Cleveland Launcher XL2 Driver Review

Cleveland’s reputation is for making super-forgiving, no-nonsense drivers at reasonable prices – and Cleveland’s Launcher XL2 is no exception. Let’s find out if it delivers.

Cleveland drivers don’t have all the bells and whistles of the biggest brands, nor do you see them being played on Tour – but that means you can pick them up a brand new adjustable driver for a lot less than other models, and still be playing one of the best drivers of 2024.

And that’s the DNA of the new Cleveland Launcher XL2 drivers, which combine distance and forgiveness in a package that costs $449.99 – around $150 less than the 2024 Paradym Ai Smoke drivers from Callaway, Qi10 drivers from TaylorMade and Ping’s G340 Max 10K driver.

The Launcher XL driver headlines a range of new woods – two drivers, plus HALO XL fairway woods and hybrids, and the brand new Hy-Wood family, which combines the best features of a hybrid and a wood.

Designed for club golfers

Though Cleveland’s brilliant RTX6 wedges are firmly among our best wedges of 2023 the new drivers are squarely aimed at club golfers, rather than tour pros.

“From top to bottom, the Launcher XL 2 was designed with the avid golfer in mind,” said Joe Miller, European Product Manager, Cleveland Golf Europe.

“We want players to feel confident off the tee and know they’re going to get the most out of their round with the best club in the bag.

“Across the board players are going to see a noticeable difference in distance, feel, and consistency.”

‘MainFrame’ Face tech

The secret to the Launcher XL 2’s performance lies within its MainFrame XL Face technology – new AI-driven process that creates a variable thickness face design which reshapes and enlarges the sweet spot, improves energy transfer, and delivers powerful ball speeds for maximum distance.

It also repositions weight low and deep in the clubhead for added forgiveness and consistency.

XL head design

Another key feature of the Launcher XL 2 is its XL Head Design and weighting set-up that delivers even more MOI than its predecessor, offering a 2% increase in heel/toe MOI and 12% increase in high/low MOI – the highest levels ever in a Cleveland driver.

To further enhance playability, the Launcher XL 2 has an adjustable hosel, so you can fine-tune launch angle, distance and shot shape.

Further boosting Cleveland’s club golfer credentials, a Launcher XL 2 Draw Driver is specifically designed to help golfers who struggle with a slice, featuring an adjustable hosel and a reworked chassis to steer the ball away from the right side of the course.

Lots of tech for the price

Other key features in the Launcher XL 2 driver are Cleveland Golf’s Rebound Frame technology, which increases the amount of energy directed into the ball, and Action Mass CB, an 8-gram counterbalance weight placed into the end of the shaft for a more balanced, stable feel and more control without extra effort.

What Cleveland Golf say about the Launcher XL 2

“The Launcher XL 2 line combines maximum distance and forgiveness, while introducing all-new performance features to take golfers’ long game to new heights,” says Joe Miller, European Product Manager, Cleveland Golf Europe.

“From top to bottom, the Launcher XL 2 was designed with the avid golfer in mind. We want players to feel confident off the tee and know they’re going to get the most out of their round with the best club in the bag.

“The Launcher XL 2’s optimal performance lies within its MainFrame XL Face technology. A new AI-driven process helped create a variable thickness face design that reshapes and enlarges the sweet spot, improves energy transfer, and delivers powerful ball speeds for maximum distance.”

Video: How does the Cleveland Launcher XL2 compare to other forgiving drivers?

Verdict: Cleveland Launcher XL2 driver

Like everything in life, driver prices have spiralled over the last two years. Where just a handful of years ago it was possible to get a decent driver for a few hundred pounds from a brand outside the big four major players, that opportunity has almost disappeared in 2024.

I am however always on the lookout for great value-for-money options and this year based on our test data the new Cleveland Launcher XL2 stands out as a brilliant, slightly lower-budget driver choice.

Looks and sound

Cleveland have a reputation for producing some incredibly loud drivers under the Launcher franchise, but I’m pleased to say the new XL is powerful without being ear-popping. At address the head sits beautifully square and the stretched head shape from face to back will inspire confidence in those who find drivers intimidating.

The one thing to remember is this is a full-on titanium head. Unlike its premium-priced rivals the model isn’t adorned with a carbon fiber crown or sole or their decibel dampening qualities, so please do expect a slightly louder impact sensation.

Performance

On paper, the XL2 is a seriously impressive option. Up there at 272 yards carry distance it’s the longest forgiving driver (tied with the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max) our test pro hit this year (with a stock shaft). But before you get all excited and carried away about saving yourself some cash on a new driver this year let’s dive a little deeper.

The XL2 is designed specifically for club golfers, you won’t see these anywhere out on tour. Yet even though the model produced our test pro’s 3^rd fastest ball speed, the XL2 launched and flighted shots lower than our test averages. It also spun less and thanks to hitting the ground at a shallower angle ran further.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with these traits so long as they suit you. But I know lots of average speed club golfers will benefit from hitting shots higher with more spin to keep the ball in the air for longer and fly further. The XL2 is very much a club that drives shots forward, rather than flighting them up into the air, so please make sure you try the model before buying.

And finally…

I always recommend golfers go and get fitted for the new clubs they’re looking at buying, it’s no different if you’re toying with the idea of the Cleveland Launcher XL2 in 2024. This model comes with a stock Mitsubishi Tensei Blue shaft, which is good quality for the price.

But, the XL2’s draw-biased sibling comes with a higher launching Aldila Ascent shaft. A very good option for upping ball flight and spin, should this models stock option prove too much of a challenge for you.

If you’re looking for the best value-for-money new driver of 2024, you’ve just found it.   

How does the Cleveland Launcher XL2 compare to the competition?

We put the Launcher XL2 up against leading 2024 competitor drivers in the hands of TG Test Pro Neil Wain at Keele Golf Centre. Our test data below shows how all the models compare.

Driver	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Backspin	Height	Descent Angle	Carry Distance	Shot Area
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (Ventus Blue S)	161 MPH	11.9º	2246 RPM	34 YDS	38.6º	275 YDS (1)	406.8 SQYDS
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (Tensei S)	161.5 MPH	11.4º	2212 RPM	32 YDS	37.9º	272 YDS (T2)	210.6 SQ YDS (1)
Cleveland Launcher XL 2	162.6 MPH	9.3º	2033 RPM	25 YDS	31.4º	272 YDS (T2)	384 SQ YDS
Ping G430 Max	162.8 MPH	10.2º	2397 RPM	31 YDS	37.4º	271 YDS	509 SQ YDS
Titleist TSR 2 (10º Tensei Blue S)	161.1 MPH	10.3º	2266 RPM	29 YDS	35.7º	271 YDS	792.3 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (8.5º Diamana X)	162.4 MPH	9.6º	2201 RPM	27 YDS	34º	270 YDS	337.5 SQ YDS (2)
Ping G430 Max 10K (9º)	163.1 MPH	9º	1993 RPM	23 YDS	30.1º	270 YDS	542.4 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed X (Front Weight)	161.6 MPH	9.7º	2161 RPM	27 YDS	33.7º	270 YDS	667.5 SQ YDS
Ping G430 Max 10K	161.2 MPH	11º	2556 RPM	34 YDS	34º	268 YDS	506 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed X (Back Weight)	161 MPH	9.9º	2375 RPM	29 YDS	36.2º	268 YDS	370.8 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10	159.2 MPH	10.6º	2338 RPM	30 YDS	36.8º	267 YDS	385 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 XF GEN6	160 MPH	9.9º	2226 RPM	27 YDS	34.5º	267 YDS	564.2 SQ YDS
PXG 0211	160.6 MPH	9.9º	2185 RPM	27 YDS	34.2º	267 YDS	953.7 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (8.5º Tensei S)	161.9 MPH	8.6º	2215 RPM	24 YDS	31.7º	266 YDS	630.5 SQ YDS
Wilson DynaPWR Ti	161 MPH	10.7º	2532 RPM	32 YDS	39.1º	266 YDS	1001.3 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed Max (Mid Launch Shaft)	159.4 MPH	11.5º	2372 RPM	33 YDS	39.1º	265 YDS	342 SQ YDS (3)
Srixon ZX5 MK II	158.2 MPH	10.9º	2300 RPM	30 YDS	37º	264 YDS	669.2 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max (Tensei S)	161.2 MPH	9.8º	2823 RPM	32 YDS	39.5º	263 YDS	404 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST Z	157.8 MPH	9.6º	1954 RPM	23 YDS	30.5º	262 YDS	750.5 SQ YDS
Mizuno ST X	160 MPH	8.6º	1956 RPM	26 YDS	28.4º	262 YDS	609.6 SQ YDS
AVERAGE	160.9 MPH	10.1º	2267 RPM	28.8 YDS	35.3º	267.8 YDS	551.8 SQ YDS

*All lofts at 10.5º unless otherwise stated.

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About the author

Simon Daddow – Today’s Golfer Equipment Editor

Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what Simon doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.

He’s a specialist in all things metal having spent a large part of his career as a golf club maker and product development manager, and has worked in the golf industry for more than 30 years.

He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has made todays-golfer.com the most reliable source for golf club testing.

You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.

Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Driver

RRP: $449.99 / £426

Lofts: 9° / 10.5° / 12°

Adjustable hosel: Yes (12 different positions)

Stock shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Series Blue 55

Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline 360

Visit the Cleveland Golf website here