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The Cleveland ZipCore XL is a super game improvement iron released in 2023, designed for high handicappers and beginners (typically 20+ HCP) who need maximum forgiveness, the highest possible launch, and the widest possible sweet spot. These irons prioritise ease of use above all else. The 2023 model's 7-iron is lofted at 27°, reflecting the brand's focus on maximising distance through aggressive loft specifications.
In short
The Cleveland ZipCore XL (2023) is a maximum-forgiveness iron for slower swings and higher handicaps. The set runs 5-iron to PW with a 27° 7-iron. Released in 2023. It carries a $649 MSRP.
These open each retailer's search for this club. Prices and stock are the retailer's, not ours.
Last-gen value buy
The newer ZipCore XL (2024) is already out, so the ZipCore XL now sells at closeout pricing. If you do not need the very latest tech, this is the smart-money pick.
Based on release timing and this line's typical refresh cycle, not a live price quote.
Modeled from the $649 original MSRP and a 3-year-old release (about 33% of MSRP retained used).
Used market value
$180 - $240
Private sale, fair to like-new
Trade-in value
$110 - $170
What a shop typically pays
Get an exact quote
Estimate only, from a depreciation model, not a live quote. Search “Cleveland ZipCore XL” on the sites above for the real number, which varies with condition, shaft, and demand.
The ZipCore XL is the 1st of 2 generations Cleveland has released in this line, from the ZipCore XL (2023) to the ZipCore XL (2024). It is where the line started. The ZipCore XL (2024) replaced it.
| Club | Loft |
|---|---|
| 5i | 19° |
| 6i | 23° |
| 7i | 27° |
| 8i | 31° |
| 9i | 36° |
| PW | 41° |
Data covers 5i to PW (6 clubs). If Cleveland sells additional clubs for this set (for example a 4-iron or gap wedge), they are not in our data yet.
Stock steel shaft. Lofts are approximate and subject to manufacturing tolerances.
Typical carry by swing speed, adjusted for this set's actual lofts. Your numbers will vary with strike, shaft, and conditions.
| Club | Loft | Moderate swing~147y 7-iron | Average swing~162y 7-iron | Faster swing~176y 7-iron |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-iron | 19° | 166 y | 183 y | 199 y |
| 6-iron | 23° | 157 y | 173 y | 188 y |
| 7-iron | 27° | 147 y | 162 y | 176 y |
| 8-iron | 31° | 137 y | 151 y | 164 y |
| 9-iron | 36° | 125 y | 138 y | 150 y |
| PW | 41° | 115 y | 127 y | 138 y |
Carry distances are modeled from TrackMan-based norms scaled to each club's loft, not measured for this exact model.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL features an oversized head with maximum offset, the widest possible sole, and a deep undercut that makes it nearly impossible to mishit. The CG is positioned as low and as deep as technology allows. At impact it delivers light and high-launching with a cushioned impact feel, optimised to build confidence rather than deliver precise feedback.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL's 7-iron is lofted at 27° - strong - notably stronger than the traditional 32-34° standard. For a golfer with an 85-95 mph swing speed, this projects to a 7-iron carry of approximately 161-171 yards. The 5-iron (19°) to 7-iron gap of 8° is spread across a wide range, which may create overlapping distance windows with similarly lofted fairway woods or hybrids. The pitching wedge at 41° is relatively strong - consider a gap wedge of 46-48° to bridge the distance to your sand wedge.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL (2023) 7-iron has a loft of 27°. This is a strong loft by modern standards - you can expect this iron to carry further than a traditional 32° 7-iron for the same swing speed.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL is a super game improvement iron, designed for high handicappers and beginners (typically 20+ HCP). Handicaps roughly in the 20 and up range benefit most from this design.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL pitching wedge is 41°. This is relatively strong, so you will likely need a 46-47° gap wedge and a 50-52° sand wedge to cover the distance window to your full wedge. Check there is roughly a 4-5° gap between each wedge.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL is designed to feel light and high-launching with a cushioned impact feel, optimised to build confidence rather than deliver precise feedback. The consistent feel across the face is intentional - it builds confidence by making solid and slightly off-centre strikes feel similar.
The Cleveland ZipCore XL (2023) represents a recent previous generation of this model. They are typically still stocked at a discount, and widely available used.
Yes. The Cleveland ZipCore XL is a super game improvement design built for forgiveness and easy launch. Its category typically suits 20 and up handicaps.
Other super game improvement iron models from different brands, closest to its model year.
Use as your baseline in the recommendation tool, or compare side-by-side with another set.