Club Test 2011: Cleveland Golf Launcher FL Fairway Woods

From Golf Magazine (May 2011)
Category: Fairway Woods
We tested: 13°, 15° and 17° with Miyazaki C. Kua 43 graphite shaft

Key Technologies: The lighter shaft and grip contribute to a lighter club (30 grams less than previous models), which results in more ball speed (up to 3 mph) and distance (7 to 10 yards). The 3-wood comes in low (13°), mid (15°) or high (17°) trajectory options, allowing you to dial up your preferred ball flight.

OUR TESTERS SAY: These lightweight woods are easy to swing, easy to launch and easy to look at.

PROS
PLAYABILITY: Lightweight club makes shaping shots simple; a trio of 3-wood options means a wide range of players can find a friendly FL; testers have success from rough.

ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Heel and toe shots hold up well and don't lose much in terms of direction.

DISTANCE: Strong performers on the launch monitor; many testers get a distance boost on center hits; better-than- average length on off-center hits.

FEEL: Lightweight shaft is sturdy enough for most guys; head remains stable on all but the worst off-center hits.

LOOK: Familiar Cleveland appearance with silver, black and gold combo; testers are confident looking down at the low-profile head with large face.

CONS
Extra-light shaft may be too light for faster, more aggressive swingers; overall lightness could make it a difficult companion for a standard-weight driver.

From Sports Illustrated Golf+ (February 7, 2011)
Cleveland engineers worked with peers at Miyazaki shafts and Lamkin grips to remove 30 grams of weight from the shaft and grip. The lighter club produces faster head speed, more ball speed and longer carry.

From Golf Magazine (January 2011)
Launcher FL is one of the fleetest woods on the market. It weighs 31 grams less than the Launcher DST due to a 43-gram shaft (by Miyazaki) and a 36-gram grip. According to the company, the lighter, faster FL should help you gain up to 3 mph head speed (which translates to 7-10 yards). Cleveland continues its tradition of offering three 3-wood lofts (13°, 15° and 17°), so you can preselect your desired ball flight.

$199, graphite

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