Almost two and a half years, that is how long it has been since we have seen the last Launcher driver from Cleveland Golf. In that time a lot has changed, but the Launcher name remains one of the most recognized in golf. The XL version was a rock-solid driver that lived up to the name.
Today, the brand is introducing the next Launcher driver, the XL2. Not only is THP bringing you all the design details for this release, but as we’ve had it in hand prior to today, a full performance breakdown is on the way as well.
Quick Take
The most evolved Cleveland Golf driver in years. The Launcher XL2 lives up to the name in both performance and size providing all the forgiveness you expect from the name, as well as a shocking level of speed potential. While the visuals and sound may not be everyone’s preference, make no mistake, this is one that can be played by all skill levels including the stronger swingers. This isn’t the same old Launcher.
Cleveland Launcher XL2 – Technology and Design
The Launcher has never been a release where Cleveland is trying to be tricky or trendy, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been far more innovative than the brand has often gotten credit for. That said, we haven’t seen a Cleveland Golf driver with this much technology packed into it for a very long time.
The goals here are simple, create driver options that are all about distance and accuracy. Now, you likely just said aloud something to the effect of “yeah, the goal for them and everyone else”, and while you aren’t wrong, Cleveland has historically delivered on their claims. So, when they say it, you should probably listen.
The XL2 moniker attached to this one signifies not only the next iteration, but also the technology packed within. Leading the way is, of course, the XL Head Design which is a reworked shape since last we saw a Launcher release. The goal was to get the weight in all the right places within an oversized shape/profile, but to do it in a more visually comfortable manner. Another part of the XL Head Design is a thinner crown with a lightweight frame underneath which allowed for the shifting of even more weight to move low and deep within the head. Most eye catching here is the claim of a 2% increase in heel/toe MOI as well as a gigantic 12% gain high/low.
Also here is MainFrame XL Face Technology which Cleveland believes to be the biggest difference maker. Yes, “AI” is part of the story here, but unlike many other brands just using the hot-button terminology, Cleveland is actually applying AI computer processes here to run thousands upon thousands of simulations using inputs from where real golfers are most likely to make impact. Then, they ran it again, and again. The results? An entirely unique variable thickness design which has not only enlarged, but reshaped the sweet spot for better energy transfer over a larger area, and that means more distance potential.
Don’t worry, Rebound Frame is alive and well, it is just XL. It also might still be one of the most underappreciated tech developments in metalwoods. The key here is the creation of dual flex zones within the clubhead, one being the face, and the other a second ring which sits just a bit behind the face. Both zones combined act like a spring within a spring to increase the energy and efficiency at impact.
Finally, there are two different heads in the Launcher release, the XL2 and the XL2 Draw. The standard head seeks to offer distance and forgiveness for all skill levels with a mid-spin and mid-high launch profile, while the draw is pointed towards beginners or high handicappers who need mid-high spin and high launch. Both offer full 9.0 to 12.0 adjustability (in 0.5 degree increments) and are using Action Mass CB. This is an 8g counter-balance weight in the butt end to improve weight feel in-hand and to encourage an in-to-out path.
Stock shafts are the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Series Blue 55 (R, S) or the Aldila Ascent PL 40 (A, R, S), but as always, Cleveland Golf offers a ton of shaft and grip upgrades, with many being no upcharge. It is also worth noting both drivers can be ordered in an “Accuracy Build” which is a 1/2” shorter than stock and without the counterbalance.
Cleveland Launcher XL2 – Performance Review
Even before unboxing, when I heard that a Cleveland Launcher driver would be arriving for review time, I had a visual expectation of what was about to show up. Honestly, I was right…and wrong. On one side, the XL2 driver lives up to both the Launcher and XL names, this is a large footprinted driver that is extremely deep from front to back. But on the other hand, what I didn’t see coming was just how well done that oversized shaping would be thought out, and how well finished it would be too.
The Launcher XL2 is as expected a big and elongated head, but Cleveland absolutely went through every nuance of the shape to ensure that it flows in its size. It doesn’t feel like it is pointed or angular at the back, it simply looks like a bigger version of a nearly symmetrical headshape. However, little tricks like the way the toe section curve is handled makes it much cleaner than I have seen in others. The polished metallic smoke grey paint also ties it together letting the graphics and Hi-Bore Step seem less in-your-face.
At setup, the XL2 sat slightly closed for me at 10.5 where Cleveland states it should be neutral, however, when I turned it down to 9.0 (where I did all of this testing) the setup did move neutral to slightly open which I enjoyed seeing. The ability to put one head out there and have it go from 9.0 to 12.0 in half-degree increments will go overlooked because of how daunting the Cleveland/Srixon adapters can be, but the fact is they are highly efficient.
Along with playing the XL2 at 9.0, the club I worked with for this was paired with the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Series Blue 55S. I immediately knew this one was counterbalanced, as despite the head size profile, the overall club felt very nimble in hand. I was concerned about how that would work for me fit wise, but on the course and monitor I realized that the amount of forgiveness here would make up for most of any issues there.
This club wants to be swung. I mean it, this is a driver that the more I went at it, the more it gave back, even if I missed, especially vertically, it seemed to respond with results that made me shake my head. Not only that, I saw as much speed potential here as I have with any other major driver release, and all with spin rates that were vastly lower than I have experienced with this same shaft setup in other heads. Sure, directionally the fit showed issues for me on course and monitor, but for the target audience of the stock setup I think they nailed it.
The fact that I managed to put up multiple 160 MPH balls speed shots on the monitor keeping spin in the upper to mid 2,000’s throughout is a testament to what is going on internally as well in my opinion. The new MainFrame XL face played extremely well with my vertical miss while the Rebound Frame continues to be extremely underrated in generating speed. Honestly, the only drawback I found isn’t even a performance thing, it is a sound/feel one. The Launcher XL2 is loud, now, it isn’t clunky in its sound, it is just loud. Honestly, I don’t know that the golf world would know what to do with a muted Launcher driver, so in the end it might just keep with traditions. Overall, the performance trumps the sound/feel in my opinion, and should put this on many golfers of all skill levels ‘go try it’ list.
The Details – Cleveland Launcher XL2 Drivers
I have been critical of Cleveland at times for their driver releases, in the past several have simply felt like afterthoughts or a brand unsure of where it wants to go. This Launcher XL2, however, is a complete driver release, there is an audience, there is as much technology as anything out there, and there is a message.
The Cleveland Launcher XL2 and XL2 Draw drivers are both priced at $449.99 and are set to hit retailers worldwide on 1/19/24.
