.

Bought the Halo irons last season based on your review. Love them, and no plans to change. Bought the Cleveland CBX based on your review a few years ago and I’m very satisfied with them. Hadn’t ever considered Cleveland before watching your reviews.

My entire bag is Cleveland. Same driver along with XL launcher irons w graphite shafts. Im completely happy with my set up and i didn't have to sell one of my kidneys to purchase them. I play to a 14 handicap. Cheers

I picked up Clevland RTX full face wedges (56 & 60) this summer and love them.

Hit the XL irons and fell in love. Now looking at their wedges but will definitely try out this driver

Good to have you back Andy, I play old Cleveland Mashie M2 & M3 hybrids. Had them since new at around £80 each and I see no reason to change as they perform for me.

I play the Cleveland RTX wedges (48,52,56) and their Huntington Beach #4 blade putter. Both are fantastic and will be staying in the bag for 2023. Cleveland and Tour Edge Exotics are my favorite lesser known brands.

I bought a set of te Cleveland Halo Irons. Have changed my accuracy to the fairway ad greens big time. I lost abut 10 MPH after illness last year an a lot of yardage with my old clubs. The Halo Irons are great so very open to hear about any Cleveland product

I’m using the Cleveland zip core wedges 48° 54° & 60° I love them, I had previously the RXT wedges in the same loft

I bought their Smart Sole 4 Gap,Sand and C (chipper) wedges this year and they have dropped major stressors off my short game. Getting lots of compliments from my playing mates too. I tell them its definitely the club, not the player, lol. Knocked 10+ strokes off my game within 2 rounds and now I'm consistently breaking 100. Really curious to try the hywood 3+, would love to have one in the bag. Low effort changes with big payoffs. Thanks Cleveland!

Always loved Cleveland wedges and have had a few great putters as well. Not opposed to trying their other clubs.

I play their wedges, irons, a classic 3 wood, andddd just picked up this launcher xl not long ago. The best feeling clubs all around for mw

I still play the Cleveland VAS 792 clubs!

I’m using the 3+ and 4 hybrids. Love how they launch into the air from all lies.

I use a Cleveland T-frame putter and it is amazing!

I'm on my second set of Cleveland irons had the cg16 irons for a few year's then I replaced them with the cbx irons a few years ago also got a 52° wedge and launcher 5 wood brilliant clubs and not as expensive as other manufacturers 👍⛳

Playing the Launcher Turbo irons for the last 3 years. Easy to hit and extremely high. Sold my M4s. They were out performed by the Clevelands. The 4 iron is exceptionally long. 72 years old and can hit it 180-200 yards. Really easy out of the tall grass

I recently purchased the Cleveland launcher XL irons they feel great they have good distance forgiveness and look good at a good price got rid of my TaylorMade Sim irons for these I consider the Cleveland launcher irons more forgiving

I have the Cleveland RTX Zip Core Wedges. I LOVE their wedges! I'd be willing to try anything from Cleveland.

I bought halo xl irons in the cyber x shafts and I'm never changing irons again, the are just awesome. Going to get fitted for Cleveland driver and woods soon.

I recently put the Cleveland Launcher 3&7 woods in my bag. The 3 wood off the tee is fantastic and I the 7 wood is great from both the fairway and the rough. I play the Sim Max in my vacation home set and I like the Cleveland’s every bit as much. I also use the CBX wedges and I played Cleveland irons up until just recently when I traded them in for JPX 921 hot metal irons and hybrids. I’m thinking seriously about adding the Launcher XL driver to my bag as well. I’m currently gaming the new Rogue but my affinity for the Cleveland fairways has me considering a change 🤔

I had a 2006 Cleveland launcher 460 came back to golf this year first time since then still creamed it so does my son who just started to play!! I bought a Hb Turbo to replace it giving the 2006 model to my son and to be honest there is not that much difference great clubs and regularly out drives playing partners !!! Bravo Cleveland

I gamed the Halo irons early this year. The trampoline effect messed up my hitting distance and dispersion. I put them away and picked up my Eye 2s. More consistency, just had to use more club to get where I wanted to go. I'm on the fence to try the G425 irons but fear it could be more of that trampoline effect. I guess I'll have to get a fitting and find out.

I have a couple Cleveland drivers, lots of their wedges. I think my favorite are their Mashie hybrids. You should try them. I have a one, two, four, and five Mashie. I really like them.

i have the cleveland launcher irons, woods and driver. Love em!

I've played Cleveland wedges for years. I currently game CBX2 wedges and think they've made a positive impact on my confidence and game.

I'm happy with all Cleveland irons and FW metals and driver.

I bought the XL Launcher driver and I thought it looked great and the quality was there. I just didn't like the sound when I struck the ball, so I ended up selling it. I think Cleveland is very underrated and they make quality products.

I recently bought a Cleveland zipcore wedge with a graphite and it has performed excellently for me; so much so that I’m getting a full set. I have been using the hy-wood but for some reason I’m not hitting it consistently enough. Still, great clubs.

ive just bought a set of cbx2 wedges. new old stock. very impressed and they were half price.

Using a Cleveland588 custom driver 9.5 degrees - stiff stock shaft - fully adjustable - excellent long driving low spin driver. also use there RTX wedges forged ❤❤

I play the all Cleveland. xl lite draw, xl halo 3 Wood, xl halo 3,4 Hybrid, launcher XL irons, cbx 54,60, Frontline elevado putter

I have been using a Gleveland original High Bore driver for years,it is the longest and most forgiving driver I have ever used.

I have trouble with fairway metals. I purchased a Cleveland Hy-wood. I like it. Easier to hit with good distance and ball flight.

Hi Andy. I have the Cleveland 3+ Hywood and 2 x CBX Zipcore wedges

Great review 😊

I have 3 Wedges. Looking at the Halo irons, this Driver, and just heard about the high wood you mentioned. I think for my game Cleveland is putting out the best equipment. I do like the Taylor Made hd irons though. What are your thoughts?

Will likely try this driver, Ive recently gone back the an old Cleveland hi bore xls driver, I’ve had the ping g425 max, the sim max, the ping g410, cobra air max and many more and none of them come anywhere near the forgiveness levels of that club, distance the same for me too, which begs the question if it’s all just a marketing con … you need to keep it on the fairway to be in the game, so Hope that this new Cleveland has similarly good performance as that old hi bore as it’s probably only the sound I’d change.

I want to get a new driver next year. Cleveland was at top of my list because of price and weight of the lite model. I am 68 and I think it would be for me.

I added the halo irons and the XL lite driver and my scores went to the 80’s. I use to play in the 90’s

I have a question for you Andy... I am thinking of getting the Titleist TSR2 driver at 44 inches......with that in mind i also wanna get the 4 wood and the 7 wood...what length should i go with on those clubs ? i took off 1.5 inches off the driver to make it 44 inches.....the 4 wood is 43 inches should i take 1-1.5 inches off it as well ? same with 7 wood its 41.5.....curious to get your thoughts on this....thx...cheers from Canada

Dude out of all the RU-vid golfers you’ve got the best on course fits in the game , dress better than 95% of the youngins

Cleveland and Tour Edge are really making some great stuff and at a great price

I have the halo irons. So high and forgiving. How does this driver stack up to the pxg gen 5 driver?

I have the Lite 10.5 Draw, halo 3 wood and my favorite Hy-wood. Great, all of them.

I play cleveland launcher hb turbo irons and cleveland wedges, I became extremely frustrated with my golf but these cleveland clubs have saved my sanity and I now enjoy golf. My cleveland launcher hb turbo driver is arriving tomorrow.

Okay Cleveland Frontline ISO putter and have played Cleveland wedges in the winter since WA winters have very wet/heavy sand

I picked up the 18 degree hybrid and it is so forgiving and so long and high launching. I just picked up the Driver (Standard, not Lite) and will be testing tomorrow and more than likely getting rid of my Callaway Rogue Max.

Andy what flex shaft was you using In video please

I have just bought Cleveland XL Launcher iron 5 to p/w along with Clevand wedges, not played with them yet but tested they on the range. They will replace my 10 year old Big Berthas, l am 73 with 16 h/c, I don't expect the stronger lofts will make much difference,

I use the smart sole chipper and sand wedges. The 6 an 3+ hybrids. They are very good. I will try the driver……

Nice review. I have been looking at this line up. You said you were slowing done your swing so just curious what club head speed you were achieving? Thanks

First driver I ever played with was cleveland. Nice and forgiving.

wedges have been in and out of my bag for years. other than that, I tried the halo wood, interesting just doesnt fit my gapping.

favourite driver without question. such good value for money

I play the TS1 and don't see a new TR1 in the lineup, so this may be worth a try.

I game the latest hybrids and they are as good as any I’ve ever had. Very solid..

I had the previous Cleveland driver to this one never should have sold it replaced it with a ping G 400.... just replaced the ping with the XL LITE driver I think there's definitely something to the counterbalance weight in the grip I've slowed my swing down still getting great distance and control thinking of buying the new Halo irons

I bought Cleveland Driver n 3 wood with light shafts Very happy with both clubs, ball flys high n straight off 10.5 driver. 10-20 yds gained

Andy what flex was you using in the driver

3 & 4 UHX irons and a chipper…….all work brilliantly

launcher XL driver and 3 wood 2, 3, and 4 hybrids (depends on course) CBX2 wedges 50, 54, and 58 degress

I play these Cleveland irons and woods. Clubs are great for my game. I also play Cleveland wedges. Would love to try the driver.

I have the halo xl iron hybrids in the bag. My friends called it cheating cause the ball makes a sound like a pro pga iron hit, which is rather pleasing sound.

What shaft is on the one you tested, 40 or 50?

Andy you gotta try the xl launcher irons

Except for the player who always wants the newest product and knowing you review many different clubs, do you find any real measurable improvements between a 2022 driver and the best driver of 5 or so years ago? With the costs seeming to skyrocket from one year to the next, are we really getting more for our money? Love your reviews.

You made a very brief comment about the sound it makes(good). Can you expand on that a little please Andy? Please compare it to others... eg louder, softer, duller, tinny(don't like tinny👎) ? Thanks

Cleveland, putters, irons, hybrid irons and wedges. Top nouch, not tried the woods or drivers. They also make good bags.

I play a Cleveland Zip core 48 deg Gap wedge. I quite like it. But I wouldn’t play their driver - sounds tinny and I prefer a more muted sound.

I’ve had several Scotty Cameron’s tried Cleveland and never looked back.. in fact nearly all my golfing buddies have Cleveland putters.. 🤫

i can honestly say i never even give cleveland a chance anymore. i used to play there wedges 25 years ago but ever since roger cleveland sold the company there wedges don't perform as well as there competitors. As far as there other gear they just seem to always be a step behind the big boys, titleist, cobra, taylormade , ping , calloway.

My driver is a Cleveland Classic XL Custom. I’ve got a Taylormade M3 that doesn’t agree with me. The Cleveland just does the job for me

Does the Lite have a adjustable hosel?

Have had the wedges and Irons in the past. Not in the market for new clubs. Maybe in another year or so.

Cleveland wedges have been in my bag for over 20 years... can't beat them IMO.

Tested the Cleveland against a RBZ black driver they were pretty much the same RBZ was almost half price. Went with the RBZ don't regret it

Can I ask Andy, how is the putter performing after being in the bag for a while.