ZipGolfer » Cleveland http://www.zipgolfer.com Golf tips, news and gear reviews Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Cleveland Launcher SL290 Driver Review | Ultralite in Golf Digest 2011 Hotlist http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-launcher-sl290-driver-review-golf-digest-2011-hotlist/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-launcher-sl290-driver-review-golf-digest-2011-hotlist/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:52:50 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4738 Cleveland Launcher SL290 Driver Review This driver is so light, it comes with a leash for you to tie around your wrist. (Not really, but the driver is one of the lightest ones on the market.) It weighs in at a willowy 290 grams. Wait.. Where have I seen that number? Oh, that's why they call it the SL290. I get it.

Traditional drivers weigh in around 315 grams. This differential equates to 2 to 3 mph of ball speed. Combine that with the COR (spring effect) that is 22% higher then the previous Launcher DST, and you've got a cannon in your hands.

What I like most about the driver: Cleveland stayed with the traditional tear-shaped design. Because the driver is so light, they didn't feel the need to mold the shape into a fighter wing for aerodynamics like a lot of the other game-improving drivers on the market.

What I don't like about the driver: There is no alignment aid, and Cleveland made the shaft longer -- it's 45.75 inches. This will equate to faster swing speeds, but at the expense of feel and control. You big swingers may have to dial back your swing a notch when facing one of those bowling alley (narrow) fairways.

All in all, with this feathery driver you can expect more distance than whatever driver you're swinging now. You'll have to supply your own leash to keep it from floating out of your bag.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-launcher-sl290-driver-review-golf-digest-2011-hotlist/feed/ 0 Cleveland TA7 Irons, 4 – PW & GW | Gunmetal Blade, Progressive Offset Tour Action w/ Steel Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ta7-irons-4-pw-gw-gunmetal-blade-progressive-offset-tour-action-w-steel-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ta7-irons-4-pw-gw-gunmetal-blade-progressive-offset-tour-action-w-steel-shaft/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:12:55 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4443 Cleveland TA7 Irons, 4 - PW & GW Cleveland Golf first introduced the TA (Tour Action) moniker in their wedges, which had a nearly cult following on the PGA and other pro tours. The TA7 irons were rolled out in 2002 -- yet another in a series of TA inspired iron sets.

What sets the TA7 apart from many of the others is the "Microcavity" design that removes weight from the top-line of the club and disperses it around the perimeter of the clubhead for tighter shot dispersion, even on off-center hits. The TA7 is a direct takeoff of the still popular TA5 model. The TA7 is available in the dark gunmetal finish that many people prefer to chrome. It does have a non-glare surface; the contrast between the dark club head and white ball is bound to create confidence when setting up to the shot. Add to that the progressive offset throughout the set and you have a club that is easy to swing, forgiving on off-center hits, and easily gets the ball airborne, even from tough lies.

I have been a user of Cleveland irons for many years now (the TA2 model) so can attest first hand to the performance, quality, fine finish, and attention to detail found in every Cleveland club. This TA7 set is comprised of the 4-iron through PW + GW (Gap). Shafts are the Cleveland Action Lite in steel (Uniflex). Uniflex shafts utilize a variable flex throughout (designed for swing speeds between 75 and 95 mph) the set that takes advantage of the length (and thus speed) difference of each club in the set.

For some comparison shopping, check out other similar irons like the Cleveland TA5 or Nike Ignite 2 sets.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ta7-irons-4-pw-gw-gunmetal-blade-progressive-offset-tour-action-w-steel-shaft/feed/ 0 Cleveland DST Driver Review | Launcher 460cc Ultra Light Club w/ Mitsubishi Diamana Red 44 Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-dst-driver-review-launcher-460cc-ultra-light-club-w-mitsubishi-diamana-red-44-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-dst-driver-review-launcher-460cc-ultra-light-club-w-mitsubishi-diamana-red-44-shaft/#comments Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:58:47 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4440 Cleveland DST Driver Review The (simplified) formula for distance potential of the golf club striking a golf ball is: M x S2. (For the formulaic challenged, M Mass and S Speed). Thus, the way to hit the ball farther is to increase either the Mass (weight of the club) while maintaining Speed -- or increase the Speed of the swing while maintaining (or close to it) the Mass. Since the formula squares speed, it is far, far easier for most golfers to increase the Speed by making a slight sacrifice in Mass.

This is where the Cleveland DST Driver comes in to play. Positioned in the "Sub 300 gram Ultralite" category, the overall mass of the Launcher DST is 25 grams lighter than standard drivers. This was done by using/moving/losing a couple of different areas. In the 460cc clubhead, 9 grams of weight was removed from the face and repositioned lower and deeper in the head to create a deeper CG (Center of Gravity) for a high MOI (Moment Of Inertia). This high MOI allows for less dispersion on off-center hits and thus, straighter drives.

Also in the Launcher DST is Cleveland's MaxCOR face -- a variable face thickness that creates a higher COR (Coefficient of Restitution) on those off-center hits -- thus longer drives (for a more complete description of COR, read my review on the TaylorMade V Steel 3-wood). Taking weight from the overall club, Cleveland uses the Mitsubishi Diamana Red 44 shaft. It's a bit longer than a standard driver shaft at 45.75", but lighter weight at only 44 grams, to allow for that increased swing speed mentioned earlier. And finally, the standard grip is a lightweight 40g offering from Lamkin.

Despite a lot of technology, the Cleveland DST driver has a very traditional-looking clubhead that produces a satisfying sound and feel with its square face and neutral weighting. The DST driver is available in both Right and Left hand orientations (9 and 10.5 degrees in LH and 9, 10,5 and 12 degrees in RH). This is a handsome club is the "teardrop" shape that is both aesthetically pleasing and high-performing. Unlike most previous Cleveland clubs, this one has a touch of royal blue paint fill in addition to the usual white/gold Cleveland is known for. It makes a nice offset to the black top-side and brushed chrome finish on the bottom.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-dst-driver-review-launcher-460cc-ultra-light-club-w-mitsubishi-diamana-red-44-shaft/feed/ 0 Cleveland Ta5 Irons | Gunmetal Clubhead w/ Foam Shaft to Lessen Fatigue http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ta5-irons-gunmetal-clubhead-w-foam-shaft-to-lessen-fatigue/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ta5-irons-gunmetal-clubhead-w-foam-shaft-to-lessen-fatigue/#comments Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:43:54 +0000 Jess http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4372 Cleveland Ta5 Irons If Batman played golf, these would be his clubs. They simply look bad to the bone. Gunmetal. Are you serious? Is that AC/DC playing as I rip my four iron out of the bag and spit as I address my shot?

Rock it, baby. Come on.

On a serious note, I did not hit these any differently than some of the other clubs I have tried. I hit the Nike MachSpeeds farther. I was a little more accurate with the X22s. On a side note, those X22s make a run for the money in terms of "coolest looking golf club," too.

Cleveland is no slouch, though, folks. One of the coolest features of these irons is the True Temper "Sensicore" shaft. It actually has an inner rod that is somehow surrounded by foam to deaden vibration. This is a very good design. While I don't really "tire" with other clubs, these are supposed to cut fatigue drastically. These irons not only produce great looking shots, but they just flat out look tough. Of course, no one looks to coordinate their equipment based on appearance alone, but if you can hit these things -- they look pretty mean in your golf bag.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ta5-irons-gunmetal-clubhead-w-foam-shaft-to-lessen-fatigue/feed/ 0 Cleveland Niblick Reviews | Chip Pitch Approach & Recovery Clubs w/ Variable Loft Angle http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-niblick-reviews-chip-pitch-approach-recovery-clubs-w-variable-loft-angle/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-niblick-reviews-chip-pitch-approach-recovery-clubs-w-variable-loft-angle/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:21:41 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4313 Cleveland Niblick Reviews The term "niblick" has been around for hundreds of years, but was largely discontinued near the turn of the 20th century when iron sets became more uniform in size, shape, loft, and -- most importantly -- application. Used to describe everything from a 4-iron to a pitching wedge, niblick is truly a catch-all term.

Cleveland has adopted the term niblick to cover a series of clubs that can be used for any of four different types of shots -- Chip, Pitch, Approach, and Recovery. By making each club the same length, lie-angle, head weight, and address position, the only remaining variable is the loft/lie angle of the club. Cleveland has assembled a considerable collection of clubs under the niblick heading including offerings for both men and women, right hand or left hand, steel or graphite shafts, chrome or black-satin finishes, and much, much more. By removing (or combining?) the key elements of club variance, the concept is to simplify the golfer's dependence on touch and feel with each unique club and give them a "go to" feel for any of those four shot types.

Having dutifully used both short game methods -- the "one club fits all" as well the "one swing fits all" -- my personal inclination is to vary the club and use one swing. The Cleveland Niblick concept has some merit to it, as it seems to combine the strength of both concepts into something the average player -- who is not blessed with Tour Player talent -- can still get good results from.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-niblick-reviews-chip-pitch-approach-recovery-clubs-w-variable-loft-angle/feed/ 0 Cleveland Launcher DST Driver Review | UltraLite RH w/ Mitsubishi Red 44 Graphite Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-launcher-dst-driver-review-ultralite-rh-w-mitsubishi-red-44-graphite-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-launcher-dst-driver-review-ultralite-rh-w-mitsubishi-red-44-graphite-shaft/#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:39:57 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4274 Cleveland Launcher DST Driver Review Driver technology: an area that could send a NASA engineer into orbit, much less the average golfer just looking for 10 more yards on his tee ball. Cleveland golf makes another entry into this market with the Cleveland Launcher DST Driver.

This driver features what Cleveland calls "MaxCOR Face Technology," a play on the Co-efficient of Restitution (COR) terminology so closely regulated by the USGA in recent years. Basically, the COR is a measure of the rebound or energy transfer when a flexible object (the ball) is struck or strikes a hard object (the club). With the advent of even larger drivers and faces, it was discovered there is a "trampoline effect" to the ball coming off a large, thin face. This effect was sending the ball into heretofore unheard-of zip codes for many golfers, and some control had to be set. So now, manufacturers are trying to maximize results within the legal parameters. With the MaxCOR Face Technology, Cleveland has created a variable face thickness to enhance the trampoline effect on off-center hits. In addition, they have removed weight from the face and positioned it further back in the clubhead for straighter drives.

Finally, this driver falls into the UltraLite category (less than 300g) and is lighter than standard drivers. All of this is designed to produce faster clubhead speed and greater overall distance. All the technology in the world will only help you so much, however, and you still have to swing the club. But hey, if you can buy a little help, why not? Unlike many of the oversized drivers on the market today that look more like a brick stuck on the end of a stick, Cleveland tends to stay with the more traditional "teardrop" shape. While the performance can only be measured by the individual, the visual effect is much more pleasing than most other large driver heads.

Available in right hand orientation only, there are several combinations of shaft flex and loft available (Senior, Regular, and Stiff) and lofts of 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees. The shaft -- the Mitsubishi Red 44 Graphite -- is another lightweight component and is in keeping with the overall design and target of this club.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-launcher-dst-driver-review-ultralite-rh-w-mitsubishi-red-44-graphite-shaft/feed/ 0 Cleveland Driver XL270 10.5 w/ Miyazaki Shaft | New 2011 Mens Golf Club, Super Light Teardrop http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-driver-xl270-10-5-w-miyazaki-shaft-new-2011-mens-golf-club-super-light-teardrop/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-driver-xl270-10-5-w-miyazaki-shaft-new-2011-mens-golf-club-super-light-teardrop/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:39:27 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=3573 This driver has received liposuction!  That's right; the good folks at Cleveland are taking more weight out of their 2011 drivers.  The theory is: lighter is longer.  Duhh!  When was the last time you saw a beer-bellied couch potato outrun a ninety-pound Kenyan in a marathon?
This XL270 gets its name from its svelte 270 grams of weight.  This is 25 grams lighter than last year's Launcher DST.  The secret of the driver's light weight is in its new fandangled Miyazaki shaft.  This piece of technology is not only light but it's longer -- 46-1/4 inches, to be exact.
I like the traditional head shape with the bigger, oversized head.   It's teardrop shaped, not triangular or shaped like a jet wing.  I also like the pop you get off of the face even if you catch it off of the toe.  The ball flies just as far as center hits.
High handicappers will appreciate the forgiveness while lower handicappers will appreciate the feel.  Because most of the weight is taken out of the shaft, you can still get a good feel of the clubhead.
However, I'm not a big fan of extra inches on the shaft.  This adds another degree of difficulty for high handicappers.
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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-driver-xl270-10-5-w-miyazaki-shaft-new-2011-mens-golf-club-super-light-teardrop/feed/ 1 Cleveland Ladies HiBORE Bloom Driver Club | Womens Golf High MOI & COR Extra Large http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ladies-hibore-bloom-driver-club-womens-golf-high-moi-cor-extra-large/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ladies-hibore-bloom-driver-club-womens-golf-high-moi-cor-extra-large/#comments Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:07:05 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=3423 Cleveland Ladies HiBORE Bloom DriverThis is Cleveland's HiBore designed specifically for the ladies. It is the biggest one Cleveland makes. It is 17 percent larger then the Hibore XL with 13 percent greater MOI.

This is by far one of the most forgiving drivers you will swing. I like the looks of it. At address, it fills me full of confidence. I actually have to really focus not to swing too hard.

In addition to the huge MOI, it has a tremendous C.O.R. This is the spring or trampoline effect that you get at impact. Cleveland achieves this with what they call Hot Spot Crown Plaque Alignment. This technology gives you greater distance with optimal launch conditions and higher ball speeds.

This is a good-looking, very long and forgiving driver. However before you buy, check out a couple of my favorites that combine forgiveness with adjustability and aerodynamics.

I like the TaylorMade Lady R9 Supertri Driver and the Nike Lady SQ Machspeed STR8-Fit Driver. I like the Machspeed because of the more aggressive square shape of the driver head. And the TaylorMade Supertri is my all time favorite because it gives you the maximum adjustable variance in an aerodynamic clubhead.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-ladies-hibore-bloom-driver-club-womens-golf-high-moi-cor-extra-large/feed/ 0 Cleveland HiBORE Iron Golf Club Set XLi | Progressive Offset Oversized Face, Recommended for Senior Golfers http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-hibore-iron-golf-club-set-xli-progressive-offset-oversized-face-recommended-for-senior-golfers/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-hibore-iron-golf-club-set-xli-progressive-offset-oversized-face-recommended-for-senior-golfers/#comments Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:51:44 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=3241 Cleveland HiBORE Iron Golf Club Set XLi My father is looking to upgrade his set of old Big Bertha Irons, so I recommended these Cleveland Hibore XLi irons. This set is really cool, and now I'm starting to worry about him beating me with them.

The irons are very forgiving -- designed with an oversized cupface structure. Cleveland put extra weight in the toe and heel to move the center of gravity low and deep. The MOI of the irons is about as high as you will find. It is twenty-seven percent greater than a traditional iron. The face is also much bigger than traditional, giving you even more forgiveness.

The thing I like best about the set is the full hollow construction. This makes the irons very consistent through all the clubs. This with the progressive offset makes the longer clubs just as easy to hit as the shorter clubs. Visually as well, it's hard to see a big difference from one club to the next.

I recommend these clubs to all high handicappers, especially seniors. If you are like my dad and haven't bought new irons in the last ten years, you are going to be amazed at the difference.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-hibore-iron-golf-club-set-xli-progressive-offset-oversized-face-recommended-for-senior-golfers/feed/ 0 Cleveland Hybrid Mens Club, Launcher DST | Diamana Ultralite Red Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-hybrid-mens-club-launcher-dst-diamana-ultralite-red-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/cleveland-hybrid-mens-club-launcher-dst-diamana-ultralite-red-shaft/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:27:49 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=2866 Cleveland Hybrid Mens Club, LauncherThis Cleveland Launcher DST has very similar technology as the DST Driver. The dual rail system helps the hybrid stay stable when going after it in the rough or any other lie. In addition, it helps reduce turf drag and improve contact.

The hybrid has a parabolic leading edge. This also helps the turf interaction as the beveled edge helps you hit the small ball before the big ball (earth).

I like this hybrid because it is forgiving and easy to hit out of any lie. It has a high launch and a high ball flight with a soft one-hop-and-stop landing.

This hybrid comes in 5 lofts: 15.9, 18, 20.5, 23, and 26 degrees. And the stock shaft is an Ultralite Diamana Red shaft.

I would recommend this hybrid to the mid to high handicappers. You will appreciate the forgiving clubface and the increased swing speeds.

If you want a hybrid that is a little more controllable and something that you can shape your shots with, I recommend the Titleist 909 H Hybrid and the Mizuno MP CLK Hybrid.

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