Cleveland XLS Monster vs Launcher

[Alan]

This Cleveland monsters line came in as silver medalists according to Golf Digest, but the launcher Launcher got a gold. Any thoughts on these two drivers?

[Kevin]

Just from a looks standpoint the Launcher will look slightly smaller and more traditional (depending on what your definition of traditional is) while the Monster comes in looking like a behemoth of a driver. Most golfers will probably find the Monster easier to hit, with a higher accuracy for straighter shots, but there still will be some that just can't handle a driver with such a massive look and size as the Monster. The Launcher driver has been a large part of why Cleveland has been so successful over the last 10 years or so (yes, I know they make a pretty good wedge). Golfers like innovation, especially when it can truly add to their game, but most will stick with a proven winner like the Launcher, sacrificing the extra bells and whistles. The Monster might become a great driver (arriving sometime in early February) we'll just have to wait and see.

kevin

[Gus]

I have to say, my Launcher from 4 years ago is still the best driver I can find. Nothing has been able to beat it as far as performance goes. It will be interesting to see what the new one will do.

[Nick]

I called Cleveland yesterday to find out some more specs on the Launcher to compare it better to the Hibore Monster XLS and I was able to find out the Monster will definitely be the more forgiving out of the two. The Monster maxes out its MOI at 5900 and the Launcher is just behind at a MOI of 5100. The one advantage to the Hibore Monster is Cleveland is making three different clubheads, a Tour Monster (which will have an open face), a Draw Monster (which will be weighted more on the heel side of the club head and a closed face to help promote a draw ball flight), and last but not least the standard Hibore Monster which will have a straight face angle and be evenly weighted in the club head. With these three different options plus the different shaft options will allow any golfer to find the driver that fits his swing best.

[Scott]

The Launcher actually looks very clean. If aesthetics are important, I would have to say that it is the "better looking" of the two. It is a little bit closed at address, but not bad. I'm sure those Launcher Lovers out there have found themselves a new toy.

[Nick]

Anyone had the chance to try either of these clubs out yet? Let me know.

[Tom]

Demo day had us trying both of the Cleveland drivers. I have to say that I was more impressed with the Monster.

I played a Hibore driver years ago when they first came out and I loved it. The new Monster is MUCH larger, but the ball flight was good and I liked the feel better than some of the other incarnations of the hibore series.

It was a good driver.

The launcher was too big for my tastes, but it felt good. I would see this to be a great driver for anybody looking for a visually confidence inspiring club. It looks like I can hit it very easily.

[Gus]

I agree Tom. The monster was the better of the two. The performance of the Launcher was good, but the sound was a little loud. The Monster was great.