Expert Comparison: Wilson D9 Driver vs Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
VS
Side by side comparison |  Out of stock |  Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$199.99 47% off | $199.99 50% off |
User rating | -- | 4.81(42) |
The Curated Take | -- | Best for golfers seeking maximum forgiveness and straight, long shots. |
Used (Y/N) | No | No |
Player type | Super game improvement | Game improvement |
Model year | 2021 | 2021 |
In the world of golf, the right driver can make all the difference. Today, we're comparing two top contenders: the Wilson D9 Driver and the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver. Both are excellent choices, but they cater to different types of golfers. The Wilson D9 Driver is a great option for mid to high handicappers, offering good distance and a lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is perfect for beginner and intermediate golfers, providing maximum forgiveness and a large clubhead that inspires confidence. While the Wilson D9 Driver offers great distance while maintaining decent consistency, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver shines in delivering impressive distance, forgiveness, and high launch. The final verdict? It all depends on your golfing needs and preferences.
Wilson D9 Driver summary
The Wilson D9 Driver is a club that offers great distance while maintaining decent consistency. It's a club that the average golfer would benefit from adding to their bag. The model tested was the 2021 Wilson D9 with a loft setting of 10.5, a Mitsubishi Tensei Ck Blue shaft type, and a regular shaft flex. The club was tested by a left-handed golfer with an average score of 79 and a handicap of 7.
The Wilson D9 Driver offers consistent distance, averaging around 270–280 yards. It has a normal pinging sound on contact, which isn't too loud or monotonous. The grip on this driver is a standard Lamkin Crossline, which has a nice, tacky feel. The spin is lower than the tester's current driver, creating more roll out and consistently more distance.
However, the Wilson D9 Driver isn't without its issues. The forgiveness isn't as high as hoped, and the feel of the face is a bit disappointing. The 10.5° loft doesn't allow for as much workability as the tester would like, and the driver offers zero adjustability. The 55g shaft is lighter than the tester normally plays with, creating some inconsistency within swings.
Despite these issues, the Wilson D9 Driver is a great option for its value, especially for mid to high handicappers.
The Wilson D9 Driver is one that any newer golfer or someone who doesn't play a ton should add to the bag. It is lightweight, forgiving and has an awesome ping to it on contact. I was consistently finding the fairway and most of my dispersion was within 10-15 yards of one another so it offered that forgiveness when shots weren't struck perfectly. I believe for its value this is a driver to highly consider for the average golfer.
The Wilson D9 Driver is one that any newer golfer or someone who doesn't play a ton should add to the bag. It is lightweight, forgiving and has an awesome ping to it on contact. I was consistently finding the fairway and most of my dispersion was within 10-15 yards of one another so it offered that forgiveness when shots weren't struck perfectly. I believe for its value this is a driver to highly consider for the average golfer.
Wilson D9 Driver
- We price match
- Returnable
Cleveland Launcher XL Driver summary
The Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is an excellent pick for beginner and intermediate golfers. It offers maximum forgiveness, a large clubhead that inspires confidence, and a mid to lightweight feel. The model owned was the 2022 Cleveland Launcher XL Driver with a loft setting of 9.0°, a Project X Cypher 50g shaft type, and a stiff shaft flex. The club was used by a right-handed golfer with an average score of 80 and a handicap of 9.
The Cleveland Launcher XL Driver delivers impressive distance, forgiveness, and high launch. It has a generous sweet spot and a forgiving design. The driver's high-launch design and low center of gravity contribute to an effortless launch and a soaring trajectory. The loft sleeve includes settings for 9-12° and a flatter lie angle, making this club very versatile.
However, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver has a slightly dull feel and a very loud, metallic sound. Workability is sacrificed a bit with this driver to gain more forgiveness.
Despite these issues, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is a game-changer for newer golfers and anyone struggling to make consistent contact. It unlocks maximum forgiveness at an accessible price point for beginner and intermediate golfers alike.
The Cleveland Launcher XL is a very forgiving driver that is easy to launch and hit long. Not the most workable, it just likes to go long and straight. Good adjustability from the hosel adapter so the loft and ball flight bias can be tweaked. Solid feel, the sound is a little on the louder side. It's easy to turn over and hit a draw. Very solid option for someone who wants to make it easy to hit it long and straight down the fairway.
The Cleveland Launcher XL is a very forgiving driver that is easy to launch and hit long. Not the most workable, it just likes to go long and straight. Good adjustability from the hosel adapter so the loft and ball flight bias can be tweaked. Solid feel, the sound is a little on the louder side. It's easy to turn over and hit a draw. Very solid option for someone who wants to make it easy to hit it long and straight down the fairway.
Cleveland Launcher XL Driver
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Wilson D9 Driver and the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver are designed with the average golfer in mind. They both offer great distance and forgiveness, making them ideal for golfers who are looking to improve their game. Both drivers have a large sweet spot, which helps to increase consistency and accuracy. They also both have a high launch, which can help golfers achieve more distance. Both drivers are also praised for their value for money, offering high-quality performance at an accessible price point.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both drivers offer great performance, they cater to different types of golfers. The Wilson D9 Driver is ideal for mid to high handicappers who are looking for a driver that offers great distance while maintaining decent consistency. It's also a good choice for golfers who prefer a driver with a normal pinging sound on contact and a nice, tacky grip.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is perfect for beginner and intermediate golfers who want a driver that provides maximum forgiveness and a large clubhead that inspires confidence. It's also a great choice for golfers who prefer a driver with a generous sweet spot and a forgiving design.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to distance, both drivers perform well, but the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver edges out the Wilson D9 Driver slightly due to its high launch and low center of gravity.
In terms of forgiveness, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver is the clear winner. Its large clubhead and forgiving design make it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate golfers.
For sound and feel, the Wilson D9 Driver takes the cake. Its normal pinging sound on contact and nice, tacky grip give it a slight edge over the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver, which has a slightly dull feel and a very loud, metallic sound.
Finally, in terms of value for money, both drivers offer great value. However, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver offers more adjustability options, making it a more versatile choice for a wider range of golfers.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Wilson D9 Driver and the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver are excellent choices for golfers looking to improve their game. The Wilson D9 Driver offers great distance while maintaining decent consistency, making it a great choice for mid to high handicappers. On the other hand, the Cleveland Launcher XL Driver provides maximum forgiveness and a large clubhead that inspires confidence, making it an excellent pick for beginner and intermediate golfers. Ultimately, the best driver for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, both these drivers are sure to help you up your game and hit those fairways with confidence. Happy golfing!
