Over the last few years, Cleveland have become known for producing some of the best-quality game improvement gear on the market, with the Launcher XL, CBX and Halo XL ranges all aimed at making life easier for golfers out on the course.
They have added two more game-improvement options in 2024, with the introduction of the ZipCore XL and Halo XL Full-Face irons.
Cleveland say that both of these iron sets combine forgiving long irons with precision short irons, to provide optimal performance where it is needed most.
Each iron uses Cleveland's MainFrame technology. In the Halo XL Full-Face irons, this comes in the form of a variable thickness face pattern which maximises flex at impact for better COR, as well as using weight pads to move the mass lower and deeper in the head to raise forgiveness.
On the longer (4-7) ZipCore XL irons, MainFrame is used as a network of grooves, channels and cavities which are milled into the back of the clubface to raise COI, along with weight pads which increase MOI.
"We designed these irons with the intent to let the clubs do all the hard work, with optimised tech features like our XL head designs and MainFrame to ensure maximum forgiveness."
"Our goal was easy. We wanted golfers to see better results on the course with products made specifically for their needs. They're going to see better distance, consistent spin, with exceptional feel no matter the iron they choose."
Joe Miller, European Product Manager, Cleveland Golf Europe.
Cleveland ZipCore XL Irons
The ZipCore XL irons feature two key features in ZipCore and HydraZip technologies. Included in an iron for the firs time, the short irons (8-PW) feature a unique low-density core which positions the CG directly where the ball is likely to be struck, promoting more consistency in launch, spin and distance.
HydraZip technology helps to balance spin on each club, with a blast finish which varies throughout the set. This allows the long irons to be maximised for distance and consistency, while the shorter irons boost spin and control. The irons also feature loft-specific grooves, to optimise spin performance.
The ZipCore XL irons are designed with Cleveland's V-shaped sole, providing increased bounce on the leading edge to help maintain club head speed at impact to improve strike. Trailing edge relief on the back end is said to offer more workability and shot shaping.
Halo XL Full-Face Irons
The new Halo XL Full-Face irons feature an XL head design, with the hybrid-iron profile moving more weight away from the centre of the clubhead to produce more forgiveness, a high-launching flight and straighter shots.
As the name suggests, Cleveland have managed to introduce full-face grooves to their irons for the first time, which is said to give golfers consistent spin performance regardless of where the ball is struck.
The irons now have a 20% bigger impact area compared to the previous Halo model, making it a more forgiving option, while the HydraZip works alongside the Full Face grooves to maintain consistent spin levels in all conditions.
Cleveland have added a new two-groove alignment system at the bottom of the face which aims to keep it square and centred behind the ball at address to encourage more accuracy. The lower bottom groove promotions ball position alignment, while the second groove helps align the head to the target.
There's also a new three-sole system, which is designed to fit long, mid and short iron swings.
The long irons feature GlideRail to improve turf interation and promote solid contact, and the mid-irons include a V-Shaped sole to cut through the turf for cleaner contact.
in the short irons and wedges, there's a three-tiered sole which provides added forgiveness on pitches, chips and bunker shots.
The irons also feature Action Mass CB, with an 8g counterweight added inside the shaft at the top of the grip to encourage a more balanced swing.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL and Halo XL Full-Face are both available at retail from 17th February, at the following prices:
ZipCore XL Irons: 6-PW Graphite: £699, 5-PW Steel: £719.
Halo XL Full-Face Irons: 6-PW Graphite: £699, 5-PW Steel: £719.
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