The Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver blends the incredible technology available today with the classic look and functionality of ten years ago. Golf Digest recognized the incredible features of this driver by giving it the Silver rating on its 2018 Hot List. Cleveland Golf has been a leading name in golf club manufacturing for generations, and major champions Keegan Bradley and Graeme McDowell have trusted them for years. This driver features incredible technology for as much as half the cost of some of its competitors, giving you an optimal bang for your buck. If you’re a value-seeking golfer who’s looking for a driver that focuses on one thing: a long and straight tee shot , The Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver is just the golf club for you.
Key Features
An all-new HiBore crown removed weight from the top, bringing the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver’s center-of-gravity lower and farther back, which is optimal for launching the golf ball higher and with less spin. Unlike the 2006 HiBore (the first of its kind), which had a funky, saucer-like look at address, the new HiBore technology is subtle yet effective.
The Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver utilizes Flex-Fin technology. These fins act as a springboard, providing you with more pop off the clubface, and greater distance overall. The Flex-Fins also add a sleek, futuristic design feature to the club, further enhancing its visual appeal.
Along with the Flex-Fins, the Launcher Cup Face on the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver is designed to increase the COR (Coefficient of Restitution) not only on the (much larger) sweet spot, but everywhere on the club face. This feature will make even your misses longer and straighter than ever before.
Design and Technology
The Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver specializes in delivering long, high, straight drives, and it starts with the HiBore crown design. Compared to the original HiBore models, which had a considerable dip to its design, this HiBore crown is hardly noticeable, yet profound in the club’s performance. This small, simple design feature removes weight from the crown, lowering the center-of-gravity, making it much easier for you to launch your drives high and straight.
For those who look for adjustability in the loft or draw /fade bias, there is a reason the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver doesn’t offer this feature, and it has to do with the hosel. The hosel is designed to be as light as possible, and all that extra weight saved in the area where the clubhead is joined with the shaft goes where it helps the most: down at the bottom. The extra weight at the bottom further enhances a low and deep center-of-gravity, which is the key to higher launch with lower spin, and, therefore, longer drives.
If a low and deep center-of-gravity is the most important aspect to maximizing distance off the tee , the Coefficient of Restitution is a close second. To push the limits of the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver, they have utilized their Launcher Cup Face technology. By changing the dynamics of the clubface, the manufacturer has been able to increase the sweet spot, which also increases the face flex, giving you more distance. Just by looking at the clubface, you can see how much larger the sweet spot looks. This should immediately increase your confidence with your tee shots knowing that you have plenty of room on the face to hit some of your best drives ever.
Further enhancing the springboard effect of the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver is its Flex-Fin technology. Not only do these fins look sleek on the sole of the club, they serve an important purpose, acting like a spring that increases flexing at impact. The combination of the Flex-Fins and the Launcher Cup Face technology have made this Cleveland Golf’s longest driver ever.
Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver Review
The Cleveland Launcher HB Driver is a high-performance golf club that offers golfers exceptional speed, distance, and control. It incorporates advanced technologies such as the HiBore Crown, Flex-Fins, and Launcher Cup-Face to provide a high-launch, low-spin trajectory and unmatched ball speed.
This driver has been particularly well-received by senior golfers, who've experienced significant improvements in both distance and accuracy. The club's lightweight and forgiving nature makes it a popular choice among golfers looking to enhance their driving performance.
PROS
- Designed to help every player hit it longer and straighter every time
- Very simple in design and features, which doesn’t require any tools to adjust
- Priced with the value-conscious golfer in mind
CONS
- Without any adjustability, you have to know your loft before purchasing
- No adjustable weights, which may cause problems in windy conditions
- The HiBore design may not suit everyone’s eye
Our Experience
We found the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver to be an impressive performer, especially considering its modest price point. The driver delivered a high, low-spinning ball flight with a slight draw bias, which is ideal for slow to mid-swing speed players.
The HiBore crown design not only aids in alignment but also contributes to a powerful, solid feel at impact. We noticed that the driver offered good forgiveness on off-center hits, helping to keep dispersion tight.
The ultra-lightweight design, facilitated by the non-adjustable hosel, allowed for increased clubhead speed without sacrificing stability. However, the long stock shaft (45.5") may require some adjustment for players used to shorter drivers.
In our testing, the Launcher HB produced carry distances comparable to much more expensive drivers, falling just a few yards short of models nearly double its price. The firm but springy feel, accompanied by a loud, high-pitched sound, provided satisfying feedback on well-struck shots.
Overall, for golfers seeking a straightforward, high-performing driver without the complexity of adjustability, the Cleveland Launcher HB offers excellent value and performance right out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Ideal Features of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver for Senior Golfers?
Ideal features for senior golfers in the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver include improved performance, thanks to its advanced club face technology. It promotes substantial distance and accuracy, making it a top choice for senior players.
How Does the Innovative Club Face Technology of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver Contribute to Improved Performance?
When I think about the innovative club face technology of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver, I immediately see how it contributes to improved performance. The advanced design creates higher COR for unmatched ball speed and distance.
How Does the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver Specifically Improve Distance and Accuracy for Golfers?
Improved distance and enhanced accuracy are key benefits of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver. This club’s innovative technologies, like the HiBore Crown and Flex-Fins, contribute to higher ball speeds and longer distances, while the lightweight hosel design promotes forgiveness and a higher launch.
What Are the Package Dimensions and Weight of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver?
The package dimensions of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver are 46.1 x 5.12 x 4.02 inches, with a weight of 0.48 kilograms. These dimensions are essential for golfers’ preferences and can impact swing mechanics.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver Based on Customer Feedback?
Based on customer feedback, the pros of the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver include improved distance and accuracy, especially for senior golfers. The club face technology and ideal features contribute to its performance. However, some users experienced slicing issues.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver is the first driver the company has produced in over four years, and they certainly did not disappoint. Instead of following the trend of so many drivers manufactured today, Cleveland opted for a simple yet effective product which focuses on one thing: a driver that launches high, and goes forever. If you are a mid to high handicap player looking for a driver that doesn’t require any tinkering whatsoever, and just want to hit it long and straight off the tee, then the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver is right for you.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
