Which one- Cleveland Hibore XLS or TM Burner

[Sherlockian]

I am going to breakdown and get a new driver(or new to me). I will seriously attempt(diligence and practice) the long graphite shaft, 460cc, loud driver thing to test the results. I made my spending limit $200 and have narrowed my choices down to these two last year clubs: Cleveland Hibore XLS or TM Burner. I hit them both on a monitor tonight and liked the feel and sound(D**n the Hibore is loud, but cool). The monitor numbers were very similar and neither stood out as the leader. The only noticeable difference between the two was the TMs long/light shaft. The monitor distances were around 7-10 yards longer. This is my concern with the TM. My hearing is the concern with the Cleveland . I have been using a 44" 114 gram steel shaft for a few months, but want to try something different. I won't be taking the club to the course until I figure it out on the range or give up. So give me some advice or preference between these two clubs. Oh yeah, I tried several other brands and models, but these are my choices.

[B.A.]

The only thing I would say initially is that the Hibore may be going the way of the buffalo since the Launcher has been reintroduced, however that may not prove to be true. Having a driver that "looks like everyone elses" may not be at all important to you, but on the off chance that it is, I'd recommend the Burner.

[PiKapp23]

Personally, I have always preferred Taylor Made drivers. I just do not like the look of the HiBore XLS (or any of the Cleveland HiBore clubs for that matter). The only problem I've heard with the newer TM Burners is that the shaft is longer, thus leading to less accuracy typically.

[Sherlockian]

  PiKapp23 said:

The only problem I've heard with the newer TM Burners is that the shaft is longer, thus leading to less accuracy typically.

That is really the only concern that I have with the TM. I went to the shorter steel shaft for accuracy and to help me get my swing back. My swing and tempo are now more consistent and I want to try a "normal" driver and shaft again. Kinda of an experiment for more distance. I've even considered the Draw version of the Burner. The loudness of the Cleveland and my hearing was semi-joking, but it is loud and my hearing is already diminished. I have never owned a Taylormade product(actually was a Callaway only guy until recently), and would like to give TM a try.

[RocketSauce]

ive hit them both recently and dont think you could go wrong with either one. however, i did prefer the Burner. i actually did not like last years Burner, but i love this years. it just feels hotter off the face and a lil more forgiving than last years Burner. but either one is good

[Dpricenator]

I have the Hibore XLS 10.5* With the gold Fugikura Shaft (kind of whippy). I think the Red shaft (stiffer) would have been better, but I got it for $50 on Craigslist, so beggars can't be choosers. Anyway, you are right about the sound it makes. Everyone stops to look at the range. Too bad only half of mine go straight. If you go Hibore, be sure to test the red shaft. It sound you'll like the stiffer shaft.

[PiustheDrGolf]

I've used TaylorMade drivers for years and YES it is favorite. BUT.. I just bought Cleveland XLS for my dad and he loves it more than TM Burner for 2 reasons: Easy to hit and launch. Distance got shorten by +/- 10 yards but more fairway.

[RocketSauce]

  PiustheDrGolf said:

I've used TaylorMade drivers for years and YES it is favorite. BUT.. I just bought Cleveland XLS for my dad and he loves it more than TM Burner for 2 reasons: Easy to hit and launch. Distance got shorten by +/- 10 yards but more fairway.

are you comparing it against the 2009 Burner? theres a big difference between the '08 and '09 Burner imo in terms of feel, forgivness, and length.

[Sherlockian]

Thanks for all of the advice, it has been well received. Today, while out and about, my wife mentioned a golf shop that her Dad used to go to. We found it and wow, great shop. The owner has a good selection of rental demos at great prices. I rented a Hibore XLS, Burner and Draw, Hyper X, and Sumo 5000(all with regular flex factory shafts). Thought I would give a wink at Cally and Nike, while I was at it. I'll be spending a quite few hours at the range the next couple of days. I am leaning toward the Hibore(I think I'm Boo with this thing), but will give each a shot or two. The cool thing about the shop, he will match Edwin Watt's and Dick's prices, and if I purchase from him. He will apply the rental fee to the purchase. Great way to get some business.

[Sherlockian]

I ended up buying the Cleveland Hibore XLS 10.5* with the Fuji Red regular flex. I was more consistent with it than the others. The TM gave me a little more distance, but I could get into spraying easily. It will be a little while before it goes in the bag, still need some more range time with it. Thanks for all of the advice, it was greatly appreciated.

Oh yeah, I hated the Hyper X, the most inconsistent driver I have ever hit. I think it was the shaft, marked regular but seemed more like a light or senior.

[Dpricenator]

My 10.5 XLS gold shaft and i just clicked yesterday. Like everything came together all at once. I'm still new and would be happy with 200 and semi straight. I was hitting 220 dead center, all night at the range. It seems I was placing the ball too far forward in my stance, and on the course i will need to tee up a bit higher. Man I love the sound it makes.

[Sherlockian]

Yeah at first I thought I would not be able to handle how loud the XLS was, but now I like it.

[Caddyshack]

  Sherlockian said:

Yeah at first I thought I would not be able to handle how loud the XLS was, but now I like it.

Yeh you got to love it when everyone turns around and looks the first time you hit an XLS at the range, especially the covered ones it just makes it so much louder.

[Dpricenator]

  Caddyshack said:

Yeh you got to love it when everyone turns around and looks the first time you hit an XLS at the range, especially the covered ones it just makes it so much louder.

LOL yeah the guy in the stall next to me at lunch about jumped out of his skin. He was concentrating really hard on every swing, and every ball. Then I showed up and nodded hello. I warmed up with a couple iron swings, then CRACK!!!!! I scared the poop out that guy.

[Sherlockian]

I hate to bother people working at the range, but I gotta try that. I think I'll keep the XLS in the car and pay attention when I pass the driving each day. If I see "Mr. Golf Authority, Tour Pro Dressed Dude, or Sir I Usually Hit It 350", I'll pull in and get right next to them on the tees.