Cleveland XL Halo Fullface Irons Review

When it comes to forgiving irons, Cleveland Golf has consistently been a go-to choice. Their latest offering, the Halo XL Full-Face irons, continues this tradition with a hybrid-style design that stands out in the game improvement category. These clubs are bold, packed with technology, and genuinely enjoyable to play. Having previously used their older models, particularly the 4 and 5 irons, I was keen to see how the new Halo XL Full-Face irons would perform.

Eye-Catching Full-Face Groove Technology

The most striking feature is the full-face grooves extending across the entire clubface, reaching into the high toe and lower heel. This design isn't merely aesthetic—it enlarges the hitting area, leading to better results on off-centre strikes. Combined with Cleveland's MainFrame Face technology, which uses a variable thickness pattern to boost ball speeds across the face, mishits become more forgiving. 

My Experience with the Halo XL Full-Face Irons

At address, the full-face groove design immediately instilled confidence, suggesting ample room for slight mis-hits without severe penalties—and it delivered. Even strikes towards the toe and heel launched with commendable distance and remained close to the intended target.

The set transitions smoothly from launch-friendly long irons to precise short irons:

• Long Irons (4i–7i): Feature GlideRail soles, improving turf interaction and promoting solid contact on sweeping swings. The 5-iron resembles a full hybrid with its thicker topline, making it particularly easy to launch.
• Mid Irons (8i–9i): Incorporate V-Shaped soles designed to cut through turf efficiently, allowing for aggressive swings without fear of digging. The 9-iron presents a sleeker, more traditional shape.
• Wedges (PW–SW): Use a Three-Tiered Sole for better forgiveness on chips, pitches, and bunker shots.

Launch Monitor Performance

During testing with a SkyTrak+ launch monitor and TaylorMade TP5x balls, the Halo XL Full-Face irons delivered consistent results. They ranked among the longest in the game improvement category, with high launch and above-average spin—ideal for players who need help getting the ball airborne. 

Club Specifications

Final Thoughts

If you're seeking irons that simplify the game and boost enjoyment, the Halo XL Full-Face irons are a solid choice. With their forgiving design and thoughtful technology, they’re ideal for golfers looking to improve consistency, especially if you're prone to missing the centre of the face. They don’t pretend to be players' irons—but if what you want is help, these are hard to beat.