Is Cleveland A Good Golf Brand – Are Their Clubs Good?
Cleveland Classics opened its doors in 1979 in Huntington Beach, California, creating replicas of classic golf clubs from decades prior.
Their 588 wedges were the first clubs to gain popularity in the 1980s, obtaining the brand’s widespread acclaim.
I mention this because I recently received a question from a reader regarding the quality of the manufacturer’s golf clubs. They asked if Cleveland is a good brand and whether their clubs are worth it.
In this article, I lay out everything you need to know and unveil my favorite clubs from the brand.
Complete Overview
Cleveland has created golf clubs since 1979, making them 43 years old at the time of writing this post.
The founder of the brand Roger Cleveland helped the company reach popularity in the 1980s before selling to Skis Rossignol in 1990.
They later sold the company to its current owner, Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) Sports, who also owns Srixon, XXIO, and Dunlop.
They are a formidable golf brand but not as popular as the giants known as Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist. The company manufacturers quality, affordable equipment ideal for the average golfer.
What They Are Known For
Although the company’s big break came with the 588 wedges, they have evolved to create drivers, irons, hybrids, putters, apparel, and accessories.
Although the company sponsors the likes of Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, and Shane Lowry, their equipment often aids the average golfer.
Quick Facts Table
Year Founded | 1979 |
Founder | Roger Cleveland |
Owner | Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) Sports |
Sister Brands | Srixon, XXIO, Dunlop |
Headquarters | Huntington Beach, California |
Equipment Produced | Golf Clubs, Bags, Apparel |
Sponsored Players | Hideki Matsuyama, Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry |
AT A GLANCE
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#1 – Best Driver – Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver
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#2 – Best Irons – Cleveland Launcher XL 4-PW Mens Right Hand Irons
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#3 – Best Game Improvement Irons – Cleveland Launcher XL Halo 5-DW Temper Mens Right Hand Irons
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#4 – Best Wedges – Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge
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#5 – Best Complete Set – CG Launcher XL Mens Set GR RH
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#6 – Best Cleveland Putter – Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11 Mens Right Hand Putter
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#7 – Best Set For Ladies – Cleveland Golf 2019 Bloom Complete Golf Set
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#8 – Best Junior Boys Set – Cleveland Golf Junior Set
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#9 – Best Golf Bags – Cleveland Golf Stand Bag
#1 –Best Driver – Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver
Selling Points:
- Rapid ball speed
- High launch
- Straight flight
Overview And Key Features
The Cleveland Launcher Turbo is a game improvement driver featuring a turbocharged cup face for a maximum coefficient of restitution (COR) and ball speed.
In addition, a Hi-Bore crown places the center of gravity (CG) 2.2mm lower for high ball flight. Plus, it enhances moment of inertia (MOI) to promote straight shots.
Who They Are For
The Launch Turbo driver offers accelerated ball velocity, straight shots, and increased forgiveness.
That makes it a suitable driver for slow swinging, high handicappers looking for consistent launch and distance off the tee.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Explosive ball speed
- Amplified COR
- Optimal distance
- High launch
- Increased forgiveness
Cons
- An older model
- The higher MOI restricts workability off the tee.
Overall Score: 91/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#2 – Best Irons – Cleveland Launcher XL 4-PW Mens Right Hand Irons
Selling Points:
- Optimal launch through the bag
- Accelerates ball pace
- Exceptional turf interaction
Overview And Key Features
The Cleveland Launcher XL irons epitomize game improvement clubs. They are crafted to produce the ideal launch, spin, and distance for every club in your bag.
The A.I designed Mainframe boosts the ball speed, while the V-shape sole delivers excellent turf interaction.
The engineers placed wide-fat grooves on the 4 to 7-irons to produce less spin and increased yards.
Conversely, the 8-iron through pitching wedge contains thin, deep grooves which generate appealing spin for control in your mid to short game.
Who They Are For
Considering that they produce consistent ball speed, improved turf interaction, forgiveness, and distance, they are ideal for mid to high handicappers.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Enhanced turf interaction
- Rapid ball speed
- Extreme perimeter weighting
- Reduced long iron spin
- Amplified short and mid game spin
Cons
- Minimal workability
- The oversized head profiles may not appeal to all golfers.
Overall Score: 88/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#3 – Best Game Improvement Irons – Cleveland Launcher XL Halo 5-DW Temper Mens Right Hand Irons
Selling Points:
- Maximum MOI
- Explosive ball velocity
- High launch
Overview And Key Features
The XL Halo irons contain a hybrid head construction, which enhances MOI and promotes straight ball flight.
In addition, the long irons feature a glide rail sole, while short irons operate with a V-shaped design. Plus, wedges contain a 3-tiered sole. This setup promotes optimal launch, spin, and apex for each club.
Furthermore, Mainframe Variable Fae technology expands the active zone across the face for consistent velocity on all strikes. Lastly, a Hi-Bore crown reduces the positioning of the CG for a high, straight shot.
Who They Are For
The Cleveland XL Halo hybrid irons are crafted for high handicappers and part-time golfers. These clubs help you produce optimal speed, spin, distance, and accuracy to keep you in play.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Extremely forgiving
- Explosive speed
- High flight
- Straight shots
- Improved turf interaction
Cons
- The hybrid construction is not appealing
- The offset design limits workability
Overall Score: 87/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#4 – Best Wedges – Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge
Selling Points:
- Soft feel
- Amplified spin
- Forgiving
Overview And Key Features
Wedges are what made Cleveland, and in 2022 they continue to impress with their products. CBX 2 wedges contain a hollow cavity, where weight is distributed to the perimeter to enhance forgiveness.
In addition, Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology softens the feel and dampens vibrations on off-center strikes.
Moreover, Rote Face Technology creates the sharpest, tour-zip grooves to produce enhanced spin around the green.
Who They Are For
The Cleveland Golf CBX 2 wedges are built for mid and high handicappers who seek high spin around the green without sacrificing forgiveness.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Soft feel
- Eradicates vibrations
- Perimeter weighting
- Maximum spin
- 3 sole grinds
Cons
- Chunky
Overall Score: 92/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#5 – Best Complete Set – CG Launcher XL Mens Set GR RH
Selling Points:
- An entire set of golf clubs
- High launching woods and irons
- 14-way top golf cart bag
Overview And Key Features
The Cleveland Launcher XL set features a distribution of woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and a putter. Plus, it is accompanied by a 14-way top golf cart bag, which includes eight pockets for ample storage.
Who They Are For
The Launcher XL set suits beginners or part-time amateurs who seek an affordable, forgiving, and consistent set of clubs. This saves you the hassle of sourcing each item individually.
However, that means your set may not fit your golf swing.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- The set includes woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and a putter
- 14-way top golf bag
- 8 storage pockets on the golf bag
- Forgiving and high launching clubs
- The woods, irons and wedges promote straight ball flight
Cons
- Purchasing a set leaves you at risk of playing with clubs not suited to your game
- Limited selection of golf clubs
Overall Score: 85/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#6 – Best Cleveland Putter – Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11 Mens Right Hand Putter
Selling Points:
- Consistent speed control
- Pure roll
- High MOI
Overview And Key Features
The HB Soft 11 contains Speed Optimized Face Technology designed to deliver consistent distance control on the green.
It normalizes velocity across the face for improved results. Its Soft 304 stainless steel head construction elevates MOI and stability for straighter putts.
Finally, the precision milled putter face contains a diamond CNC milling pattern to maximize friction for a pure feel and roll.
Who They Are For
This putter is a suitable option for mid to high handicappers with straight strokes. Its wing mallet head boosts MOI to keep your putter face square through impact. Besides, the Speed Optimized Face Technology and Diamond CNC milling pattern prompt consistent roll and feel.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Pure feel
- Uninterrupted roll
- Elevated MOI
- Stable at impact
- Consistent distance control
Cons
- Not crafted for golfers with arched strokes
- Traditionalists may not appreciate the wing mallet design
Overall Score: 92/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#7 – Best Set For Ladies – Cleveland Golf 2019 Bloom Complete Golf Set
Selling Points:
- High launching clubs
- Forgiving
- Lightweight golf cart bag
Overview And Key Features
The Bloom set is an entire setup dedicated to high handicap ladies entering the game. The set consists of a driver, 3-wood, two hybrids, 7 to 9-iron, and a pitching and sand wedge.
Plus, it contains a mallet putter and a lightweight golf cart bag. The clubs in the set are built to deliver high, straight ball flight and maximum forgiveness from tee to green.
Who They Are For
Cleveland constructed the Bloom set for female beginners who have no idea where to start looking for golf clubs. It provides everything you need to navigate the links.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- High launching golf clubs
- Forgiving
- It includes an entire set of golf clubs and a bag
- Straight flight
- Consistent ball speed
Cons
- There are distance gaps left between the 3-wood and 5-hybrid
- Moderately expensive for a set of beginners clubs
Overall Score: 85/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#8 – Best Junior Boys Set – Cleveland Golf Junior Set
Selling Points:
- Lightweight carry bag
- Complete set
- 588 wedge
Overview And Key Features
The Cleveland Golf Junior set is ideal for youngsters aged 7 to 9. It features a driver and a 3-wood, plus one hybrid, two irons, a pitching wedge, and a mallet putter.
While it is not a full set, it provides all the clubs a youngster needs to make it around the golf course. Lastly, the set includes a lightweight carry bag with 5 easily accessible pockets.
Who They Are For
This set is crafted for juniors aged 7 to 9. The set does not include a complete offering, which is perfect for a youngster. The clubs are forgiving and consistent, while the bag provides ample storage space.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight carry bag
- Forgiving mallet putter
- High launching woods, hybrids and irons
- 588 style pitching wedge for enhanced spin
Cons
- Not suited to juniors older than 9
- Distance gaps between the 3-wood and hybrid
Overall Score: 86/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
#9 – Best Golf Bags Cleveland Golf Stand Bag
Selling Points:
- 14-way top divider
- 15 convenience pockets
- Dual padded strap
Overview And Key Features
The Cleveland Golf stand bag offers a 14-way top to give each club a private compartment. Furthermore, 15 pockets grace the bag to provide an unfathomable amount of storage space.
Lastly, a dual padded strap is present to protect your shoulders while carrying your clubs.
Who They Are For
The Cleveland golf stand bag is built for golfers who carry their clubs and demand maximum storage space and organization. The 15 pockets offer sufficient compartments to store your belongings, while the 14-way top keeps each club separate.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional storage space
- Comfortable dual padded strap
- 14-way divider
- Insulate cooler bottle pocket
Cons
- Slightly heavy
Overall Score: 88/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Who Are Cleveland Golf Clubs For?
Although Cleveland creates a range of products, their golf clubs are best suited to mid and high handicappers seeking forgiveness, distance, and accuracy.
Furthermore, the company’s putters produce a soft feel, consistent roll, and maximum MOI for improved results on the green.
Are They Good For Beginners?
Yes, in general, Cleveland’s golf clubs are excellent for beginners.They contain game improvement technology which expands the sweet spot and promotes high, straight shots.
Moreover, their wedges and putters are forgiving and produce a pure feel for better control around the green.
Good For Seniors?
Yes, the low CG and rapid ball speed produced by Cleveland woods and irons are magical for slower swingers.
It accelerates your pace to get your ball airborne and traveling on each shot. Plus, their putters and wedges repent on mishits to produce adequate spin, roll, and feel.
Any Pros Use Cleveland Golf Clubs
Yes. Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry, and Ernie Els use the Cleveland RTX ZipCore wedges for superior greenside control. I am unaware of any pros who operate with Cleveland irons.
Conclusion
That should give you a clearer insight into the brand that is Cleveland Golf. At the start of this post, we asked if Cleveland is a good golf brand, and in short, the answer is yes.
They have stood the test of time, creating golf clubs for almost half a century. Although you will see their logo on major tours, their wedges and apparel are the most prominent.
They save their research and development for the average golfer. That is evident in their game improvement equipment which is forgiving, accurate, and consistent.
If you have never tried Cleveland clubs, you should stop mucking about and get to your nearest store to swing them. Those in the market for a new driver should consider the Launcher Turbo Driver. However, if it is irons that you seek, take the Launcher XL range for a spin.
I will end off with one for the ladies. My top Cleveland recommendation is the Bloom set, which is kitted out for beginners to get swinging. If you are new to the game and do not have all the equipment, take a closer look at the set here.