Cleveland ZipCore XL irons are new for 2024 and are the manufacturers game-improving model. How does the Launcher successor rate?

Cleveland have been busy unveiling the Launcher XL 2 driver, fairway woods, hybrids, hy-woods and ZipCore CBX4 wedges and ZipCore XL are another 2024 newcomer.

The ZipCore XLs replace the Launcher XL irons and represents a significant leap with the long irons engineered for distance and forgiveness, and the shorter irons focus on precision, power and control.

The unique pairing creates a versatile choice for mid-to-high handicap golfers and we tested them to see just how they perform through the entire back from tee to approach play around the greens.

RELATED: Review of the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Drivers

Cleveland ZipCoreXL Irons Specs & Design

The ZipCore XL head design features an enlarged cavity back profile, which enhances forgiveness by redistributing weight to the clubhead’s perimeter.

The key to the XL irons design and performance is the AI-designed MainFrame technology, which is part of the entire new offering from Cleveland for 2024.

The MainFrame feature is present in the longer irons from 4-iron to 7-iro and incorporates a complex network of grooves and cavities on the backside of the clubface.

It is designed to maximize flex at impact, improving the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) for more efficient energy transfer and as a result distance.

Additionally, weight pads are strategically placed to optimize the Center of Gravity (CG), enhancing MOI and forgiveness and eradicate those errant shot.

In the 8-iron to sand wedge, ZipCore technology replaces heavier materials with a lightweight, vibration-dampening substance.

This adjustment fine-tunes the CG placement to ensure consistent launch, spin and distance that is crucial to hunting down the pins and attacking greens.

The ZipCore XL also have the innovative HydraZip technology design on the face of each club in the lineup.

In the 4-iron to 7-iron lofts, a rougher face blast with wider grooves, reducing unwanted spin and maximizing carry distance, while in the shorter irons a smoother blast but with thinner, deeper grooves is included to enhance spin on approach.

The irons also have V-Shaped sole design for smooth turf interaction and Action Mass CB technology, which is an 8-gram counterweight in the shaft for swing stability.

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Cleveland ZipCore XL Irons Review: Are they any good?

The ZipCore XL stands out for its innovative design and exceptional performance and it delivers the goods promoised.

The combination of MainFrame and ZipCore technologies provide an excellent balance of power, control, and forgiveness that mid-handicap and high-handicap golfers will love.

The HydraZip technology further refines the performance and we noticed that the spin characteristics do change across the set from long irons to wedges.

Whether you are a handicap golfers or a beginner looking to improve your game, the ZipCore XL are a great new option for game-improving irons for 2024.

RELATED: Review of the Cleveland CBX4 Wedges

FAQs

What is the Cleveland ZipCore XL irons release date?

The ZipCore XL irons were unveiled in January 2024 and are on general sale from March.

How much do the Cleveland ZipCore XL irons cost?

A set of XL irons are available for purchase from £600 / $740 per set.

What are the Cleveland ZipCore XL irons specs?

The XL irons are available in sets of 4-iron (20 degrees) to sand wedge (54 degrees).

What Cleveland says about the ZipCore XL irons:

“Distance-focused, forgiving long Irons pair with precise short irons so you get power where you need it and control where you want it, all from a single set.

“AI-designed MainFrame faces and weighting, along with our legendary ZipCore technology, combine to deliver all of the power, control, and confidence you need to hit it far and stick it close without fail.

“Designed with the help of AI, MainFrame uses a variable network of grooves, channels, and cavities milled into the backside of the club face on ZipCore XL’s 4i–7i.

“This pattern helps maximize flex at impact for better COR. MainFrame also uses weight pads to position mass low and deep, boosting MOl and optimizing the Center of Gravity for more forgiveness.

“In 8i–SW lofts, ZipCore replaces heavy steel in the hosel and heel with an extremely lightweight yet strong, vibration dampening material.

“This sets the Center of Gravity right where you strike the ball, giving you more consistent launch, spin, and distance.

“Coupled with our XL Head Design, ZipCore delivers an abundance of high/low and heel/toe MOl for increased forgiveness, feel, and control.

“Our XL Head Design features a large, cavity back profile with enhanced shaping and weighting throughout the entire lineup.

“Thanks to the additional weight savings from ZipCore and MainFrame, we reallocated this weight to the perimeter of the clubhead, upping the MOl for incredible forgiveness.”