Cleveland HiBore XLS vs. Nike SQ Sumo 5000

[Golfaway]

Which should I get??

[deronsizemore]

Which ever one you like the best? It's that easy...

[WhiteSlice]

i think you should get the hibore. its really light and i loved it when i demoed it.

[Golfaway]

I'm not in a position where I can try both drivers, so I will have to take your opinions.

[upah]

I'd buy both and return/sell the one you don't like. It's tough to commit to a club you've never hit before....

[FL Golf]

Which ever one you like the best? It's that easy...

Agreed. The one you like best. I personally have the hibore and love the look at address. Never personally cared for the sound of the Nike.

[Bump-n-MI]

My $0.02. Both are fantastic. The XLS seems to have a much more lively head and better sound but the Sumo seems a tad more forgiving. If I were choosing between the two I'd give up a few yards and get the Sumo.


BTW: Not everybody has the ability to demo clubs. Opinions are just that, opinions. But an opinion may offer some insight and guidance when a person has nothing else to go on. I've purchased several clubs based on opinions/reviews and have been very pleased (in fact I bought my hybrid based on how much my pro liked his and from the reviews I read online). Seems like every time there is a club related question the responses are "try them first" or "get whatever you like better" or "get fitted" or "it's such a personal thing". Well sure, those are obvious responses but do nothing to help someone make up their mind. Demoing at your local pro-shop and how the club performs in the real world can be completely different. If you have experience with a particular club that someone is inquiring about why not post your observations and opinions? I bought all of my clubs for a reason…because I liked them more then another brand. I'm more then willing to share my experiences with the clubs I game along with any others that I have demo'd.

[bradcorn]

when I hit the hibore i hated it.

love my nike driver though

[madcityscott]

I love my HiBore XLS but my ears are still ringing from hitting it at the range on Friday.

If you have a chance, demo all the different head/shaft combos you can (9 degree vs 10.5, regular head vs draw, yellow shaft vs red, etc.)

[walfice]

I have the SQ sumo 4950 (the model prior to the 5000). I recently bought a cleveland launcher to replace it (not the same as the Hibore I know but just giving you my experience) and I just couldn't get used to the launcher. It was no longer or straighter and I had trouble slicing it (not a problem I usually have) so I sold it on. Both are great clubs but I would go for the Nike, it is a great driver imo.

[Sherlockian]

I have to say the HiBore XLS. I see no way that this club will leave my bag for a very long time. Just to be sure, I bought it's twin; 10.5* with Aldila NV 65R. I struggled with the driver for a very long time, and after demoing several(Nike included), the XLS was the only one that worked for me. But everyone has their favorites and preferences, I suggest trying to demo all the clubs you are interested in. If you don't have a local golf shop that allows demos, there are several online demo sites that allow you to demo for a small fee(then apply that fee, I you make a purchase from them).

[ymerej1881]

I have the original hibore and I love it. I demo most drivers when they come out and I haven't found one worth replacing it (except for maybe a new hibore).

One of the things I like most about it is the ability to tee the ball lower. The "reverse cone technology" supposedly lowers the center of gravity over other drivers. Lowering the tee saves me from buying the huge ones and also helps a lot on windy days. I also haven't found a driver that I can hit farther, but that may just be me.

[uttexas]

These drivers have very different characteristics. Hit them both on a launch monitor. The older Sumos (not sure about the new one) promote a low, penetrating ball flight. The HiBore encourages a higher launch angle with lots of carry.

[ControlJunkie]

I was playing the Sumo 5000 prior to my Dymo. I cant speak for the Cleveland, as I've never considered gaming anything made by them (will explain, gimme a sec.). I really like my Sumo, so much that I'm not getting rid of it, and I'm going to keep it for a backup to the Dymo. It always performed really well for me, and I really liked the penetrating ball flight that it produced. I found it to be pretty forgiving on off center shots as well. I definitely recommend it. Shaft selection is key though.

Now, as to my comment on never considering Cleveland, to put it as nicely as possible, I'm not a fan of Boo and all the camo garbage, so I choose not to have any sort of association with his big sponsor. If Nike signed him, I'd have some serious decisions to think about!

I know it's stupid and superficial, and I know I'm missing out on some good products. A good friend of mine swears by their wedges. It's just a personal choice I make, that's all. I know that they put out good stuff, as all manufacturers do, so please dont let my refusal to play them influence you!

[alpinejwl]

i have the xls driver before I switched to the cobra. Be sure to find whether you want the red shaft or the gold shaft. (red is tour and the stiff is quite stiff). Also the driver is a bit harder to hit than the Nike (as i have tried out in the range).

Overall, I think the xls will get you longer, with more control, the nike is easier to hit, but you can't do much with it other than hitting it straight.

just my $.02