Anyone gone from Cleveland HiBore to HiBore XLS? Impressions?

[ninjadriver]

I just recently had my Titleist 975J-VS 8.5 develop a crack in the face. I used to hit that driver an easy 270-300 yds and was very confident off the tee with it. To replace it I picked up a used Cleveland HiBore 8.5 which was recommended to me based on my launch monitor stats (HS111mph/ BS149.4mph/ 16.7degrees/ backspin2180) The shaft is a standard S for Japan. No X shafts were available.

Having used the Cleveland for the first time last weekend I was relatively pleased but had some issues with too much draw, which a couple of times became a push to the right, with a couple of O.B's.

My question is for anyone who has gone from the regular HiBore to the newer XLS, which I can get here, discounted, for ¥27,000. What improvements did you find in terms of being easier to hit, control etc. There is a 'tour' model with a 2 degree open face which looks interesting, considering my natural strike is a draw.

I like the look of the Clevelands these days, including the hybrids, and will probably get one of those to replace a 4/5 iron.

Thanks a lot for replying to a newbie with a renewed passion for the game. I just wish putting wasn't involved. That's a whole other story

[aussiemizunoboy]

I can't comment on the Xl but when i was down at my local driving range for a bucket i had a hit of the new Xls fairways and was very impressed. I bought the 3,5,7 and 25 deg hybrid. Was not in the market for any new ones but they had just started to stock the brand and had demo's to hit. Iam just a mug but i found them very easy to hit and forgiving.

[obsessedgolfer]

I tried my friends hibore xl it is a good feeling driver but very inconsistant, Why dont you order an after market shaft and put it on your Hibore driver, a UST Proforce (the yellow and black one) usally straitens out hooks.

[ninjadriver]

Thanks for the replies folks.

I played again this weekend with the HiBore, and my game was totally off. I was pushing it out to the right every other drive. Very frustrating, but I don't think it was the club, just a lazy lower half. My legs hardly moved on those shots. I'm going to persevere with the Cleveland, at least until the end of the season, and see if I can't work on my flexibility at the gym.

Cheers.

[Fourputt]

I tried my friends hibore xl it is a good feeling driver but very inconsistant, Why dont you order an after market shaft and put it on your Hibore driver, a UST Proforce (the yellow and black one) usally straitens out hooks.

Not sure about the straightening out hooks part, but that UST V2 is a really nice shaft. I just replaced the stock shaft in my Mizuno MX 560 with a 65 gm ProForce V2, and I love it. Highly recommended.