Cleveland Golf has a slew of new products ready for debut in 2006, including a newfangled driver and multiple sets of irons. Here's a rundown on what we'll see from Cleveland in 2006:
Hi-Bore Driver
The Cleveland Hi-Bore driver (pictured at right) doesn't look "normal." Rather than the usual slightly domed crown, the top of the Hi-Bore Driver is scooped. The body extends far back from the face, and the sole appears larger than those of most other high-volume drivers.
This is what Cleveland has named "Distance Driven Geometry." This approach, according to Cleveland, results in a very deep center of gravity, and one that is perfectly aligned with the center of the clubface, producing a higher launch with lower spin.
According to Cleveland, the CG of most drivers is higher on the clubface, requiring golfers to contact the ball not with the center of the clubface, but higher up to gain maximum benefits. The Hi-Bore driver, the company says, is geared to keep everything in the center of the clubface.
The company claims the Hi-Bore Driver is the longest, straightest driver they've ever tested. The driver has a conventional profile and a satin finish. It will be available beginning March 25, 2006, with an MSRP of $498.
W-Series Woods
W-Series is the branding for Cleveland's woods and irons geared specifically to women golfers. What Cleveland is doing this year is expanding its W-Series lineup with new offerings: the W-Series Launcher Ti460 driver and Launcher steel fairway woods. Both feature Cleveland's "Thin Crown Technology" which repositions 15-percent of the clubhead's weight from the crown to spots lower and deeper within the head. This lowers the center of gravity, helping golfers achieve a better launch.
The W-Series Launcher Ti460 driver is available in lofts of 12 and 14 degrees with an MSRP of $315. The Launcher Steel fairway woods are available in lofts of 17, 19, 22 and 25 degrees, with an MSRP of $249. The new W-Series clubs begin shipping on Feb. 15.
Iron Sets
The three big releases from Cleveland in the irons category are the CG4 Tour irons, Launcher LP irons, and CG1 Black Pearl irons.
• CG4 Tour Irons: The CG4 Tour irons have a shorter blade length than the original CG4 irons for a more compact head. This set also offers progressive offset with a thin topline. The set will be available beginning Feb. 15 with an MSRP of $864 with steel shafts and $1,129 with graphite shafts.
• Launcher LP Irons: An update to the original Launcher set, these irons get their name (LP) from their lower profile. They offer high MOI and a deep center of gravity, plus additional offset to promote a square clubface at impact. The 7-piece set is available with steel shafts only; the MSRP is $504. They begin shipping Feb. 15.
• CG1 Black Pearl Irons: Already in play on the PGA Tour with Vijay Singh, the CG1 Black Pearl Irons become Cleveland's flagship blades. With CNC-milled face and grooves, and a multi-layer micro-coating that reduces glare, these irons offer a softer feel with trajectory and control geared to low-handicappers. This set will be available April 1 with an MSRP of $1,155 with steel shafts and $1,420 with graphite shafts.
588 DSG Wedge
This is the latest addition to the Tour Action 588 series of
wedges from Cleveland. The new 588 DSG features a Dynamic
Sole Grind that allows the leading edge to remain closer to the ground when opening the clubface at address. It's made from 8620 soft carbon steel with CNC-milled face and groves. The 588 DSG Wedge will be available beginning March 1 with an MSRP of $133 with steel shaft and $157 with graphite shaft.
"Designed By" Putters
Sticking with traditional putter shapes, the new "Designed By" models are a replica of a 1905 Calamity Jane, and one based on a 1948, center-shafted true blade. While the shapes are classic, the production is modern, with CNC milling and Cleveland's proprietary CMM metal - but they do have genuine leather grips. Both models go on sale March 1 with an MSRP of $165.
For more on Cleveland Golf, visit the company's website at www.clevelandgolf.com.
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