50 Words or Less
Half cavity back and half utility-hollow, the Cleveland Launcher UHX is a combo set that offers precision with the short irons and forgiveness with the long irons. Aesthetically well executed progression.
Introduction
It’s becoming more common these days for golfers to have a mixed set of irons, subbing in more forgiving models in the lower lofted range. Cleveland Golf takes the concept full circle with a complete combo set, the Launcher UHX, which incorporates a utility-hollow design in the 4 – 7 irons and cavity back designs in 8 – wedge.
Looks
One nice thing a complete set offers that a mix of models doesn’t is a unified look. Not to say that all the Launcher UHX irons look identical, but there is a common aesthetic. In the bag I really like the size, location, and color of both the black iron numbers and red loft numbers. The simple geometric quadrants on the back side encompass a mix of rough casting and polished finishes. While the hollow long irons have solid backs, the short irons have true cavity backs.
At address, the pitching wedge shown above looks very similar to the Cleveland CBX 2 (see that review HERE) and its clean, classic look. Transitioning to the 7 iron, the top line gets a bit thicker and there’s some offset, but overall the club’s size is right in line with most game improvement irons. Working up to the 5 iron, the topline is beefy and the back side is visible.
Sound & Feel
On partial or full shots with the Launcher UHX wedge the sound was crisp, somewhere between a ‘tock’ and a ‘tick’ –a ‘tack’ to my ears. There was a fair amount of feedback in my hands, and overall the club was pleasing to hit.
With the hollow body 5 and 7 irons, the sound was a medium volume ‘thwack’. Strikes had a much softer feel than the wedge and there wasn’t much feedback unless contact was on the extreme perimeter of the face. Paired with the Miyazaki C. Kua 60 shaft, all the clubs had nicely balanced weighting throughout the swing.
Performance
Reviewing my field notes, “great turf interaction” was a common trait for all the irons. I had seen V shaped soles in Srixon irons over the years, and, hitting the Cleveland Launcher UHX irons, I can now fully appreciate the design benefits. Even coming in a tad heavy, the club head released from the turf, retaining momentum.
Although all the irons feature Cleveland Golf’s laser milled Tour Zip Grooves, spin was most noteworthy in the wedge, consistent with the control aspect of the short irons. Also common throughout the set is the high strength steel face that allowed the designers to vary thicknesses to maximize ball speed – even on heel and toe shots.
Both the 5 and 7 irons produced high and straight ball flights. I could work the 7 iron some, but the 5 iron was all about distance. Launching balls was effortless. Paralleling the feel, these irons were very forgiving.
Conclusion
Cleveland Golf did a great job utilizing the proven designs of their other models in developing the Launcher UHX irons. Looks-wise, the seamless progression of cavity backed short irons to utility-hollow long irons is well executed. For the aspiring golfer who can capitalize on scoring precision with shorter irons, but still needs forgiveness on longer shots, the Launcher UHX is definitely worth a hard look.
Cleveland Launcher UHX Irons Price & Specs
- Titleist T350 Irons Review - November 23, 2023
- Sacks Parente Series 91 “The Duke” Putter Review - November 13, 2023
- TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter Review - October 23, 2023
Still happy with my CBX irons. These sure look nice though.
I have p 790 thru 6 iron and needed a 5 iron . I found a uhx 5 iron on second swing with the same shaft as my other irons.
Now I’m looking to get fit for the first time hopefully it will be with the uhx .
I had a combo set of the 588 MT and TT a few years back. They were cannons but the light weight shaft that came stock didn’t fit my swing. Seems like this set would be similar to the 588’s
I don’t see a 3 iron on Cleveland’s web site.
Correct, they start at 4i.
– Meeks
Did you happen to swing the 4 iron in this set? Looking to see how it stacks up as a utility iron. Thanks.
I did not Joe – 5 was the highest. But I have no doubt that the 4 iron would make a great utility iron. I say that tongue in cheek as Cleveland actually markets the 3, 4, and 5 irons as utility irons on their website.
– Meeks
To add a 4 iron, should I go with the regular Miyazaki C Kua 60 shaft that comes with the set, or the UST Recoil 95 shaft that comes when you order the standalone utility?
If you are adding to a set, I’d go with the matching shafts.
– Meeks
Do the utility irons and the normal long irons that come in the set have any differences or do they just market the long irons as available for individual purchase?
I believe they are the same clubs Travis.
– Meeks
I’m interested in the 5 iron but I don’t know if I should get the regular 5 iron or the “utility” 5 iron. The vendors I have looked at have them listed separately and they have different prices for the utility and the other 5i.
Do you know what the difference is if any? Loft & Lie angles are the same as are the shaft lengths.
I am not aware of any differences Alan. I recommend contacting Cleveland Golf via email or social media channels.
– Meeks
Have you heard or seen anything regarding the durability of the club head surface (front & back)?
I bought Ping G400 irons that have gotten nicks & dings since the first round I played them and have continued to show wear. It’s like leaving the dealership in a new car & driving through a hail storm on the way home.
I have not Tom.
– Meeks
Would you put these in the mid to high handicap group. I stink but love playing. Looking for a forgiving club.
Yes I would Steve. If you need extra forgiveness, give the Cleveland Launcher HB a look.
– Meeks
I went to a fitting and hit Calloway, Taylormade, Mizona, Titleist. I was just ready to select the Mizona forged irons, as I hit them really solid every time I hit them. The price was 1000-1400 depending on the shafts I selected. Then the fitter says, wait, I have another one for you to hit. He brought out the Cleveland UHX Launchers (699) and said give these a try. I hit 8 shots solid and as long as the Mizona’s, but actually more accurate. Mind you, I am 68 and have already hit 100 plus balls and looking for a game improvement, but distance was needed and got it, but also accuracy. Oh, I also forgot about the feel of the balance of the clubs, but you need to try them yourselves. Golf clubs are as personal as your clothes, you got to try them on, but these are worth the look.
I currently have the HB Launchers from a couple of years ago. I am a high handicap golfer but love to play. What would the UHX’s give me the that the HB Launchers do not (i.e. speed, distance, etc.) or would these UHX’s actually take me backwards in my game. Thank you.
The HB Launchers are the ultimate for forgiveness and easy of launch. The UHX offer more control and a different look. Might you enjoy the UHXs? The only way to know for sure Chuck is to hit them and see how they perform for you.
Keep enjoying the game!
– Meeks
Thanks Matt! Rolling the dice….UHX’s will be here tomorrow. Thanks for the great article.
Chuck
Are these comparable to the Mizuno JPX 921s . You mentioned in your reviews on the JPXs that the ball flight was low. The lofts on the cleveland are similar, is the flight characteristics similat?
The design features are not similar Bernard. I’ve never hit the 921s Bernard, but the UHX are meant for higher ball flight – it’s in the name.
– Meeks
Launch and height are 2 different things. Most of the reviews on these type of strong lofted mid handicap clubs are performed by testers who have faster swing speeds than your average golfer who these clubs are designed for.
I am looking at the Cleveland Launcher UHX irons with graphite shafts, but my swing speed is low typical for 73 year old. Looking for more distance from the longer irons. Now using hybrid 6 and 5. The Launcher UHX clubs may provide higher ball flight and more distance.
I’m currently using Cleveland HB Launcher irons (5-SW). I love the high ball flight that I currently get, but I’m wondering if these have more stopping power when you hit the greens.
That can be very dependent on the individual Tony. But in general, the UHX should generate a bit more spin and thus more stopping power. Find some to try and let us know your observations.
– Meeks
I’m glad to see a new Cleveland Launcher UHX iron on the market. I’ve been using the original Cleveland Launcher iron for a few years now and it’s been great. I’m looking forward to trying the UHX
I was being fitted back a few years ago and I was trying out the Wilson D9 irons and the Mizuno irons along with these from Cleveland. I was amazed by the feel and how well they performed. I bought these 6- AW 2 degrees flat and senior flex graphite shafts. I still play with them today. I love them I won’t be changing my irons any time soon. I added a 4 hybrid and a 5 hybrid. I also go between the 6 iron and a 6 hybrid depending on the day. Best investment I made in my game.
Are these a significant upgrade from the 588MTs?
I didn’t hit the 588MTs Paul, so I can’t offer any comparison. That said, being a 10 year difference in technology, you would likely see significant improvements in performance.
– Meeks