Review: Cleveland ZipCore XL irons

Cleveland ZipCore XL irons review

If you’re new to golf or you’re a higher handicapper looking for a better ball flight and a set of irons that are more forgiving and more consistent, then Cleveland have two options that you will certainly want to be taking a closer look at – the Zipcore XL, which is a game-improvement model, and the Halo XL, which comes under the super game improvement category. Let’s take a closer look.

First Look 

As you might imagine, the ZipCore XL irons are smaller in profile in comparison to the Halo XL, and resemble a more traditional game improvement iron shape and look. This is a great looking club with a fair bit of offset, with a nice clean topline.

The Halo XL model meanwhile is more of a hybrid-style, wide-soled iron that feature the same Full Face grooves technology we see in the brand’s new RTX and Smart Sole wedges. Even without hitting them, you have to imagine that if you can’t get the ball airborne with these, then maybe golf isn’t for you.

The ZipCore XL irons. (Credit: Cleveland Golf) |

The Halo XL irons. (Credit: Cleveland Golf) |

The ZipCore XL and Halo XL models are perfect for high-handicap players. (Credit: Cleveland Golf) |

The ZipCore XL irons. (Credit: Cleveland Golf)

The Halo XL irons. (Credit: Cleveland Golf)

The ZipCore XL and Halo XL models are perfect for high-handicap players. (Credit: Cleveland Golf)

The Tech 

So, let’s dive into the tech and see what Cleveland are saying about their two new game improvement irons. 

The two new key features in ZipCore XL irons are the ZipCore and HydraZip technologies. This is the first time it’s been used in an iron, and in the short-irons – that’s 8 to sand wedge – you’ll find Cleveland’s unique low-density core. This moves the centre of gravity to where you are most likely to strike your shots, giving you more consistency in launch, spin, and distance. HydraZip is a dynamic face blast that varies through the set ensuring long irons are maximised for distance and consistency, while shorter irons boost spin and control.

The ZipCore XL irons also feature loft-specific grooves to further optimise spin performance. With an increased bounce on the leading edge this helps maintain club head speed through impact for a clean strike, while the trailing edge relief on the back end allows for more workability and shot shaping. 

Moving on to the Halo XL, let’s look at that head design. This is a hybrid-iron design which has a higher MOI for more forgiveness, a high-launching ball flight, and straighter shots. 

For the first time ever on an iron, Halo XL features full-face grooves to ensure consistent spin performance no matter where the ball is struck. The face has a 20% larger striking area than the last generation for improved forgiveness and, just like ZipCore XL irons, they also feature the HydraZip technology. A new two-groove alignment system keeps the face square at address and centred behind the ball for consistent accuracy. The shorter, lower groove promotes correct ball position alignment, while the longer groove helps align the club head to the target.

The irons also use a three-sole system designed to fit long, mid, and short- iron swings. GlideRail technology in the long-irons improve turf interaction promoting solid contact, while mid-range lofts feature Cleveland Golf’s V-Shaped sole to cut through the turf for cleaner contact. In short irons and wedges, the three-tiered sole provides maximum forgiveness on pitches, chips, and bunker shots. The Halo XL irons also feature Action Mass CB, an eight-gram counterweight placed inside the shaft at the top of the grip to promote a more balanced, consistent swing. 

The bunkered Verdict 

What you’re guaranteed to get from these irons is forgiveness, distance, and consistency. If you want something that’s easy to get in the air, then look no further. The shapes are very different but if you prefer a iron that’s more traditional in look then the ZipCore XL will be a great option. If you have just started playing golf or you struggle to get the ball in the air, the hybrid like iron in the Halo XL Full Face will work for you.

The Details

RRP: £699 (6-PW, graphite shafts); £719 (5-PW, steel shafts)
Available: February 17, 2024

More from Cleveland

• Cleveland CBX4 ZipCore wedges review

• Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 wedges review

• Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face wedges review

Want to see how the latest new gear performs? Of course you do! Head over to the bunkered YouTube channel for the details