With Cleveland Golf making the decision to let the Halo XL lineup of fairways and hybrids stand out on their own as opposed to keeping the Launcher name on them there may be a level of surprise for some. Rest assured though; it is all part of a plan. You see, Cleveland is quick to point out with this release that more than half of all golfers surveyed admit that they keep clubs in the top of their bag which they cannot hit consistently. They also know thanks to the Arccos database that for 10-25 handicappers, 37% of their second shots into par 4’s per round are with clubs from that part of the bag. So how do you fix it?
That is where Halo XL comes in, and in this case, we are turning our attention to the new Hy-Wood and Hybrid options which THP has been working with for some time now. So, buckle up for a lot of tech talk as well as a performance breakdown.
Quick Take
Not only has Cleveland refined the Halo XL lineup to stand on its own two feet, but they have thoroughly refined the hybrids and Hy-Wood designs to an impressive degree. While certainly not your traditional sizes, both have found a much better look at setup externally with less offset and better flow. Internally, they have found ease and forgiveness backed by heads with a ton of power potential.
Cleveland Halo XL Hybrid and Hy-Wood – Technology and Design
I am of the opinion that historically speaking, Cleveland’s hybrid releases have been under-appreciated for what they offer. Going all the way back to the Mashie, they showed that as a brand they knew how to make workmanlike hybrid designs that do what they claim and do it well. With the previous Halo XL hybrids, THP tested them and found excellent performance, but a visual that was just a little too XL for some.
This time around, the XL Head Design is still present in both the hybrids and Hy-Wood with them coming in at 136cc and 162cc respectively, but there has been much work done to create a better flow. Focus has been put onto form and finish to keep the size but hopefully appeal to a wider audience.
With the other goal being options to better complete the top of the bag with proper gaps, all of the clubs in the Halo XL release are meant to blend with each other according to a golfer’s individual preferences. With the hybrids available in 3-7, considerable iron replacement is feasible, and above that the choice of the Halo XL Hy-Wood or even a fairway.
Internally, there is a lot to be curious about with Cleveland keeping their Rebound Frame and its dual flex zone design increasing energy efficiency to a new level. One of those flex zones is the MainFrame XL face with which they implemented AI to create a better and more uniquely shaped sweet spot that is more in line with where amateurs actually hit the ball. Unlike some companies out there, Cleveland isn’t just using CAD and calling it AI, instead they are running thousands of simulations to build a better club.
Those familiar with the previous Halo XL hybrid will be pleased to know that Gliderails are back as well, with both the standard hybrid and Hy-Wood having three rails each. The rails are on the aggressive side which is what allows the clubs to be swung into the turf and glide, not dig. That difference is what allows the face to square more consistently from a plethora of different lies. On a larger clubhead like these, that aspect is critical to increasing the overall playability, they want no one trick ponies here.
Both the Halo XL Hy-Wood and hybrids also have what Cleveland calls their Action Mass CB system under the grip. They have placed 8g in the butt of the shaft under the grip in order to make the overall weight feel lighter in the swing. Both clubs are non-adjustable and the hybrids come in 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (3 and 4 available LH) while the Hy-Wood will be offered in 3+ as well as 4+ (17.0 and 20.0, both RH and LH). Hybrids come with either the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Series Blue 65 (R, S) or Aldila Ascent PL 50 (A, R, S) while the Hy-Wood has the Aldila Ascent PL 40 (A, R, S) as standard.
Cleveland XL Halo Hy-Wood – Performance Review
On top of breaking down all that tech talk, I was able to get the 17 degree 3+ Halo XL Hy-Wood paired with the Aldila Ascent PL 40S in for review over the past few weeks. This is one which I was extremely excited to get in hand because during the release of the previous version I found some of the most ridiculous ball speeds I had seen to that point, but admittedly the rest of the package left me wanting a bit.
So, upon unboxing I was happy to see that though it is not at all a wholesale change for the Hy-Wood, it is a nice evolution. Visually, the clubhead is absolutely a beefy one and the Hi-Bore Crown Step jumps out at you as well, but not as much as the previous version in my opinion thanks to the slick deep grey gloss crown that looks much more finished this time around. There is still some offset and a neutral-to-closed face angle to my eye, but it doesn’t smack you in the face as much this time.
After putting the 3+ Hy-Wood to work on the course and the Foresight launch monitor, I have some interesting takes on the performance. First, this is a brilliant club in terms of where it fits and what it does, it absolutely wants to achieve that, and those who fear fairways will find an incredibly easy to launch option in the 17.0 3+. Not to mention, I truly felt like I could hit the ball anywhere on the face (and I did) and still see a ton of launch and directional forgiveness with things never over accentuating on heel/toe shots.
However, you will see in the data that I did have to fight the shaft setup a good bit. Part of this admittedly is because I am not the target audience for the 47g shaft at my speed. Even then, I made sure to just go at it to see just what the head was capable of off the turf. The sound/feel is slightly hollow but on the crunchy end of things allowing you to sense where strikes are without any overly harsh feedback.
What I am left with is that there is some serious firepower here with the right build, hitting the ball speeds I did proves that. But it was on the course that I saw the most value in a club like this as it becomes a legitimate tee and turf threat for a golfer who isn’t comfortable with fairway woods. I have said it about the previous versions, and will here with this one, the Hy-Wood needs to stay, and more golfers need to go out and try one.
Cleveland XL Halo Hybrid – Performance Review
Now this one, this is the one that surprised me the most. I worked with the 21 degree 4-hybrid for the past several weeks. Though initially I was hesitant, the XL Halo ended up as one of the longest and easiest to hit hybrids I have tested. More than that, it looks fantastic. The deep smokey metallic grey finish and flowing shape hides the oversized nature to a degree I never expected. With this beautiful finish even the Hi-Bore Crown Step seems to just blend more, kudos to Cleveland here.
The sound and feel of the 4-Hybrid were pretty ideal. Though it isn’t the super muted carbon crack we are seeing more and more, there is a crunch here that is much more solid than the Hy-Wood was which even turned a few heads on the course hitting into a couple of par 5’s. The club sits neutral to ever so slightly closed to my eye which makes it something I could get on with long term.
Paired with the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Series Blue 65S I didn’t know what to expect on the Foresight given my experience with the fit of the Hy-Wood, but it turns out I needn’t have worried. Even in what I would consider a non-ideal personal fit, this hybrid showed out both on the course and monitor. Interestingly, on the course I had several shots I left doubting the distance I had seen, but as you can see from the data, there is a lot of power in this one.
Ample ball speeds combined with 110 foot peak heights means that this club opens up a lot of possibilities both off the tee and into greens. Obviously, my swing isn’t your swing, but the clubhead here is running on all cylinders. Shots across the face kept good feedback while I didn’t battle any snappy misses and the sweet spot seemed like I had to work to miss it at times.
I made sure to hit the 4-Hybrid from all the different lies I could to work over the Gliderails and that middle rudder like rail seemed to do most of the heavy lifting to let me get to the ball time and again. There may not have been full power behind some of the strikes, and you could still get heavy, but each and every time the club got back to the ball, you cannot ask for much more than that.
The Details
I’m not sure how you could go and hit the new Halo XL Hybrid lineup in its entirety and not come away impressed with the breadth and variety it offers while at the same time keeping the blending potential which Cleveland Golf has put so much emphasis on. They may not be the ideal shape or profile for you, but they are worth experiencing, and hopefully the access is there for golfers of all skill levels to do just that.
The entire Cleveland Halo XL Hybrid lineup hits retail on 1/19/24 with the Hy-Wood priced at $249.99 and the hybrids $239.99.
Looks like the crown has a little bit of the drop off like the previous but not nearly as deep as before. Was always an interesting look.
Great write up here. These have always been somewhat interesting to me, but hard to find in the sleepy outpost of Louisville, KY.
Super interesting article and testing. These are definitely on my list to spend some time with and based on that performance, I am going to try to do it sooner rather than later.
Again, really well done [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
That hybrid looks very much like a Cleveland hybrid should look and I feel like I already know how it sounds. This is a style that has historically worked really well for me and I would be dumb to not look closer at putting one or three in the bag.
The Hy-Wood is a different look. Not sure I like it from that perspective, but the higher spin numbers you were seeing actually add interest for me. I think that 20 could be exactly what I need in that part of the bag.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 12057834, member: 59233″]
Looks like the crown has a little bit of the drop off like the previous but not nearly as deep as before. Was always an interesting look.
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I think the gloss metallic smoke grey finish helps there, it takes some of the HiBore Step edge off to the eyes.
I think a LOT of people are going to love the Hy-Wood. The last version was money, and improved it’s going to be an absolute killer.
Appreciate the review of the Hy Wood. I have played and liked the Hy Wood. It was a very good club for me off of any lie. It appears that these versions in 3+ and 4+ are even better.
Post review now, the Hy-Wood is getting a heavier and stronger shaft that fits my crazy arse swing more to see just what it can do, because what I saw in it is promising. Being able to elevate a 17 degree club like that is a lot of fun, flatten it out and get it to where I’m not fighting it, there could be some big speed here.
It’s like they know me (the 10 – 25 handicapper with a good amount of second shots coming with fairway woods and hybrids into greens). Like the looks, love the description, will need to take a look.
I had the original Hy-wood but could never get comfortable with the 60.5° lie angle. This release (17°) is 59° and with a 1/2 inch longer shaft. That should be a positive change for me, I will demo this one for sure. Jman – Thanks again for your reviews, enjoy them all. Anyone know when the new irons will be out, the website still shows the Launchers XL’s.
[QUOTE=”LeftyRod, post: 12057927, member: 67760″]
I had the original Hy-wood but could never get comfortable with the 60.5° lie angle. This release (17°) is 59° and with a 1/2 inch longer shaft. That should be a positive change for me, I will demo this one for sure. Jman – Thanks again for your reviews, enjoy them all. Anyone know when the new irons will be out, the website still shows the Launchers XL’s.
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Thank you for reading!
And just a bit longer, haha
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12057896, member: 1579″]
Post review now, the Hy-Wood is getting a heavier and stronger shaft that fits my crazy arse swing more to see just what it can do, because what I saw in it is promising. Being able to elevate a 17 degree club like that is a lot of fun, flatten it out and get it to where I’m not fighting it, there could be some big speed here.
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Will you add back in the counter weight as well or let the shaft weight balance it out?
That 4+ hywood might just be the ticket for a spot in the bag I’m trying to improve a bit.
Looking forward to taking some swings with it in a couple of weeks.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12058010, member: 62865″]
Will you add back in the counter weight as well or let the shaft weight balance it out?
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I prefer a heavier swing weight anyhow.
Looking again the photos, looks like they nailed the aesthetic
Great write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] These look amazing and from your LM numbers, perform like I would expect this line to perform for Cleveland. They traditionally fly under the radar and some may be the gimmicky tv commercials, but year over year, for a beginning golfer, this line offers everything they would need.
Great review. The Launcher XL Halo is one my favorite all time clubs. It’s just ‘point and shot’ for me. So much so, that I got this headcover for it.
I’m gonna admit my 5-iron days are over…I just don’t hit it as consistently as the 4h or 6-iron. So I’ll be getting the 5-hybrid. I’ll buy it in the store the first day it’s available and won’t even bother to hit it. I know it’ll be magic.
They go on sale 1/19 and I have a tournament on 1/20. It’ll be in the bag.
I loved the old Hy-wood. Not quite as much as the hybrid. It’s interesting the new model has higher loft from the same length shaft (20*) and longer for the 17*. I’ll definitely try them for sure.
Great write up, James. That Hy-Wood is intriguing, I can see that thing being an absolute bomber.
Great article [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. Been a Hywood user in the past and thought they were a great club. Always had confidence with that club. Really like the look of the hybrid as well!
Great article [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER], loved what I saw in the previous Hy-Wood, looking forward to testing out the new one.
The Launcher Hy-wood was definitely the star of the last Launcher release cycle. It is just a riot. Combines a lot of great features to make a serious weapon. I am glad to see they now offer two versions, a 3+ and 4+. The 3+ is 1 degree stronger this year, I assume to put it more in line with clubs like the Callaway UW. More people should give this club a chance. And, seeing they offer 2 now changes what my plans might be for the 2024 season.
Great review. Thanks.
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12058349, member: 50607″]
The Launcher Hy-wood was definitely the star of the last Launcher release cycle. It is just a riot. Combines a lot of great features to make a serious weapon. I am glad to see they now offer two versions, a 3+ and 4+. The 3+ is 1 degree stronger this year, I assume to put it more in line with clubs like the Callaway UW. More people should give this club a chance. And, seeing they offer 2 now changes what my plans might be for the 2024 season.
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I’m liking the fact that they came out with a 4+ . I have played the 3+ and it is a versatile weapon for me, playable off nearly any lie.
Wonder how the 6h plays ?
The Hy-wood 4+ at 20 degrees could really be a game changer for a lot of players. A lot to like within this release.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 12059164, member: 37622″]
The Hy-wood 4+ at 20 degrees could really be a game changer for a lot of players. A lot to like within this release.
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I might just be one of them. Hope I can find a demo day!
Those ball speed numbers are probably more shocking to me than they should be. Damn!
Really interesting release. I think they would be fun to test and I would really love to see my dad try them.
I am playing catch up today and finally got time to give these a read. First off, I absolutely LOVE that you linked back to the mashie. It’s so awesome becuase that is one of the first “cult” clubs of THP and brings back so many damn memories of seeing it pre-release and spending range time with it. I had 2 in the bag at one point.
Back to modern day…I’m glad they are standing these out there on there own because like you said, they are worthy of it. I was a big fan of the Halo 2 versions ago, and I see a lot more similarities with this one.
As for the Hy-wood…you know, that 20° speaks to me. The 18° version the last go around was so damn good and criminally underrated. The 4+, yeah I’ll have interest in that.
Last thing [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] even though I knew those numbers were coming, they still make me sick. Nicely done my man.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12060199, member: 782″]
As for the Hy-wood…you know, that 20° speaks to me. The 18° version the last go around was so damn good and criminally underrated. The 4+, yeah I’ll have interest in that.
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I as well am geeked for the 20 deg
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12060210, member: 62865″]
I as well am geeked for the 20 deg
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the last time around I was down to a 18 Hy-wood and 19 Apex UW, I went UW and have no real complaints. The ONE thing that I feel like I missed out on was the ease of being able to hit that shot with it. Felt like I needed to work a little harder to get solid results. This time around, it will get another shot. On paper it just slots in so nicely.
I remember having interest in the previous version early last year and looking for some to hit. The 3+ would get serious consideration if I continue to struggle trying to find my way with a 5w. Like the possibility.
Another excellent review, [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. You’re right – our swings are nothing alike, but you describe the things that matter to most anyone with a swing.
I’ve lost some distance with age and I should look at these should I decide to reconfigure the top of my bag.
Enjoyed reading about the clubs and your experience with them. Have never tried a hy-wood type of club but would really like to. Have gamed Halo clubs in the past and enjoyed them.
Looks like the 3+ Hy-wood got bigger this year? As big as a 5wood? I didn’t notice that mentioned, so maybe it doesn’t seem to be that much bigger in person?
One thing I think people are missing is the Hy-Wood niw takes a 0.335 shaft now. No longer takes a 0.370 hybrid shaft. Thought that is worth mentioning and something people will like about the club. More in lime with the UW in that regards.
I’m full ponder mode on the Hy-Wood 4+ and potentially a 5 or 6 hybrid from this line.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12070419, member: 782″]
I’m full ponder mode on the Hy-Wood 4+ and potentially a 5 or 6 hybrid from this line.
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I want to give that hy-wood a run to earn a place in the bag…. Hope to find one in the wild to hit soon
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12070419, member: 782″]
I’m full ponder mode on the Hy-Wood 4+ and potentially a 5 or 6 hybrid from this line.
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I’m still in shock by the hybrid.
The Hy-Wood is getting reshafted, then we will see if I can crack mid 150’s ball speed with it. ?
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12070609, member: 1579″]
I’m still in shock by the hybrid.
The Hy-Wood is getting reshafted, then we will see if I can crack mid 150’s ball speed with it. ?
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Do they look as good in hand as the photos?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12070632, member: 62865″]
Do they look as good in hand as the photos?
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I mean, I think so. I was pretty positive in the review about them visually, I came away impressed.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12070419, member: 782″]
I’m full ponder mode on the Hy-Wood 4+ and potentially a 5 or 6 hybrid from this line.
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The 4+ Hy Wood will get a look from me.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12070640, member: 1579″]
I mean, I think so. I was pretty positive in the review about them visually, I came away impressed.
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Fair point. Kinda forgot you authored that one…
can’t wait to see the speed potential you get out of it
It’s comical that a lineup like this one doesn’t include a 5H in LH.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 12070768, member: 42650″]
It’s comical that a lineup like this one doesn’t include a 5H in LH.
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Why is that comical? Its similar with many companies, and while I have long acknowledged it is a bummer for the lefties, these decisions are based on the reality that left handed clubs are simply sold far less, so inventory must be managed.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12070773, member: 1579″]
Why is that comical? Its similar with many companies, and while I have long acknowledged it is a bummer for the lefties, these decisions are based on the reality that left handed clubs are simply sold far less, so inventory must be managed.
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It’s a GI/SGI lineup very popular with older players or those with slower swing speeds. Those are the exact players who need a 5H. Cleveland is a golf company which stresses forgiveness constantly in their advertising. Making a LH 5 hybrid isn’t going to affect the Dunlop/ Cleveland bottom line very much.
It’s amazing how PXG, Ping Callaway, Titleist and Cobra can do it, but Cleveland can’t. Actually, it’s not amazing… it’s comical. (Same goes for Tour Edge, they’re Exotics line is another joke when it comes to LH equipment, although I give them a pass because at least their cheaper lineup has Lefty equipment).
I already ordered my 5h. The only downside is it doesn’t come with a stiff shaft as stock, so I had to order it custom rather than buy it at the store on release date.
I have the 4h of the outgoing model. It’s my favorite club in the bag. I love it so much, I got this headcover for it. I trust it as much as my 9-iron.
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It was time for the 5h. My level of confidence with my 4h is a 10. It’s an 8 with my 6-iron. It’s a 3 with my 5-iron. Occassionally I’ll flush one…and it’s one of the best feelings in golf. But I hit more bad shots than good shots. There was an ego aspect to not wanting a 5h….but I’ve watched a couple of the guys I play with bag one with a lot of success. Last week were on a par 3 that was a perfect 5-iron distance. They were on/just off the green….and I was in the hazard and having to take a drop. That sealed it.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 12070931, member: 42650″]
It’s a GI/SGI lineup very popular with older players or those with slower swing speeds. Those are the exact players who need a 5H. Cleveland is a golf company which stresses forgiveness constantly in their advertising. Making a LH 5 hybrid isn’t going to affect the Dunlop/ Cleveland bottom line very much.
It’s amazing how PXG, Ping Callaway, Titleist and Cobra can do it, but Cleveland can’t. Actually, it’s not amazing… it’s comical. (Same goes for Tour Edge, they’re another joke when it comes to LH equipment, although I give them a pass because at least their cheaper lineup has Lefty equipment).
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You’ve clearly already made up your mind when it comes to all of this, but this is not at all a new situation for lefties, particularly into the higher lofts, so I’m not sure I get the vitriol, but fortunately you appear to have options. Companies make decisions like this based on historical sales and a plethora of other aspects, not simply because they don’t care about left handed golfers.
[QUOTE=”mantan, post: 12070935, member: 51648″]
I already ordered my 5h. The only downside is it doesn’t come with a stiff shaft as stock, so I had to order it custom rather than buy it at the store on release date.
I have the 4h of the outgoing model. It’s my favorite club in the bag. I love it so much, I got this headcover for it. I trust it as much as my 9-iron.
[ATTACH type=”full” width=”268px” alt=”IMG_3296.jpeg”]9236078[/ATTACH]
It was time for the 5h. My level of confidence with my 4h is a 10. It’s an 8 with my 6-iron. It’s a 3 with my 5-iron. Occassionally I’ll flush one…and it’s one of the best feelings in golf. But I hit more bad shots than good shots. There was an ego aspect to not wanting a 5h….but I’ve watched a couple of the guys I play with bag one with a lot of success. Last week were on a par 3 that was a perfect 5-iron distance. They were on/just off the green….and I was in the hazard. That sealed it.
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I think you are going to love it. This is a really impressive evolution for Cleveland IMO, and the Halo XL hybrid blew my mind, still cant believe the speed I found in the review, and it translated on course.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12070938, member: 1579″]
You’ve clearly already made up your mind when it comes to all of this, but this is not at all a new situation for lefties, particularly into the higher lofts, so I’m not sure I get the vitriol, but fortunately you appear to have options. Companies make decisions like this based on historical sales and a plethora of other aspects, not simply because they don’t care about left handed golfers.
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I’ll leave the thread, because our going back and forth won’t accomplish anything. Before I do, I’ll just say one more time we’re talking about making 5 HYBRID here… not a driver, not a set of irons… a freaking mold for 5 hybrid head. What would that cost them? They already have the shafts and grips… it’s not adjustable, so they don’t even need LH adapters.
Them not making one in LH is them doing exactly what you say they’re not doing. It’s Cleveland Golf not caring about left handed golfers.
I’m out… you can have the last word if you wish.