Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Driver Review
As of late, Cleveland has prioritized Average Joe’s before Tour Pros when it comes to driver manufacturing. That’s not to say that there aren’t a few pros playing this driver. Only that the club’s design features and technology are geared toward higher handicaps that are looking for longer, straighter, more consistent tee shots.
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When you hear the words Cleveland and golf in the same sentence, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a reputation for some of the finest wedges on the market.
What you might not know is that the company has been making quality clubs of all kinds for years. That includes a long history of the Launcher series of drivers.
The latest is the Launcher HB Turbo driver.
Key Features
- Turbocharged Cup Face affords higher COR over a larger surface area for faster ball speeds and increased distance, even on mishits.
- HiBORE Crown lowers the CG for higher launch conditions and minimal spin.
- Deep weighting strategically positions weight in the most efficient areas throughout the head for more forgiveness and clubhead speed.
Who Should Buy the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Driver?
Cleveland has a long and storied history of producing quality golf equipment, and we’re not just talking about wedges. The majority of folks that play Cleveland’s equipment have been doing so for years. They’re loyal to a fault. And with good reason.
To date, that trend continues to play out with the introduction of the Launcher HB Turbo driver.
This club is meant for mid, low, and high handicappers that are looking for more consistency and enhanced performance off the tee.
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Driver Detailed Review
Design and Technology
While the new Launcher DB Turbo Driver has some of the same technology as previous models, there’s plenty of new stuff and improvements to talk about.
The conversation begins with a Turbocharged Cup Face that has variable thickness. This face is the hottest in the Launcher series to date, and it’s proven more consistent on off-center strikes in testing. The face also increases the COR across a broader area for increased ball speed and added distance.
The HiBORE Crown has long been a feature of Cleveland drivers, but this is the most advanced version yet. The crown features a step just above the face and is complemented by strikes running down toward the back of the head. Not only is this design lighter, it moves the CG further down in the head to promote optimal launching conditions and lower spin.
While the Launcher HB Turbo isn’t adjustable, there’s less weight in the hosel. Again, this design feature aids in clubhead speed and promotes a higher launch angle.
For golfers that struggle with a chronic slice, the HB Turbo is also available in a draw bias model that has more weight in the heel. This helps golfers square the face at impact for longer, straighter drives.
Specs
The Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo comes in lofts of nine, 10.5, and 12 degrees. The draw bias model is only available in 10.5 degrees of loft.
Length for all models is 45.5” and the head size is 460cc.
Swing weight is D3.
The stock shaft for both models is the Miyazaki C. Kua 50 available in senior, regular, and stiff flexes.
Our Experience
After I had some time to delve into all the tech and design features of the HB Turbo, I had to hit for myself.
My initial impressions were that this club wasn’t all that different from previous models. However, after seeing some numbers on a launch monitor, I was pleased to notice significant increases in clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, and carry distance. My spin rate also went down on both solid shots and mishits.
I left the range that day feeling confident that Cleveland had put out yet another driver that could benefit golfers of all ability levels.
As of late, Cleveland has prioritized Average Joe’s before Tour Pros when it comes to driver manufacturing. That’s not to say that there aren’t a few pros playing this driver. Only that the club’s design features and technology are geared toward higher handicaps that are looking for longer, straighter, more consistent tee shots.
- Low CG promotes high launch and low spin resulting in more distance.
- HiBORE Crown is the lightest and most aerodynamic yet resulting in more clubhead speed during the swing.
- Variable thickness in the face produces consistent strikes, even on mishits.
- Lack of adjustability can make customization difficult.
- Lack of stock shaft options might be a limiting factor.
- Most models are only available in right-handed.
Conclusion
I’ve been a fan of Cleveland wedges for years. In fact, different models have been in and out of my bag for years.
What the Launcher HB Turbo has reminded me of, however, is Cleveland’s quiet confidence as a manufacturer. Sure, they continue to make some of the best wedges in the game. But they’ve flown under the radar when it comes to full swing clubs, especially drivers.
Bottom line, if you’re looking for a driver that’s technologically advanced enough to improve your game, both the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo and HB Turbo Draw drivers are sure to deliver.
