Back in August, we featured a new release from Cleveland Golf called the Launcher XL. As part of that line, the Launcher XL Halo Hy-Wood seemed to get a bit lost in the shuffle…Part hybrid, part fairway wood, where does it fit in the bag?

When we put it to the test in the THP Tech Studio however, it quickly became one of the favorites and something that could help a lot of golfers. Bridging the gap from woods to irons has never been easy. Be it through higher lofted fairway woods, hybrids, utility irons, etc.
This new breed is upon us, something that could offer the distance of those higher lofted fairway woods, in a package that might just be easier to hit. Rather than continue to extoll the benefits, we hopped into the hitting bay to tell you all about it.
We kick off the video below, with an overhead view discussing some of the technology that makes the Hy-Wood unique. From there, we take some swings in the hitting bay of the Tech Studio and show the data and of course finish it up with the table view breaking down what you just saw.
After watching the video above, is this a club that would fit into your bag? If so, where would it slot and what would it replace?
For more information on the Hy-Wood or any of the entire line of Cleveland Launcher XL, check out their website at www.clevelandgolf.com.




[QUOTE=”skeetz, post: 10900457, member: 56940″]
Bought this club blind which I don’t usually do but blame golftown here in Canada for not carrying it in stores. Used this out on the range a couple sessions and played 18 with. All I can say is the hype is true. I’m 55yrs old, can’t swing a fairway wood off the deck to save my life. Even a 5w would give me trouble now off the deck.
Decided I’d give this a try and based on preliminary testing I think I made the right choice. My driver goes about 260 total. The Hy-wood off the tee is a monster. Absolute monster. 220 avg carry no problem. 235 total. Came very close few times to my driver carry only losing out because of driver rollout. And off the deck it’s miles easier to hit than my 5w.
Maybe its the honeymoon period but for my first Cleveland club I’m pretty impressed. Like to see them expand the line and come out with a 15° head.
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Nice. They have a 3 wood at 15 degrees. The line is pretty big.
[QUOTE=”Karl, post: 10900974, member: 22697″]
That’s good news for people like me that aren’t efficient with the driver most of the season.
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Here’s the funny thing about this club. It’s my first such experience with a fw/hybrid hybrid. So this is all new to me.
What I found was off the deck I would swing this club like a hybrid – more of an iron swing.
Off the tee, I tried both but I get better results if I swing it like a fw/driver off the tee (sweeping). Like noticeably better.
The Hy-Wood continues to be the most consistent club in my bag. Pretty funny that I have more confidence in my 200-210 yard club than my pitching wedge. :LOL::ROFLMAO:
Ok, I finally practiced with the Hy-Wood. I had hit the first few shots ok and the rails came in handy for decent shots. But, once I choked down, I felt the magic happen. I have heard about many choking down on this club and being more successful. My question is, is the hywood even necessary, would the 3 XL Halo hybrid be just as good or after you choke down and gain confidence, then you grip it full length?
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 10910113, member: 44136″]
Ok, I finally practiced with the Hy-Wood. I had hit the first few shots ok and the rails came in handy for decent shots. But, once I choked down, I felt the magic happen. I have heard about many choking down on this club and being more successful. My question is, is the hywood even necessary, would the 3 XL Halo hybrid be just as good or after you choke down and gain confidence, then you grip it full length?
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I have both clubs. I usually swap them out for each other depending on weather and blah blah for my home course but the main difference is I think 1”. They go close to the same distance but the additional shaft length helps the hy-wood go further
[QUOTE=”vonbonds, post: 10910517, member: 61237″]
I have both clubs. I usually swap them out for each other depending on weather and blah blah for my home course but the main difference is I think 1”. They go close to the same distance but the additional shaft length helps the hy-wood go further
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Wait, the hy-wood is longer than the 3 wood? I assumed shorter and higher launching shaft.
[QUOTE=”smellysell, post: 10910637, member: 41947″]
Wait, the hy-wood is longer than the 3 wood? I assumed shorter and higher launching shaft.
[/QUOTE]
We’re comparing the hy-wood to the 3 hybrid, not 3 wood.
Took the hywood out for my first round and I hit it awful. I am hoping some of you hy-wood lovers may have had a similar experience and there’s improvement as time goes on. I don’t get it as I had a good practice session with it. Although, the range has nicer lies than a golf course 🙁
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 10911939, member: 44136″]
Took the hywood out for my first round and I hit it awful. I am hoping some of you hy-wood lovers may have had a similar experience and there’s improvement as time goes on. I don’t get it as I had a good practice session with it. Although, the range has nicer lies than a golf course 🙁
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The key for me was choking down just a bit. Once I did that the stars aligned, the flowers bloomed and the missiles were unleashed.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 10911939, member: 44136″]
Took the hywood out for my first round and I hit it awful. I am hoping some of you hy-wood lovers may have had a similar experience and there’s improvement as time goes on. I don’t get it as I had a good practice session with it. Although, the range has nicer lies than a golf course 🙁
[/QUOTE]
Just swing the club, don’t give it any extra. Let the club do the work. It’s a fire and forget missile
[QUOTE=”Danimal, post: 10913520, member: 46311″]
Hit a few bombs with the H-wood today. 227 off of the tee on 1, 235 on a downhill par 5 approach. I was itching to try the UW but it would be money wasted I believe. I cant fathom hitting it better than this.
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I owned the UW prior to the Hy-Wood. I really liked the UW but IMO the Hy-Wood was simply easier to hit. Similar distance but the ball flight and “point and shoot” accuracy was better in the Hy-Wood.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 10910712, member: 44136″]
We’re comparing the hy-wood to the 3 hybrid, not 3 wood.
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Ah, that makes more sense. Thanks
I practiced with the hywood. I choked down and played the ball back in my stance (one ball length) and my contact was much better. In the past I struggled with the heavenwood. I was worried about this carrying over to the hywood. After 40 years of playing it is hard to compute a 4 wood shaft with a 3 hybrid club head.
Anyone still gaming the Hywood or hybrids? Have moved on to newer or better?
[QUOTE=”Karl, post: 10937366, member: 22697″]
Anyone still gaming the Hywood or hybrids? Have moved on to newer or better?
[/QUOTE]
Love my Hy-Wood. Most consistent club in my bag. Point and shoot from 200 yards. I will never part with it.
[QUOTE=”Karl, post: 10937366, member: 22697″]
Anyone still gaming the Hywood or hybrids? Have moved on to newer or better?
[/QUOTE]
Hywood has barely been out for a year… yeah I know that doesn’t mean anything nowadays :LOL: but it’s still probably my favorite club to hit.
Can you buy this grip that comes with the counter weight anywhere?
If you still haven’t hit this club, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Best hybrid available. Heck, maybe the best hybrid ever!
I saw and hit the 4 hybrid in person. Not for me, too much offset. I’m hoping the Hywood doesn’t have that much offset.
[QUOTE=”Karl, post: 10957398, member: 22697″]
I saw and hit the 4 hybrid in person. Not for me, too much offset. I’m hoping the Hywood doesn’t have that much offset.
[/QUOTE]
It has some offset but regardless I can’t seem to hit it anywhere but straight.
[QUOTE=”Karl, post: 10957398, member: 22697″]
I saw and hit the 4 hybrid in person. Not for me, too much offset. I’m hoping the Hywood doesn’t have that much offset.
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[ATTACH type=”full”]9121876[/ATTACH]
Do you guys do well with the hywood on tight lies or is it better suited for the rough and fluffy lies? I keep topping the ball on tight lies.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 10957792, member: 44136″]
Do you guys do well with the hywood on tight lies or is it better suited for the rough and fluffy lies? I keep topping the ball on tight lies.
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I like it out of all lies but it is especially magical out of fluffy lies.
What shaft are you guys playing in the Hy-wood? Sounds like a great club.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 10957792, member: 44136″]
Do you guys do well with the hywood on tight lies or is it better suited for the rough and fluffy lies? I keep topping the ball on tight lies.
[/QUOTE]
No problem on tight lies, and I’ve had a bunch on some baked out courses this summer. Just have the ball a hair further back and it’s line drive city.
[QUOTE=”Puttmaster, post: 10957904, member: 64479″]
What shaft are you guys playing in the Hy-wood? Sounds like a great club.
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The stock Project X Cypher. Love it. Great combo.
[QUOTE=”Puttmaster, post: 10957904, member: 64479″]
What shaft are you guys playing in the Hy-wood? Sounds like a great club.
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The stock shaft is fantastic and holds up to most swings. I know the conventional wisdom on golf boards is stock shafts are mediocre, especially for a brand like Cleveland that typically uses light flexible shafts. But it just works.
[QUOTE=”JimmyOhio, post: 10957942, member: 52694″]
The stock Project X Cypher. Love it. Great combo.
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[QUOTE=”mantan, post: 10957966, member: 51648″]
The stock shaft is fantastic and holds up to most swings. I know the conventional wisdom on golf boards is stock shafts are mediocre, especially for a brand like Cleveland that typically uses light flexible shafts. But it just works.
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Thanks guys. Anyone see much difference between stiff and regular flex in the stock shaft? This hy-wood has got my attention. :unsure:
[QUOTE=”Puttmaster, post: 10957983, member: 64479″]
Thanks guys. Anyone see much difference between stiff and regular flex in the stock shaft? This hy-wood has got my attention. :unsure:
[/QUOTE]
I have the Regular shaft. The Cypher is such a good shaft.
[QUOTE=”Puttmaster, post: 10957983, member: 64479″]
Thanks guys. Anyone see much difference between stiff and regular flex in the stock shaft? This hy-wood has got my attention. :unsure:
[/QUOTE]
Yep, regular shaft here. Although my driver has a stiff shaft I feel like the regular works well in this club. Keeps me from over swinging.
[QUOTE=”Bernoulli, post: 10958008, member: 42734″]
I have the Regular shaft. The Cypher is such a good shaft.
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[QUOTE=”JimmyOhio, post: 10958029, member: 52694″]
Yep, regular shaft here. Although my driver has a stiff shaft I feel like the regular works well in this club. Keeps me from over swinging.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks, guys (y)
I have a stiff in mine and I still love it.
My most consistent club. 200 yard laser beams all day.
[QUOTE=”JimmyOhio, post: 10958103, member: 52694″]
My most consistent club. 200 yard laser beams all day.
[/QUOTE]
Exactly what I’m looking for! ?
Absolutely ridiculous how easy* this club is to hit. Now I wish they came out with a 2. I have huge issues elevating woods and even hybrids. But this thing goes really really hard for me so I think I can handle a 2+
Any ideas if they will expand the line?
EDIT: *easy to hit, not “wash”
[QUOTE=”jdang307, post: 10974051, member: 46013″]
Absolutely ridiculous how wash this club is to hit. Now I wish they came out with a 2. I have huge issues elevating woods and even hybrids. But this thing goes really really hard for me so I think I can handle a 2+
Any ideas if they will expand the line?
[/QUOTE]
Not sure. But, the line is already pretty wide with hybrids 3+ to 6 and woods 3,5 and 7.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 10974707, member: 44136″]
Not sure. But, the line is already pretty wide with hybrids 3+ to 6 and woods 3,5 and 7.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah but no hybrid lower lofted than 18 degrees. Woods off the deck are always iffy with me.
[QUOTE=”jdang307, post: 10976062, member: 46013″]
Yeah but no hybrid lower lofted than 18 degrees. Woods off the deck are always iffy with me.
[/QUOTE]
I hear you. I can’t hit them off the deck either and the hy-wood has been very good.
Hi, Newbie here. You guys have me convinced. Looking at changing my long clubs and putting this in instead of both my 4 wood and 3 hybrid. With no where local to try the club I would have to take a punt and stuck between the regular and stiff shafts. Which according to my swing speed I am on the border. Any suggestions?
Thanks
[QUOTE=”Wisey10, post: 11033548, member: 73569″]
Hi, Newbie here. You guys have me convinced. Looking at changing my long clubs and putting this in instead of both my 4 wood and 3 hybrid. With no where local to try the club I would have to take a punt and stuck between the regular and stiff shafts. Which according to my swing speed I am on the border. Any suggestions?
Thanks
[/QUOTE]
I am a stiff shaft in all my clubs. I auditioned a Hy-Wood at my local course. They only had regular shaft in stock. I hit that thing so well I bought it on the spot. I just make sure to take a nice easy swing and it performs admirably. I don’t think I could hit it any better if it had a stiff shaft. Buy the regular and swing easy.
[QUOTE=”Wisey10, post: 11033548, member: 73569″]
Hi, Newbie here. You guys have me convinced. Looking at changing my long clubs and putting this in instead of both my 4 wood and 3 hybrid. With no where local to try the club I would have to take a punt and stuck between the regular and stiff shafts. Which according to my swing speed I am on the border. Any suggestions?
Thanks
[/QUOTE]
They play lighter and softer. I would error on the stiff shafts.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 11035292, member: 44136″]
They play lighter and softer. I would error on the stiff shafts.
[/QUOTE]
Everyone, and every swing is different. There is no right answer, [USER=73569]@Wisey10[/USER] needs to find out for himself which flex is best..
I remember when you got your Halo irons, and how much trouble you had adjusting to what felt like a softer shaft.
On the other hand, I was told I close to the edge between Senior and regular and I would be fine with the regular flex. Since it was unlikely I’d get stronger and faster with my SS, and I certainly wasn’t getting younger,I went with the Senior. My thinking was if they felt whippy I’d just continue playing my PXG for a while longer.
It was my second time around with the Halo’s and I now knew this was the set I’d always keep around… they’re perfect for a Senior player.
Here’s what’s funny… my back has been feeling better than it has in years and as a result, my swing HAS gotten faster. I’m still using the Senior flex Cyphers, in both the Hy-wood and the Halos, and they’re working very well. My PXGs have MMT shafts which are supposed to play stiffer to flex, and I’m hooking them off the planet when I try to step on them. ????
[QUOTE=”JimmyOhio, post: 11034553, member: 52694″]
I am a stiff shaft in all my clubs. I auditioned a Hy-Wood at my local course. They only had regular shaft in stock. I hit that thing so well I bought it on the spot. I just make sure to take a nice easy swing and it performs admirably. I don’t think I could hit it any better if it had a stiff shaft. Buy the regular and swing easy.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the advice, have located a Sxrixon fitting centre and have reached out to see if they fit the club. If not I will probably take a punt and can always have it reshafted if it isn’t right. Thanks 🙂
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 11035292, member: 44136″]
They play lighter and softer. I would error on the stiff shafts.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, that’s where my head was going. Changing a few clubs in my bag at the moment and whilst I play stiff shafts in my Driver and rescues I have been testing regular five Ping hybrid from my club pro and it is really good apart from the odd whippy pull left if I really go after it. Pro thinks I’m inbetween the Reg and Stiff but its a demo club and I would have to wait until the new stock to replace it.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035742, member: 42650″]
Everyone, and every swing is different. There is no right answer, [USER=73569]@Wisey10[/USER] needs to find out for himself which flex is best..
I remember when you got your Halo irons, and how much trouble you had adjusting to what felt like a softer shaft.
On the other hand, I was told I close to the edge between Senior and regular and I would be fine with the regular flex. Since it was unlikely I’d get stronger and faster with my SS, and I certainly wasn’t getting younger,I went with the Senior. My thinking was if they felt whippy I’d just continue playing my PXG for a while longer.
It was my second time around with the Halo’s and I now knew this was the set I’d always keep around… they’re perfect for a Senior player.
Here’s what’s funny… my back has been feeling better than it has in years and as a result, my swing HAS gotten faster. I’m still using the Senior flex Cyphers, in both the Hy-wood and the Halos, and they’re working very well. My PXGs have MMT shafts which are supposed to play stiffer to flex, and I’m hooking them off the planet when I try to step on them. ????
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I agree. May have found a way of testing one and waiting for a reply from a fitting Centre. I think shafts make a big difference hence the hesitation in taking a punt on one or the other. The club is at a great price point and having a shaft fit to the club after purchase might not be the end of the world.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035742, member: 42650″]
Everyone, and every swing is different. There is no right answer, [USER=73569]@Wisey10[/USER] needs to find out for himself which flex is best..
I remember when you got your Halo irons, and how much trouble you had adjusting to what felt like a softer shaft.
On the other hand, I was told I close to the edge between Senior and regular and I would be fine with the regular flex. Since it was unlikely I’d get stronger and faster with my SS, and I certainly wasn’t getting younger,I went with the Senior. My thinking was if they felt whippy I’d just continue playing my PXG for a while longer.
It was my second time around with the Halo’s and I now knew this was the set I’d always keep around… they’re perfect for a Senior player.
Here’s what’s funny… my back has been feeling better than it has in years and as a result, my swing HAS gotten faster. I’m still using the Senior flex Cyphers, in both the Hy-wood and the Halos, and they’re working very well. My PXGs have MMT shafts which are supposed to play stiffer to flex, and I’m hooking them off the planet when I try to step on them. ????
[/QUOTE]
Good call [USER=42650]@SC LEFTY[/USER], one needs to test it out for themselves or go with their own gut. It took me a year to get used to the senior shafts and now they are fine. As you indicated, as a Sr golfer, I knew I would grow into them.
[QUOTE=”Wisey10, post: 11035931, member: 73569″]
Yeah, I agree. May have found a way of testing one and waiting for a reply from a fitting Centre. I think shafts make a big difference hence the hesitation in taking a punt on one or the other. The club is at a great price point and having a shaft fit to the club after purchase might not be the end of the world.
[/QUOTE]
If you’re near the North West then the Srixon Centre of Excellence at Hartford Golf Club is excellent. I’ve demoed the Hywood there and loved it. They’ll fit as well.
[QUOTE=”Ianr, post: 11037226, member: 68862″]
If you’re near the North West then the Srixon Centre of Excellence at Hartford Golf Club is excellent. I’ve demoed the Hywood there and loved it. They’ll fit as well.
[/QUOTE]
Thank you. I’ve reached out to the South Scriabin fitting centre at Hertmere. It’s actually about 40 mins from where I work luckily enough. Waiting for a response but will report how I get on.
[QUOTE=”Wisey10, post: 11040655, member: 73569″]
Thanks for this I really appreciate you taking the time to share. Have managed to secure a fitting at
the Srixon centre of excellence near where I work. They have them and will put the fitting cost against any clubs I purchase.
[/QUOTE]
Let us know how it goes.
I was early to bang the drum for the Hy-wood, but we’ve hit a bit of a rough patch. I’m not sure what the situation is, but I’ve been struggling with it hooking it off the deck and the tee. It’s frustrating because I have the Halo Hybrid 4H which I’m hitting great right now. I used to feel equally confident with both of them. But I can’t seem to find my groove with the Hy-wood on the range or course.
Especially frustrating because I’m playing my best golf of the year right now but struggle with that one club.