Cleveland Launcher Golf Driver Reviews

By Matt Manco

Cleveland Launcher attacks tight, tree-lined fairways.
Specs

The Cleveland Launcher 460 is the flagship driver in the Cleveland line. The Launcher features a full size 460cc head, with a mid-trajectory and low-spin design. The Launcher comes in 9, 10.5, or 12 degrees, with draw models available. The demo model featured a 65g stiff flex Fujikura shaft, with 10.5 degrees of loft. In recent years, Cleveland has expanded the face on its Launcher; the 2009 version features a 21 percent larger effective hitting area. Cleveland continues to move the weight lower and deeper in each incarnation of the Launcher, and new horseshoe-shaped weight pads on the rear of the sole claim to improve launch and stability on mis-hits.

Perks

The Launcher was easy to hit, I never felt like I had to help the club to get my desired flight path and distance. The sweet spot felt consistent, and well-struck balls consistently got up quickly and stayed true. The Fujikura stiff flex shaft was consistent and rewarding.

Sacrifices

Cleveland's two drivers, the Launcher (left) and the square head Hibore XLS (right) Cleveland's two drivers, the Launcher (left) and the square head Hibore XLS (right)

Few drivers are as rewarding as the Launcher, but it doesn't fit every game. If you're like Joe, a 7-handicap who averages 280 yards off the tee, you won't like what your occasional poor contact produces. His mis-hits reacted poorly, more so than with the Cleveland Hibore xls, Cleveland's square head driver, which seemed to thrive on mis-hits, losing little distance and accuracy but keeping the ball in play.

Bottom Line

The Launcher might not be the best option for 20 handicappers, or any player who sprays their driver. But better players and more consistent ball strikers will like what this club can do.

Resources

About The Author

Matt Manco is a freelance writer based in New England. A member of the award-winning Maroon student newspaper at Loyola University, his work has appeared across the Beacon Communications newspaper and magazine group as a local government reporter and photojournalist.
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