Martin Hopley
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The first thing you notice with the Cleveland Classic XL driver is the very deep face. It is much taller than most drivers you have seen. Given the restrictions on head size this also means the that slightly rounded clubhead is a little more compact visually from above than most other 460cc drivers.

At address the face almost looks like sheer cliff face, but in a good way as this means that you can tee the ball up ball and swing away. It is a very forgiving face and feels very good at impact even if the sound is a little on the harsh side for us. Overall the performance is very good and is as good as the previous Cleveland Classic driver.

The biggest difference is the visual look of the driver which has gone from the Classic's retro styling, which we preferred, to an all black finish with a single alignment dot. Some may feel it looks sleeker and more sinister and certainly a pretty cool retro headcover does live up to the Classic branding.

This is the third generation of Cleveland drivers to be under 300g and this Classic XL comes at 285 grams thanks to an excellent Miyazaki shaft and lightweight grip. It is interesting that the 3 head and weight options of the Classic have changed to one weight with the Classic XL, but actually the Classic 290 was the best head so having a similar style head with a longer 45 inch shaft and a slightly deeper centre of gravity are all good improvements.

For a little more cash there is also a Classic XL Custom driver which is the same head but with an adjustable hosel offering +/- 2.25 degrees face angle change and a choice of 3 adjustable weights (3, 7 and 11 grams) for the back of the sole.

Golfalot Rating: 4 stars
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Cleveland Classic XL Driver - Product Details

UK Launch15 February 2013
USA Launch15 February 2013
Handicap Range
Low
High
GolferMens
Hand AvailabilityLeft, Right
Left Handed Lofts9°, 10.5°
Right Handed Lofts9°, 10.5°, 12°
MaterialTitanium
Shaft TypesGraphite
Shaft FlexX Stiff, Stiff, Regular, Light
Manufacturer's WebsiteCleveland Website

User Reviews

March 2016

I love this driver. I tried all of the high priced drivers and was pushing everything right with no distance. The store I was at had this 10.5 degree driver for $150. I was immediately hitting straight and sometimes with a baby draw. Distance was 260-270. I also needed a 3 wood. I hit 3 shots dead straight and 240 yards. I immediately bought both clubs. I have been taking lessons this year to correct some swing flaws. I now hit this driver 280 + and have hit a number of drives just over 300 yards. I no longer leak any balls to the right and have great confidence off the tee. My 3 wood goes dead straight 90 % of the time. I still try other new drivers as they come out but I have yet to hit anything that gives me the same consistency and distance. If you can still find these clubs they would be at a bargain price. I recommend that you buy them and use the money you just saved on a new wedge and putter.

December 2015

Great looking driver. A little longer than my old Ping G5 but not as accurate. The feel and sound doesn' t match - feels smooth on the sweet spot but the sound isn't.

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