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.
Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver
Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver makes launching higher, longer, and straighter drives easier than ever.
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.
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.
Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver
Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver makes launching higher, longer, and straighter drives easier than ever.
Is the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver Worth It?
Absolutely, while the Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Driver is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:
Pros:
Improved Distance and Accuracy: Offers enhanced performance, especially for senior golfers.
Forgiving Nature: Provides good forgiveness on off-center hits.
High-Launch, Low-Spin Trajectory: Ideal for slow to mid-swing speed players.
Cons:
No Adjustability: Lack of loft or draw/fade bias adjustments.
Potential Slicing Issues: Some users experienced slicing problems.
Long Stock Shaft: May require adjustments for players used to shorter drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver unique compared to other drivers?
The Cleveland Launcher HB Driver stands out due to its combination of advanced technologies, including the HiBore Crown, Flex-Fin Technology, and Launcher Cup Face. These features work together to deliver high-launch, low-spin trajectories, increased ball speed, and exceptional forgiveness. Unlike many modern drivers, it avoids adjustability to focus on simplicity and performance.
Who is the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver best suited for?
This driver is ideal for golfers with slow to mid swing speeds, senior players, and those seeking forgiveness and ease of use. It is particularly beneficial for mid-to-high handicap golfers who struggle with consistency off the tee or need help with launch and distance.
How does the HiBore Crown improve performance?
The HiBore Crown lowers the center of gravity (CG) and moves it deeper in the clubhead. This design promotes higher ball launches with reduced spin, resulting in longer and straighter drives. It also compresses at impact to enhance ball speed.
What is Flex-Fin Technology, and how does it affect performance?
Flex-Fin Technology involves specially shaped fins on the sole of the club that compress during impact. This mechanism transfers more energy back to the ball, increasing ball speed and distance, even on off-center hits.
Why doesn’t the Cleveland Launcher HB Driver have adjustable features?
Cleveland opted for a non-adjustable design to save weight typically used for adjustable hosels or weight tracks. This freed-up mass is repositioned low and deep in the clubhead, enhancing forgiveness and stability while maintaining simplicity for golfers who prefer a straightforward driver.
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.
