Author: Ned Howard – Retired PGA Teaching Professional
Contents
List Of All Cleveland Drivers by Year Released
Cleveland Drivers by Year Table:
| Year Released | Cleveland Driver Model | |
| 2022 | Launcher XL Lite | |
| Launcher XL Lite Draw | ||
| 2021 | Launcher XL | |
| 2019 | Launcher HB Turbo | |
| 2017 | Launcher HB | |
| 2015 | CG Black CG Black 215 | |
| 2014 | 588 Custom | |
| 2013 | Altitude Classic XL | |
| 2012 | Classic 270 Classic 290 Classic Tour | |
| 2011 | CG Black Launcher XL270 Launcher XL270 Draw Launcher SL290 Launcher TL310 | |
| 2010 | Launcher DST Launcher DST Draw Launcher DST Tour | |
| 2009 | Launcher Ultralite Hi-Bore Monster XLS Hi-Bore Monster XLS Draw Hi-Bore Monster XLS Tour | |
| 2008 | Launcher Hi-Bore XLS Hi-Bore XLS Draw Hi-Bore XLS Tour | |
| 2006 | Hi Bore Hi Bore XL Hi Bore XL Tour | |
| 2005 | Launcher Ti460 Launcher Ti460 Offset | |
| 2004 | Launcher 460 Comp Sport OS 410 | |
| 2003 | Launcher (460) | |
| 2002 | Launcher (330) Launcher (400) | |
| 2000 | Quad Pro Ti | |
| 1999 | Titanium Square QuadPro CuTg | |
| 1996 | VAS VAS Ti Diamond VAS Ti Square |
Cleveland Drivers Over the Last 5 Years
For a company most known for short game mastery, Cleveland Golf has quietly made some impressive drivers in recent years. Although your pros opt for Srixon (under the same umbrella), Cleveland drivers are a great option for all types of golfers.
Cleveland Launcher Driver History
The most recent model, the Launcher XL, released in 2021, Cleveland aimed to make golf more fun for more players. With high MOI, low center of gravity, and counterbalancing, the Launcher XL is just that. Fun! Easy to hit, and easy to keep it straight.
The Launcher XL is built off previous Launcher drivers. Previous to the XL, released in 2019, the Launcher HB Turbo is a light weight, game friendly option. HB standing for “HiBore” takes technology from the early 2000s that lowers the crown leading back to the tail of the club. This lowers the center of gravity and improves aerodynamics.
In 2017, the Launcher HB was released with much praise from the weekend warrior. Released in the height of adjustability with sliding weights, adjustable hosels, and crazy configurations, the Launcher HB was a no frills, just swing offering that the average golfer appreciated. It was the start of a new era for Cleveland woods, where the average golfer is first in mind.
Cleveland Drivers History
Cleveland Golf started out in 1979 and was the first manufacturer to offer wedges with multiple bounce options. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Cleveland started making drivers.
The first iteration was the VAS woods, and they were very popular in Japan. So much so that Japan based SRI Sports purchased the namesake, and Cleveland now operates alongside Srixon and XXIO.
The 460cc driver head has been industry standard since 2022, but Cleveland was the first to bring it to market in 2003. The Launcher (460) was the first driver to feature a 460cc clubhead, and it turned heads. The company that makes good wedges all of a sudden had the tee box covered too.
How Often Does Cleveland Release New Drivers
Cleveland Golf is more focused on short game, especially wedges, and has regular releases and improvements every year. Their driver market isn’t quite as large, and focuses on game improvement, which limits regular releases.
Cleveland will release some tweaked models or player specific drivers every year, but a completely new driver is seen only every two years or more. With game improvement off the tee in mind, Cleveland only releases something new when they have made marked improvements to a previous model.
