Cleveland RTX Zipcore Wedges Reimagine Wedge Play From Inside-Out

With the new Cleveland RTX Zipcore wedges, Cleveland completely redesigned their flagship wedge from the inside-out. By tearing these wedges down to their core and utilizing an all-new construction, the RTX Zipcore wedges are built on three principals: Zipcore perfects consistency, Ultizip Grooves amplify spin, and heat treatment augments durability.

In TGW’s exclusive video and review, we put this new technology to the test.

Cleveland RTX Zipcore Wedges Review

Technology

Cleveland RTX Zipcore innovation starts on the inside. The new low-density core material is placed in the heel and hosel of the club to move the center of gravity to an even more effective location. By not using steel, Cleveland engineers freed up 15 grams of weight to move elsewhere in the clubhead for better all-around performance. The results include a sweet spot 1.4mm closer to the center of the face and 9% more MOI from the top to the bottom of the clubface. When you hit the sweet spot more often on your wedges, that means more spin, better feel, and greater control with unmatched consistency.

Then Cleveland reimagined the grooves on their new RTX wedge. Ultizip grooves are sharper, deeper, and closer together to maximize spin. Sharper grooves cut through grass and debris so you get clean contact on the ball shot after shot. By making them deeper, things like sand, dirt, and water are channeled away from the face. Finally, with the grooves closer together, they squeezed two more grooves onto each clubface for maximum bite on the ball.

RTX Zipcore wedges are finished off with heat treatment of more than 1,000°C to make these golf clubs more durable than ever. Sharper grooves can wear faster so this unique treatment is designed to make that new wedge spin last longer. These wedges are forged from 8620 carbon steel so the extreme heat removes impurities and makes the grain structure more uniform and durable.

Who It’s For

Cleveland’s RTX Zipcore wedges are a Tour-driven wedge made to fit the preferences of the most discerning golfers on the course. They are blade wedges designed for skilled players while also featuring the forgiveness of a cavity-back design. Every golfer can benefit from the increased spin and control in the Zipcore wedges, and better golfers will be able to take advantage of that control and manipulate their shots around the green.

Performance

We tested the performance of the Cleveland RTX Zipcore wedges with Rick Hatfield, head golf pro at Flint Hills National Golf Club, and TGW’s resident product expert. We compared the Zipcore performance to the RTX-4 wedge, both in a 60° loft. Our test saw a consistent increase in spin by 700 rpm from every type of shot: on a clean surface, from the rough, and out of the bunker. Rick also noted a more solid feel with the more centered CG location and felt like he had more control over distance from every type of lie.

Appearance

Cleveland’s RTX Zipcore wedges are a classic-looking blade wedge in the style that fits the RTX lineup. The Tour Satin finish provides a high-performance look at address. You also notice the extra grooves on the face along with the secondary Rotex milling pattern that provides confidence to let you know you are getting the most spin on every shot.

Feel & Sound

The Cleveland RTX Zipcore wedges feel solid on every shot. With the redistributed weight and realigned center of gravity, every shot feels effective. Our tester noted that when using other wedges, even if he hit a shot in the center of the clubface, it had a tendency to feel like he hit it a little out toward the toe. When you make solid contact, the Zipcore wedges both feel and sound like a well-struck wedge shot should.

• All Cleveland RTX Zipcore wedges have a lie angle of 64°.
• Stock Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner Tour Issue Steel, 128 grams
• Stock Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360, 52 grams