The second generation of the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 drivers are new for 2024 with a draw version joining the standard model. What changes have been made?

The original Launcher XL drivers featured XL, XL Lite and XL Lite Draw, but this time there is just the XL 2 and XL 2 Draw models in the new 2024 range.

Launched along with upgraded versions of the HALO XL Woods, HALO XL Hybrids and HALO XL Hy-Wood as well as ZipCore XL Irons, the new drivers offer more distance, forgiveness and importantly consistency.

How do the two drivers models perform vs the Launcher XL equivalents? What are the design changes? And are they 2024 drivers really more forgiving? We tested them out.

RELATED: Review of the original Cleveland Launcher XL drivers

Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Driver Specs & Design

The Launcher XL made a popular driver and it has been upgraded in the new XL 2 release, which promises to be even more forgiving.

AI-machine learning has been used in the new design, specifically on enhancing the performance of the MainFrame XL variable face and Rebound Frame for more distance and greater accuracy.

The dual flex zones used in the Rebound Frame technology act like a spring, unleashing impressive ball speeds.

Cleveland’s development team have tweaked the face thickness in various spots to ensure the areas where most golfers strike from perform better off the tee with better energy transfer in the new package.

The clubhead has been altered with a lightweight thin crown saving weight and allowing the center of gravity to be positioned low and deep. The result is a higher ball flight for more carry and distance, as well as more speed through the air.

For the perfect set up and weighting, Cleveland has also placed an 8-gram counterweight near the top of the shaft, something they call Action Mass CB, to promote control in the backswing and deliver the clubhead square at impact.

This model comes as standard with 9, 10.5 and 12 degree options with an adjustable hosel offering up to 12 different loft and lie options (1.5 degrees up and down).

RELATED: Review of the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Driver

Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Draw Driver Specs & Design

The Launcher XL 2 series features a draw-bias model aimed at helping golfers with a slice or fade cure that left-to-right distance-sapping ball shape.

An ideal driver for high-handicappers or some mid-handicap, the XL 2 Draw has a slightly reworked chassis compared to the Lite Draw model in the first generation.

This driver is largely identical to the XL 2 but has weight positioned towards the heel to help produce the draw-bias weight and make this the most forgiving option.

Just like the standard model, this driver has the upgraded MainFrame XL variable face and Rebound Frame for a more consistency sweet spot on the face and greater energy transfer.

It also has a lightweight thin crown which the weight position back and heelward for the draw-bias set up and the highest ball flight of the two models.

The Action Mass CB 8-gram counterweight is also positioned near the top of the shaft in the XL 2 Draw to promote control in the backswing and deliver the clubhead square at impact.

This model comes as standard with 9, 10.5 and 12 degree options with an adjustable hosel offering up to 12 different loft and lie options (1.5 degrees up and down).

RELATED: Review of the 2024 Cleveland ZipCore XL Irons

Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Drivers Review: Are they any good?

Cleveland already had one of the most forgiving drivers on the market in the Launcher XL, but they have managed to improve that further.

The range has been simplified with just two models now and they both offer something to mid-handicap or high-handicap golfers ahead of the 2024 season.

The technology tweaks have made the Launcher XL 2 longer off the tee, more accurate and more forgiving and this really is an all-round package. The non-lite draw version is great new addition.

The only negative is the price, which at $450 from the off is a little higher for the sector at which this driver is aimed.

RELATED: Review of the Cleveland Halo XL fairways
RELATED: Review of the Cleveland Halo XL hy-woods

FAQs

What is the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 drivers release date?

The XL driver family was unveiled in January 2024 and are available to purchase now.

How much do the Cleveland XL 2 drivers cost?

The two Launcher XL 2 drivers cost $449.

What are the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver specs?

Both Launcher XL 2 driver models are available in 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees. They come with 1.5 degrees of adjustability both up and down.

What Cleveland say about the Launcher XL 2 drivers:

“The all-new Launcher XL 2 Driver delivers more distance, forgiveness, and consistency than ever thanks to new MainFrame technology, an improved XL design, and more.

“Using a multi-step AI computing process, we simulated thousands of the most common strikes across the club face, emphasized the impact locations, and evaluated the performance characteristics.

“Then, based on our findings, we created a variable thickness face design that enlarged and reshaped the sweet spot for an improved energy transfer across the face, delivering powerful ball speeds and distance wherever you make contact.

“We’ve reworked our XL Head Design and weighting setup to deliver even more forgiveness and consistency. Weight was also saved by using an extremely thin crown that’s supported by a strong, lightweight framework beneath.

“With these savings, MainFrame’s AI-driven simulations allowed us to place more discretionary mass low and deep in the clubhead, optimizing the Driver’s CG for long, high-launching ball flight.

“Here’s what sets Launcher XL 2 apart from other Drivers—the unique ability to flex twice. Like a spring within a spring, Rebound Frame technology adds a second ring of flexibility that sits just behind the face, supported by extra stiffness in the rear of the clubhead.

“At impact, these dual flex zones activate simultaneously, increasing the amount of energy transferred into the ball for more ball speed and amplified distance.”