Expert Comparison: Cleveland Launcher XL Irons vs Callaway Paradym X Irons

Published on 02/05/2024 · 6 min readCompare Cleveland Launcher XL Irons and Callaway Paradym X Irons. Get expert insight below!
David L. Brown, Golf Expert
Jess P., Golf Expert
Ari T, Golf Expert
Contributed By Golf Expert David L. Brown, Jess P., Ari T, Mike Wencl, Brady Maag and others

VS

 

Side by side comparison

Cleveland Launcher XL Irons
Runner up
Callaway Paradym X Irons
Price
from:$599.99
25% off
from:$942.85
37% off
User rating
4.69(68)
4.53(59)
The Curated Take

Best for high-handicap golfers seeking forgiveness, launch, and distance.

Best for mid to high handicappers seeking forgiveness and distance

Iron Set Type
Iron Set
Iron Set
Player type
Game improvement
Game improvement
Used (Y/N)
No
No

In the world of golf, the right set of irons can make a world of difference. Today, we're comparing two heavy hitters: the Cleveland Launcher XL Irons and the Callaway Paradym X Irons. Both sets are designed with mid to high handicappers in mind, offering impressive distance, forgiveness, and a solid feel. The Cleveland Launcher XL Irons are known for their distance and consistency, particularly in the mid-range game. They're also praised for their forgiveness, even on off-centered hits. On the other hand, the Callaway Paradym X Irons are lauded for their forged club feel, incredible forgiveness, and distance. They also offer a high launch, making them ideal for golfers who struggle to get carry distance or launch. However, the Cleveland Launcher XL Irons might have the edge in terms of value for money. But don't take our word for it, let's dive into the details!

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. The clubs tested were the 2021 model with a 1mm offset and a regular flex steel shaft. The tester, a left-handed golfer with 22 years of experience, found that these irons offered longer distance than most other irons he tried. He averaged around 10 yards further with each swing than the other irons he was hitting.

The Cleveland Launcher XL Irons are also known for their forgiveness. Off-centered hits still traveled a long way and rarely were 10-20 yards off the target line. The feel of the clubs was also a highlight, with the tester able to tell where he made contact with the ball. The sound was a normal tinging that felt crisp to the ear, a departure from the loud pinging sounds of past Cleveland irons and woods.

The workability of these irons was also a plus. The tester could move the ball from left to right and right to left whenever he felt like it. They launched higher than he liked, but that helped in the ability to move the fall from side to side. The regular steel flex irons allowed him to move through the ball and create solid, consistent contact. The shafts allowed him to consistently strike the ball and have the same spin rate over and over at around 7,500rpms.

The Cleveland Launcher XL Irons have a sleek silver head with a black and blue cavity with the Cleveland Launcher logo on the backside. The spin was consistent throughout at around 7,500rpms which is what the tester liked to see as it creates less opportunity for the ball to flail off target to the right or left.

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.

David L. Brown
Golf Expert

The Callaway Paradym X Irons are designed for golfers looking for a forged club feel with an incredible level of forgiveness and distance. These irons are ideal for players who struggle to get their irons into the air, as they offer a high launch and respectable distance. The irons are also extremely forgiving across the club face, making them a great starting point for beginners and a solid choice for less skilled players.

The Callaway Paradym X Irons have a forged 455 face, a hollow body with a speed frame, and enhanced distance and forgiveness. They are even more stable now for fast ball speeds from a thinner face. Urethane microspheres provide a softer feel and premium sound. The placement of the dual tungsten makes this iron more forgiving. This club is in the players' forgiveness category, with a mid-sized head, wide sole, and moderate offset.

The Paradym X Irons are also known for their aesthetic appeal. They have a mid-sized club head that will appeal to a lot of golfers. The offset will also help a lot of golfers who struggle with those "sliced" shots. This club really has it all.

This iron is ideal for golfers looking for forged club feel with an incredible level of forgiveness and distance. The launch and height of hitting each iron was just so easy. At address, the club is gorgeous. Callaway has really stepped up their game in the design of this iron.

Jess P.
Golf Expert

Callaway Paradym X Irons

$942.85$1,199.94
37% off
  • We price match
  • Returnable

Similarities

Both the Cleveland Launcher XL Irons and the Callaway Paradym X Irons are designed with mid to high handicappers in mind. They both offer impressive distance and forgiveness, making them ideal for golfers looking to improve their game. Both sets of irons also have a solid feel, with the Cleveland Launcher XL Irons offering a crisp tinging sound and the Callaway Paradym X Irons providing a softer feel and premium sound.

Both sets of irons also have a sleek design that will appeal to many golfers. The Cleveland Launcher XL Irons have a sleek silver head with a black and blue cavity, while the Callaway Paradym X Irons have a mid-sized club head that many golfers will find appealing. Both sets of irons also have a moderate offset, which can help golfers who struggle with sliced shots.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both sets of irons are designed for mid to high handicappers, they each have their unique strengths. The Cleveland Launcher XL Irons are known for their distance and consistency, particularly in the mid-range game. They're also praised for their forgiveness, even on off-centered hits. These irons would be ideal for golfers who are looking to gain more distance in their game and improve their consistency.

On the other hand, the Callaway Paradym X Irons are lauded for their forged club feel, incredible forgiveness, and distance. They also offer a high launch, making them ideal for golfers who struggle to get carry distance or launch. These irons would be a great choice for golfers who want a forged club feel with the benefits of a game improvement iron.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to distance, the Cleveland Launcher XL Irons take the cake. They offer longer distance than most other irons, making them a great choice for golfers looking to add yards to their game.

In terms of forgiveness, it's a close call, but the Callaway Paradym X Irons might have a slight edge. They offer a high level of forgiveness, even on off-centered hits, and their design helps golfers who struggle with sliced shots.

For feel and sound, the Callaway Paradym X Irons come out on top. They offer a softer feel and premium sound, thanks to their urethane microspheres.

Finally, in terms of design and aesthetics, it's a matter of personal preference. Both sets of irons have a sleek design that many golfers will find appealing.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Cleveland Launcher XL Irons and the Callaway Paradym X Irons are solid choices for mid to high handicappers. They both offer impressive distance and forgiveness, along with a solid feel. The Cleveland Launcher XL Irons are known for their distance and consistency, making them a great choice for golfers looking to add yards to their game. On the other hand, the Callaway Paradym X Irons offer a forged club feel, incredible forgiveness, and a high launch, making them ideal for golfers who struggle to get carry distance or launch. Ultimately, the best set of irons for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, get out there and give them a swing!

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