Re: Reviews Of The Cleveland Classic Driver
Tacio Allaire
Building the perfect driver was a long way off (and still is), but Jertson was excited where Ping had landed with the G30. When it was released, the driver was a powerful testament to his vision. Its rear-CG design created great distance on good and bad shots, and it was also a very straight driver. The G30 sold incredibly well and, as a result, the industry mostly shifted away from forward-CG drivers.
One way to explain the improved launch conditions is that I hit the G400 drivers more consistently. As you can see in the Trackman dispersion chart, I hit the G400 and G400 LST drivers straighter on average than the G and G LST. Is that its slightly enhanced forgiveness shining through? Maybe, maybe not.
Since then drivers have evolved into giant metal headed fully adjustable canons with graphite shafts in a million different varieties and sweet spots as big as grapefruits. For 2012, Cleveland brings that old school looking driver back paired with new school performance.
The look of the Cleveland launcher HB might be my favorite looking driver in the last 4 of 5 years. The gold sole plate, mahogany paint, classic shape and deep face create a stunning look. It reminds me a giant persimmon driver, which harkens me back to those early years of playing golf.
This combo is also topped with a classic barrel style headcover. The overall package looks old school, yet the on course performance says 2012 all the way. The only knock that some might say is that it is not adjustable; weight or face angle, but once you hit one, you could care less about adjustment, other than using shorter irons coming into the greens.
Can anyone share some opinions on these drivers I have seen pictures of them and I think they are cool as heck I have not demoed one of them yet but i would like some opinions on them and any info you can share with me. I know what retail prices are on them but I have seen a lot on E Bay for sale cheap. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated
I hit a whole bunch of drivers for a few hours a few weeks ago, and I would take a Cleveland 310 over pretty much anything. It was the longest and most controllable driver and it felt great. The Titleist 910 d3 was probably equally as controllable and felt great as well, but the Cleveland was a little longer. I hit Adams, Taylormade (r11 and rbz), Cobra, Titleist, and Cleveland... Hands down, I'd take the Cleveland 310 over the others, with the 910 D3 a close second.
Im looking to replace my MX-560 with a Cleveland Classic driver this winter and I think Im probably going with the 270. No reason other than it should give me the highest clubhead speed and the most distance.
I was perfectly happy with my 560 until a couple weeks ago I played golf with some coworkers and they let me try out their new drivers (TM R11S, Cleveland Classic, Cally RAZR) and yeah, long story short it showed me that my 560 isnt the best available technology anymore.
And I'll tell ya another great driver is the Cally Octane Tour. Beautiful 445cc head & the face is HOT. It replaced the D3 in my rotation. I know it's not adjustable & it's last year's model, though I think that it's as good as any and better than most that are out there. And ya can pick it up for a song & a dance.
And seriously, try the CG Black in stiff. 165 grams. If you like the lightweight feel, there is no harm in giving it a few swings. I know it doesn't look as 'classic'- but in the battle of lightweight clubs the CG Black is an absolute killer.
If you are of a certain vintage that played with wooden woods, you will get the concept of the Cleveland Classic driver right away. The brown and gold colour scheme takes you back and it is very refreshing to see a driver that is not black or white.
There are 2 options for club weight with the 290 version having a standard length shaft which will be the one for better players. There is also a 270 version that is 20 grams lighter and has an inch longer 45 gram shaft. The face on the Cleveland Classic 270 driver sits square at address than the 290 which was a little closed.
Used one now for 12 months. I am longer, straighter and more consistent. Will be playing a lot of links courses over the winter so have bought another one (this time 12 deg) and have had it made the length of my three wood so should give me even more control in the wind. Definitely one of the best drivers you can buy.
Thereare many similarities but also a few significant differences betweenthe Tour model and the other two Cleveland Classic drivers. For example,the Tour version has a 440-cc head instead of 460. And, at 310 grams,the total weight of the Tour model is slightly heavier. The face of theTour model is slightly open while the other two models have neutral faceangles. And of course the shafts and available lofts are different.
I must admit that I am a sucker for classics. For example, I love the new Arnie Wear line of Classic clothes. With that said, I do kind of agree with Matt that some things are better left in the past-like the PT Cruiser perhaps?
It certainly makes me laugh when I see so many wxrs on here using 9.5 and 9.0 driver heads when they dont have a clue that 10.5 and up is really what they should be gaiming, but there too embarresed to use a club with 10.5 written on it. They dont know that every good player would use 10.5 if they knew it would help there game, but these wrxers think there too good fr it, tells me they must be hacks. food fr thought.
Was looking for that miracle driver that would cure all my mistakes off the tee. Unfortunately, that driver does not yet exist. But, the Classic 290 is a great driver that is working very well for me. When the Classic was new, I was intrigued by the look - a bit retro. I purchased the head only and then fitted it with a Grafalloy ProLaunch Red shaft and it has been a fantastic driver. The ball flight is medium. Feel and sound at contact are great - somewhat soft and muted yet powerful at the same time. No adjustments have been needed to dial it in, just make a good swing and the results are more than what is deserved.
I had tried a friends launcher with the same shaft ( Miyazaki 43s) and liked the way it felt, so when I saw this driver on ebay I took the plunge. I must say I am enjoying it. Did I hit it past the green on the longest par fives?, did I gain fifty yards out of the box ?, NO! What I did do was hit it about as far as my titleist 905s and found the fairway a little more often, as I was able to ease up a little and still hit it well ( unlike the titleist ). I also liked the fact that my elbows didn't hurt after my round, I guess lighter really is better.Needless to say I bought the three and five to go with it. If you are getting older like me with all the accompanying aches and pains from years of golfing abuse this may be the club for you
Cleveland Golf/Srixon made a splash last season with the Z-Star golf balls, the new XL, SL & TL series drivers (which I think are the most underrated on the market) and the re-birth of Never Compromise as a premium putter brand. Not resting on their laurels, they reintroduced one of the most popular wedges of all time in the 588 series, and this time around they are forged. Coming in 2012 is a new line of 588 forged irons in both a cavity back and blade model, and a complete line of Mashie fairway woods, hybrids and irons for the mid to high handicap players. There is also a fantastic new golf ball called the Srixon Q-Star. But the most exciting new product introduction for Cleveland in 2012 are the new Classic drivers.
ITG: What was the origin of the design and the retro theme of the Classic driver?
NR: The design of the Classic driver was inspired by our heritage and history in creating persimmon woods decades ago. Cleveland is one of the few remaining OEMs that originally produced a Tour quality persimmon wood.
ITG: Is the driver a one piece construction, or several pieces welded together?
NR: The driver is created from several pcs using multiple, and carefully selected titanium alloys.
Cleveland Golf keeps coming up with great clubs, and the Classic driver is no exception. I thought the Launcher XL, SL and TL series drivers were as good as anything on the market, but with the Classic driver they have managed to make a uniquely styled, high performance driver that separates itself from the pack. Not only that, but its price point is better than most of the clubs it competes with. This driver is going to make a big splash in the marketplace, and in my opinion it is worth a demo for everyone serious about their game!
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