Testing Grounds:Cleveland HiBore XLS
Cleveland’s tweaks to the XLS hybrid have real benefits, both in performance and appearance
Cleveland Golf made some tweaks to its HiBore line from the XL to the new XLS. The hybrids saw several changes: higher moment of inertia, more offset and a more-rounded toe shape that seems to be gaining favor among hybrids. The result is a club that’s an even more attractive replacement for long irons, even among low handicappers.
“I dropped my 2-iron long ago,” says a 2. “After
hitting this, I don’t see why I shouldn’t lose the 3-iron as well.” Even the
offset, which helps get the ball in the air and is usually a minus for good
players, wasn’t a negative. Says a 6: “They say there’s more offset, but it was
difficult to tell. The club sets up pretty square to my eye.” MSRP: $199 (five lofts, 16–28 degrees)
