We tested 37 drivers in 2025. Not surprisingly, distance is the performance category golfers typically are most interested in. The longest driver in the test is 10 yards longer than the shortest. That could be a one-club into the green. If distance is what you are looking for in 2025 you’ll want to choose the Titleist GT2 over the Cleveland HiBore XL. Let’s take a look at the longest versus shortest driver of 2025.
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”6upSAYU7″ upload-date=”2025-03-12T18:20:17+00:00″ name=”Top 5 Longest Drivers of 2025″ description=”” player-type=”default” override-embed=”default”]What do these drivers have in common?
The GT2 and HiBore XL may have a big gap in total distance performance. However, their accuracy and forgiveness performance were very similar.
- Accuracy: Neither driver stood out as the most accurate of the bunch yet both fell in the respectable mid-range of the field.
- Forgiveness: Both the GT2 and the HiBore XL were in the bottom half of the test for forgiveness. We measure this by looking at the consistency of carry distance, ball speed and shot dispersion.
How much longer is the Titleist GT?
If you’re wondering how two drivers comparable for accuracy and forgiveness ended up so far apart in the 2025 test, the answer is distance. The Titleist GT2 has higher ball speed, longer carry distance and longer total distance than the GT2.
As the longest driver in the 2025 test, the GT2 ranked fifth overall out of 37 drivers. While it’s not the most consistent driver we tested, its middle-of-the-road accuracy and long distance gave it a big boost over the Cleveland’s performance.
Many testers noted that the GT2 had a solid feel and explosive power off the face but it needed to be dialed in to control the dispersion. The results of the testing evidence this.
Feedback on the HiBore XL was less positive. Most testers struggled with the overall shape and were not able to produce the same distance numbers as with other drivers in the test.
| Driver | Ball Speed (mph) | Carry Distance (yards) | Total Distance (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titleist GT2 | 142.71 | 237.97 | 252.02 |
| Cleveland HiBore XL | 140.74 | 229.19 | 242.00 |
Distance trade-offs
Distance matters and golfers love it. A shorter approach shot can make scoring easier and boost confidence. The Titleist GT2 delivers extra yards so if you need more distance, it’s worth trying.
The problem is that distance often comes at a cost. Long drivers can be wild, sacrificing accuracy or consistency.
The Cleveland HiBore XL was the shortest driver in our test. If it offered more accuracy or forgiveness than the longer clubs it would be an easier sell yet its forgiveness and accuracy matched the longer-hitting Titleist GT2.
Which is a better value?
The one major thing the Cleveland HiBore XL has going for it is the price. It’s $250 less than the Titleist GT2. For golfers searching for a new club based on price alone, the $399 Cleveland HiBore XL will look like the better value.
If you want the better distance performance the Titleist GT2 is by far the better value.
Titleist versus Cleveland: Which is right for you?
Here’s one more look at the Callaway versus Cleveland and the golfers who should consider each.
Buy the Titleist GT2 if:
✅You want the longest driver of 2025.
✅ Mid-level accuracy combined with the extra distance is a good fit for your game.
✅ Subjective appeal and overall look and sound matter to you.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You are worried about consistency/forgiveness.
Buy the Cleveland HiBore XL if:
✅ You don’t mind a unique shape in a driver head.
Don’t buy this if:
❌ You’re looking for great distance off the tee.
❌ You want forgiveness in your driver.
Don’t see what you are looking for?
If neither of these drivers fits your golf game or your budget, look at our complete Best Golf Driver testing of 2025.
Mark R
1 year ago
The likely purchaser of the Cleveland HiBore XL is a high handicapper with low swing speed.
Let’s see the yardage data comparison at 85, 90 and 95 mph swing speeds.
Are both shafts equal length? Maybe the different shaft, and not clubhead is the differentiating factor?
Try running the test using the same shaft with universal adapter. Clubhead is the only variable.
Jerry
1 year ago
I understand your point but many of us buy a driver with the shaft it comes with and don’t pay hundreds of dollars to upgrade. I want to know how a driver does with its own shaft because I am buying that “package” so to speak.
Fake
1 year ago
Cleveland and several others also offer other shafts at no extra charge. Complicates things from a testing standpoint.