CLEVELAND HI-BORE XL
With Max driver models taking over from game improvement drivers, Cleveland correct course with their new Hi-Bore XL driver.
It’s an unashamed game improvement driver targeted at the casual golfer. So, if your chief concern is to get the ball off the tee with minimal effort and a decent level of consistency, the Cleveland Hi-Bore XL should be on your radar.
What’s new?
The Cleveland Hi-Bore XL driver’s triangular head shape and gigantic face set it apart from every other driver in 2025.
The driver’s head tapers to a sharp point at its rearmost extremity to shift weight low and deep in the head, improving launch and forgiveness (Hi-Bore refers to the driver's high-launching ball flight that bores through the air). The driver face is also 19 per cent larger than the one seen on its predecessor — the Cleveland Launcher XL2 driver
The Cleveland Hi-Bore XL driver face also features a more efficient version of Cleveland’s MainFrame technology, which is the driver’s variable thickness face design. A larger sweet spot offers significant ball speed and distance gains, particularly for strikes outside the centre.
Meanwhile, an ActivWing aerodynamic enhancer appears on the crown of the Hi-Bore XL. Its purpose is to redirect airflow to deliver more consistency at impact and tighten up downrange dispersion.
Models
Cleveland Hi-Bore XL: unashamed game improvement driver with enough forgiveness and distance to help casual golfers improve off the tee.
Cleveland Hi-Bore XL Lite: a lighter chassis and lightweight shaft helps boost clubhead speed while a slight draw bias straightens up a slice.
The inside word
If you can ignore the Dorito-shaped head, the Cleveland Hi-Bore XL is a simple, no-nonsense solution off the tee. If you’re the kind of golfer who doesn’t obsess about their swing but wants to enjoy the game, choosing the Hi-Bore XL driver is an easy decision.