Cleveland Launcher XL2 drivers: 5 things you need to know

Realizing not everyone has the time to consume endless content on club launch day, we’re trying something different and offering a fresh version of our detailed tech write-ups that hits the high points. Here’s what you need to know about Cleveland’s Launcher XL2 drivers, which will be available at retail starting January 19th.

Two options to fit you best

Beyond being packed with technology to help make them long and forgiving, the new Cleveland Launcher XL2 comes in two different options to help you find the one that best fits your game off the tee: a standard model for golfers looking to fully dial in ball flight, and a draw-biased model built for more moderate speed players to — as you can probably guess — help reduce a fade.

Both the Launcher XL2 and XL2 Draw offer a larger overall face profile to boost MOI (a measurement of forgiveness) by 2 percent heel and two, and a whopping 12 percent top to bottom. This top-to-bottom increase is especially important because this helps the driver maintain a more consistent spin rate on mishits and even more importantly lower spin on shots hit lower on the face that are usually quickly robbed of distance.

What’s inside

As far as technology is concerned the Launcher XL2 and XL2 Draw models share the same platform but are configured to meet the needs of different golfers.

The two big technologies are the A.I. designed mainframe XL variable face thickness to help increase the overall size of the effective sweet spot for higher ball speeds, and the rebound frame to help the entire driver head beyond the face flex to more efficiently transfer energy.

Here’s how the rebound frame works — behind the face is a secondary thin ring area that deforms during impact like springs on a trampoline. Once those springs rebound, more energy is effectively transferred to the ball. This technology might sound familiar because it is the same premium design used in Srixon’s ZX MKII drivers, and it’s made possible because Cleveland and Srixon all live under the same Dunlop Sports umbrella.

Big by design

When Cleveland says XL for its Launcher XL2 drivers, they mean it.

The geometry of the driver has been pushed to the limit to boost MOI (as mentioned 2 percent heel-to-toe and 12 percent top-to-bottom) which not only helps golfers hit more fairways but also helps inspire confidence behind the ball.

This larger profile design is made possible because of the extremely lightweight all-titanium framework that makes up the head construction and also helps save weight to reposition it around the perimeter for as much forgiveness as possible.

Full weight optimization

When it comes to gaining distance, being able to control the golf club through the entirety of the swing is key. It is particularly key with the driver because it is the longest and lightest club in the bag.

To help better control the driver, and also make better center-face contact, the Lanucher XL2 driver comes stock with Action Mass CB (counterbalance) to help make the club feel lighter and easier to control by placing an 8-gram counterweight under the extreme butt end of the grip.

Testing has proven that a counterbalanced driver helps the club feel lighter, promotes a more stable and controlled backswing, and encourages a more inside club path leading to a more square face at impact.

Important thing to note — For faster players looking for more head feel during the swing, Cleveland also offers a custom Accuracy Build which features a shaft that’s a half-inch shorter and doesn’t use counterbalancing.

Customizable just for you

Even with the two models, their available lofts, and hosel adjustability, Cleveland offers a full array of shaft and grip options to help you find the best component combination to fit you best.

Depending on the upcharge, there are additional shaft options from Aldila, Fujikura, Mitsubishi Chemical, Project X and UST.

Price and Availability

The Cleveland Launcher XL2 drivers will be available starting January 19th, 2024, and come with a retail price of $449.99.

Both the standard and draw drivers will be available in 9,10.5, and 12-degree options, with the 9-degree draw only available in right-handed.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Golf.com Editor

Ryan Barath is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s senior editor for equipment. He has an extensive club-fitting and -building background with more than 20 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. Before joining the staff, he was the lead content strategist for Tour Experience Golf, in Toronto, Canada.