Cleveland Golf has revived the HiBore XL name, bringing back a classic in a modern package. The original HiBore drivers were known for their unique crown design and deep center of gravity which helped golfers launch the ball higher and straighter. The new HiBore XL aims to build on that legacy, incorporating modern materials and technology to improve forgiveness, speed and consistency.
To see if this driver lives up to its heritage, four MyGolfSpy Forum testers—Daddyawn, Bogey Train Conductor, Quadabaum, and Scubahoops—put the HiBore XL through its paces. They evaluated its looks, feel, performance, forgiveness, distance and overall playability.
Key highlights
High launch with ideal spin rates helped most increase carry distance.
Unique crown design improves stability and forgiveness versus prior gamers.
Large sweet spot provides consistency on off-center hits.
Solid, muted sound at impact should appeal to many players.
Forgiveness makes it a strong option for mid- to high-handicappers.
First impressions and aesthetics
The testers had mixed reactions to the look of the HiBore XL as its unique design makes it stand out from more traditional drivers. The triangular crown and deep face give it a bold appearance that some testers didn’t mind while others needed time to adjust.
Daddyawn noted that the driver’s design was distinctive but took some getting used to:
“The HiBore XL definitely has a different look compared to most modern drivers. It sits well behind the ball, but the crown design is something that might take time to appreciate.”
Bogey Train Conductor felt that the driver looked confidence-inspiring at address:
“It has a large footprint that makes it easy to feel like you can’t miss. It gives off a sense of stability, which is a good thing for a driver built on forgiveness.”
Quadabaum appreciated the clean, simple branding:
“Cleveland didn’t go over the top with the graphics, and I like that. It has a no-nonsense look to it, which is refreshing in a market full of flashy designs.”
Scubahoops, however, was not a huge fan of the aesthetic:
“It’s not the best-looking driver out there. Functionally, it performs well, but it’s not going to win any beauty contests in my opinion.”
Distance and forgiveness
The HiBore XL was designed with forgiveness as a priority and testers found it delivered on that promise. Off-center strikes maintained impressive ball speed and the deep center of gravity helped promote higher launch angles.
Daddyawn was impressed with how well the driver performed on mishits:
“Even on my worst swings, the ball still got out there. I was expecting more punishment on toe and heel strikes, but this driver really smooths out the misses.”
Bogey Train Conductor found the high launch added carry distance:
“My ball flight was noticeably higher, but it wasn’t ballooning. The extra height translated into more carry yards, which is always a plus.”
Quadabaum noted the driver did a good job keeping shots in play:
“I tend to have a slight fade, and this driver kept me from overdoing it. My worst misses weren’t as bad as they usually are, which helped me find more fairways.”
Scubahoops appreciated the forgiveness but found it sacrificed a little workability:
“It’s great if you want to hit it straight, but if you like shaping shots, you might have to adjust your approach. This driver really wants to keep the ball on a neutral flight path.”
Feel and sound
A driver’s feel and sound are often subjective but testers generally liked the muted sound at impact. Many modern drivers have a louder, metallic sound but the HiBore XL offers a solid, slightly subdued tone.
Daddyawn felt the driver had a satisfying feel at impact:
“It feels really solid when you hit the sweet spot. There’s a nice blend of feedback and stability.”
Bogey Train Conductor liked the sound, finding it less harsh than other drivers he has tested:
“It’s not obnoxiously loud like some drivers out there. It has a lower-pitched sound that feels controlled and well-balanced.”
Quadabaum found the feedback was good without being too harsh:
“You can definitely tell when you’ve hit it well, but mishits aren’t punishing. It’s a forgiving club, but it still gives you enough feel to know what’s going on.”
Scubahoops, while happy with the performance, wasn’t completely sold on the feel:
“It’s not bad, but I wouldn’t call it the most responsive driver I’ve ever hit. It does its job well, but if you like a driver with a ton of feel, this might not be the one.”
Playability and shot shaping
The HiBore XL is built for stability but some testers found this made it less maneuverable for shot shaping. Players who like to work the ball in both directions may need to make adjustments to their setup.
Daddyawn found it performed best when hitting straight shots:
“It’s not impossible to work the ball, but it definitely wants to stay on a straight path. If you like to play a natural draw or fade, you might need to exaggerate it a little more.”
Bogey Train Conductor liked how predictable the ball flight was:
“This driver is all about consistency. If you struggle with a big miss, this is the kind of club that can help keep you in play more often.”
Quadabaum noted that while it wasn’t a shot-shaper’s dream, it was a great option for reliable performance:
“If you’re looking for a driver that just goes where you aim it, this one does the job. It’s not the most workable, but for most golfers, that’s a good thing.”
Scubahoops felt the driver leaned more toward a game-improvement profile than a better-player design:
“It’s built for forgiveness, and it delivers. If you’re trying to hit big hooks and slices on purpose, this might not be the best fit, but for hitting fairways, it’s great.”
What they liked
High launch and carry distance made it a strong performer.
Forgiveness kept shots playable even on off-center strikes.
Muted sound and solid feel at impact.
Consistent performance across different swing types.
What they didn’t like
The unique crown design may not appeal to everyone.
Not the best option for golfers who prefer to shape shots.
Some testers found the feel less responsive than other drivers.
Conclusion: A forgiving driver with strong performance
The Cleveland HiBore XL delivers on its promise of forgiveness and playability. It’s a driver that helps keep shots online, boosts carry distance and provides a solid, muted feel at impact. While it may not be the best choice for players looking to shape shots, it excels in stability and consistency.
For golfers looking for a driver that takes the stress out of tee shots and keeps the ball in play, the HiBore XL is a strong contender. It brings the HiBore legacy into the modern era while maintaining the playability that made the original model so popular.
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FAQ
Is the HiBore XL good for high handicappers?
Yes, its forgiveness and high launch characteristics make it a great choice for mid- to high-handicappers who struggle with consistency off the tee.
Does the unique crown design impact performance?
While it looks different from traditional drivers, the sloped and triangular crown helps lower the center of gravity, improving launch conditions and stability.
How does the HiBore XL compare to other Cleveland drivers?
Compared to Cleveland’s previous drivers, the HiBore XL emphasizes launch and forgiveness rather than workability or adjustability.
The post Forum Member Review: Cleveland HiBore XL Drivers appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
