Martin Hopley
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The Launcher name has been absent from Cleveland fairways since the Launcher FL of 2010 and you have to go even further back for the HiBore name that is now shortened to HB.

Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway

Also reduced is the HiBore crown that was a steep slope on the old model, but which is now a smaller step that is there to lower the CG in the head and move it further back to maximise the forgiveness.

Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway

It is now represented by a silver line and at address it seems to curve away from the face as it reaches the toe which gives the impression the face could be open when it is actually square.

Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway

The shape is nice a rounded and just stays on the right side of getting pointy as it draws the weight to the back of the sole.

Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway

The 18° 5-wood shown here has a 160cc head that is nice and generous and with the 15° 3-wood coming in at 173cc, the Launcher HB is ideal for those who like a larger headed fairway.

The grooves on the face also feature a couple of breaks in the 2nd and 4th lines to frame the ball, but it might do this more clearly if all the lines did this.

Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway

The sole features a thinner Flex-Fin section to enable the Face Cup to flex more at impact and maximise ball speed wherever you are hitting it.

Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway

The whole aim of this club is to maximise accuracy by getting the weight low and back and the lack of an adjustable hosel helps as there is less weight above the CG point to have to manage.

On the course the Launcher HB fairway was very easy to hit and the flight was just where I think most players would want it.

The Miyazaki C.Kua shaft really helps here as it is stable and a great performer and helps the overall light feel of the club.

Miyazaki C.Kua shaft

Like previous HiBore models, the sound was a little on the hollow side and combined with the odd visual issue, it maybe creates a few doubts when compared to the competition.

Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway

The Cleveland Launcher HB driver uses the same no-frills approach and has undercut the market as a result. I was expecting the Launcher HB fairway to do likewise with a sub £200 price at launch, which would make it a contender.

However it is above this and now in a bun fight with fairways from the industry heavyweights that look and sound sexier and therefore it could find life hard despite the fact that it is a good club.

Golfalot Rating: 4 stars
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Cleveland Launcher HB Fairway Wood - Product Details

UK Launch15 September 2017
UK Launch RRP£200
USA Launch15 September 2017
USA Launch RRP$219.99
Handicap Range
Low
High
GolferMens, Women
Hand AvailabilityLeft, Right
Left Handed Lofts15°, 18°
Right Handed Lofts15°, 18°
MaterialSteel
Lie57.5°
Head Volume173 cc
Swing WeightD2
Shaft NameMiyazaki C. Kua 50
Shaft TypesGraphite
Shaft FlexLadies, Regular, Stiff
GripCleveland Lamkin
Number/Loft3/15°, 5/18°
Manufacturer's WebsiteCleveland Website

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