Cleveland Launcher HB

£279 www.clevelandgolf.co.uk ◆ Lofts: 9° / 10.5° / 12° ◆ Shafts: Miyazaki C (High balance point)

◆ Adjustable hosel: No

TECH: Cleveland say that by freeing up mass, which is usually taken up by adjustable hosels and weight tracks, they create a longer, more forgiving driver. Flex fins direct more energy to the ball, a cup face preserves speed on off centre hits and a Hibore crown promotes a high launch and low spin.

WE SAY: It’s incredible to think the £279 Launcher is one of the least expensive drivers from a major brand in 2018. The price point is due in part to a complete lack of adjustability. But the tech behind the Launcher is sound; removing adjustability frees up weight which can be positioned to better influence forgiveness and spin. With all that in mind it’s impressive that Cleveland’s engineers have got the Launcher to perform admirably for all three testers. Our test pro generated his single fastest ball speed (159mph, tied with Rogue, Rogue Sub Zero and the Ping G400), while both Simon and Chris were above their test average carry distance using the Launcher. It sounds great, too.

TOP GEAR VERDICT

The Cleveland just about held its own for all three testers without fitting – that’s impressive. The shaft feels pretty long (probably because it’s white towards the tip) and because the lofts are true the Launcher looks a bit daunting at address. But if you’re not worried about being fitted, you could spend a lot more and get a worse performing driver.