About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the golf club, which I tested for one day in January of 2023

My take

The Cleveland Launcher XL Irons are a solid option for those looking to gain more distance in the mid-range game. These irons are geared for mid-tier handicappers who want to take their game to the next level.

About the clubs I tested

• Model: 2021 Cleveland Launcher XL Irons
• Loft setting: 1mm offset
• Shaft type: Steel—True Temper 95
• Shaft flex: Regular

About me

• Average score: 79
• Handicap: 7
• Experience: 22 years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Left-Handed
• Typical ball flight: High
• Golf ball used: Callaway Chrome Soft Triple Track
• Club swing speed: 97mph

Test conditions

• When I tested the club set: January 2023
• Days tested: 1
• Where I’ve used it: Simulator
• Weather and wind conditions: Indoor simulator

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for new irons, as my TaylorMade Racs are from 2008. I wanted to find a club that created more distance and feel within my mid-range game.

Why I chose to test this club set

I heard these irons were crazy long, but I didn’t buy this club set. However, I will consider them next season as their consistent length over other irons I tried, like the Mizuno JPX 921s, was an asset.

What I love about it

• Distance: The distance was longer than most other irons I tried (Mizuno JPX 921s and the Callaway Rogue STs). I averaged around 10 yards further with each swing than the other irons I was hitting. These fly off the face creating massive distance that would bode well for all types of golfers.
• Forgiveness: Off-centered hits still traveled a long way and rarely were 10-20 yards off the target line.
• Feel: I knew where I made contact with the ball and could tell if it was hit off the toe, heel, or center.
• Sound: The sound was a normal tinging that felt crisp to the ear. Cleveland irons and woods in the past (Cleveland Hibore) were notorious for having loud pinging sounds, and this was far from that.
• Workability: I could move the ball from left to right and right to left whenever I felt like it. They launched higher than I liked, but that helped in the ability to move the fall from side to side.
• Shaft Feel: The regular steel flex irons allowed me to move through the ball and create solid, consistent contact.
• Shaft Performance: The shafts allowed me to consistently strike the ball and have the same spin rate over and over at around 7,500rpms.
• Aesthetic Appeal: These irons have a sleek silver head with a black and blue cavity with the Cleveland Launcher logo on the backside.
• Spin: The spin was consistent throughout at around 7,500rpms which is what I like to see as it creates less opportunity for the ball to flail off target to the right or left.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Adjustability: I tested the stock irons off the shelf, so the clubs were not adjusted. But I know there are graphite shafts that would suit someone else's game if that is their default preference.
• Grip Feel: The default is Lamkin grips which are slippery to me. I prefer Golf Pride grips on my irons and would customize the grips if I purchased these myself.
• Launch Angle: The launch angle was higher than I would have liked. I have a higher launch angle, to begin with, so the fact these irons went higher was a negative. If I ever were to play in windier conditions, I know that would be a struggle to combat.

Best shot with this club

The best shot I had with this club was when I tried working the ball from left to right and moved the ball perfectly 10 yards over to my target with a high draw.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Cleveland Launcher XLs are one of the better irons on the market if someone wants to add distance to their game. I think, comparatively, the TaylorMade Stealths are in the same boat. Both are long-hitting irons, but for the value, the Launchers might have the edge in my books.

Final verdict

The Cleveland Launcher XL irons unlock a crazy amount of distance. If someone wants to increase their distance and consistency in their mid-range so they can attack more pins, these are the clubs to take a look at.