Cleveland Launcher Driver's Review

At only half a millimeter thick, the Cleveland Launcher Driver crown moves every bit of potential weight low and deep to improve the CG (center of gravity), optimizing launch conditions and maximizing distance. The sole's horseshoe weight pad also imporves launch conditions by localizing weight low and deep, imporivng both MOI (moment of inertia) and CG locations, while the largest Launcher face to date allows generous room for mis-hits.

At first glance, the new CLauncher Driver introduced in late 2008 appears to be another 460cc head that you could cook two eggs and bacon on - like so many others on the market these days. The design of the sole plate allowed the engineers to move more weight down and back from the face. The weight is contained in the silver horseshoe section. Additional weight was removed from the crown by thinning the material.

At only a half millimeter in thickness, the new Launcher crown is the thinnest possible, moving every bit of potential weight low and deep to improve the center of gravity, optimize launch conditions and maximize distance. At an astounding 21% larger than both the original Launcher 460 and Launcher Comp, it is the largest Launcher face to date, allowing generous room for miss-hits resulting in maximum forgiveness.

I didn't get it right that day, but I was interested enough to give it more time. A second range session showed enough improvement for me to take it to the course. Before the round, I had to commit to the smoother swing, and with that committment, I hit eight consecutive fairways before losing my mind and trying to go full-bore after a tee shot. Lesson learned - this is a smooth hitters shaft - but I was keeping the ball in play.

I was very excited about the results after a few trips to the range and some practice sessions without balls before heading to the course. The sound is very acceptable - not annoyingly loud or overly hollow sounding. The feel is solid - and the ball goes - which is pretty much all I ask a driver to do. This Cleveland Launcher is definitely worth a try.

If you like the feel of the driver, Cleveland offers a Red version of this Fujikura shaft that is 10 grams heavier and has less torque to let you swing harder or quicker. They also offer 18 other custom shaft options.