Expert Comparison: Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge vs Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge
VS
Side by side comparison |  Most recommended |  Runner up |
|---|---|---|
Price | $149.00 17% off | $119.99 20% off |
User rating | 4.67(3) | 4.78(49) |
The Curated Take | Best for mid-to-low handicap golfers seeking control and spin around the green. | Best for low to mid handicap players looking for a responsive wedge with lots of spin, great feel, and various grind options. |
Gender | Men's | Men's |
Used (Y/N) | No | No |
Club Type | Wedges | Wedges |
In the world of golf, wedges are the unsung heroes that can make or break your game. Today, we're comparing two top-notch wedges: the Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge and the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge. Both wedges are designed for mid to low handicap players and offer exceptional control and spin around the green. The Vokey SM9 stands out for its versatility, with seven different soul grinds to choose from, while the Cleveland RTX Zipcore impresses with its unique ZipCore technology and Ultizip grooves for better bite. Both wedges have their pros and cons, and the best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style. So, let's dive in and explore these two fantastic wedges in more detail!
The Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge is a top-performing club that offers excellent control and spin around the green for golfers with a mid-to-low handicap. It's built with precision and consistency in mind, with a center of gravity that's precisely positioned for optimal control and feel. This ensures that golfers get consistent performance on every swing. The SM9 wedge also features CNC-machined grooves that provide maximum spin and control, even in wet or muddy conditions.
One of the standout features of the Vokey SM9 is its versatility. It offers a range of grind options, including the F, S, M, and K grinds, allowing golfers to hit high, soft-landing shots and add spin to short shots around the green. The wedge also boasts lofts ranging from 46 to 62 degrees and bounces that range from 4 to 14 degrees, ensuring there's a combination to suit every style and terrain.
However, the SM9 wedge is one of the more expensive wedges on the market, which may not be a viable option for golfers on a budget or those looking for more affordable wedge options. Additionally, it comes with a limited selection of shaft options, which may not suit the preferences of all golfers. Finally, the SM9 wedge is not ideal for high handicappers or beginners who may struggle with their short game and require a more forgiving wedge option.
The Titleist SM9 wedge is an excellent choice for golfers with a mid-to-low handicap who are looking for maximum control and spin around the green. With its high spin rate and versatile grind options, the SM9 offers a range of shot-making capabilities that allow golfers to hit high, soft-landing shots and add spin to short shots around the green.
The Titleist SM9 wedge is an excellent choice for golfers with a mid-to-low handicap who are looking for maximum control and spin around the green. With its high spin rate and versatile grind options, the SM9 offers a range of shot-making capabilities that allow golfers to hit high, soft-landing shots and add spin to short shots around the green.
Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge
- We price match
- Returnable
The Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge is another top-tier option for mid to low handicap players. This wedge stands out for its unique ZipCore technology, which is a low-density core that shifts the center of gravity, raises MOI, and enhances control and consistency on all shots. This technology, combined with the Ultizip grooves that are sharper, deeper, and narrower, allows the wedge to bite harder, channel more debris, and provide more groove contact on every shot.
The RTX Zipcore also boasts a new heat treatment process that improves the durability of the wedge, ensuring that you'll love your RTX Zipcore round after round. The wedge comes in a sleek yet traditional design that inspires confidence at address, making it a great choice for players who prefer a classic look.
However, some players may find the feel of the RTX Zipcore to be too soft or muted, and it may take some time to get used to. Additionally, while the wedge offers an appropriate amount of spin, it's not game-changing and is not more so than other wedges on the market. Finally, while the bounce promotes square face contact and proper ground interaction, it needs more heel relief to allow open face flop shots.
The Cleveland RTX Zipcore wedges are some of the best on the market. The technology in these pairs a low density middle with a high density outside for more playability and forgiveness. These wedges are hard to beat they offer multiple bounce options and finishes.
The Cleveland RTX Zipcore wedges are some of the best on the market. The technology in these pairs a low density middle with a high density outside for more playability and forgiveness. These wedges are hard to beat they offer multiple bounce options and finishes.
Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge and the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge are designed for mid to low handicap players, offering exceptional control and spin around the green. They both feature unique technologies that enhance performance, with the Vokey SM9 boasting versatile grind options and the RTX Zipcore featuring ZipCore technology and Ultizip grooves.
Both wedges are built with precision and consistency in mind, ensuring that golfers get consistent performance on every swing. They also both offer a range of loft and bounce options, allowing golfers to choose the combination that best suits their style and terrain.
In terms of aesthetics, both wedges maintain a sleek yet traditional design that inspires confidence at address. They also both come in a range of finishes, allowing golfers to choose the look that best suits their preferences.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both wedges are designed for mid to low handicap players, they cater to slightly different personas. The Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge is ideal for players who value versatility and precision. Its seven different soul grinds make it a great fit for players who like to experiment with different shots and terrains. However, its higher price point and limited shaft options may make it less appealing to budget-conscious golfers or those who prefer a wider selection of shaft options.
On the other hand, the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge is a great choice for players who value forgiveness and durability. Its unique ZipCore technology and Ultizip grooves provide exceptional control and consistency, making it a great fit for players who want to improve their short game. However, its soft feel may not appeal to players who prefer a more solid feel, and its spin is not as game-changing as some other wedges on the market.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to versatility, the Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge takes the crown. Its seven different soul grinds offer a level of adaptability that the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge can't match.
In terms of spin and control, it's a close call, but the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge edges out with its unique ZipCore technology and Ultizip grooves, which provide exceptional control and consistency on all shots.
When it comes to durability, the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge wins with its new heat treatment process that improves the durability of the wedge, ensuring that you'll love your RTX Zipcore round after round.
Finally, in terms of price, the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge is the more affordable option, making it a great choice for budget-conscious golfers.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Titleist Vokey SM9 Brushed Steel Wedge and the Cleveland RTX Zipcore Tour Satin Wedge are top-tier options for mid to low handicap players. The Vokey SM9 stands out for its versatility and precision, while the RTX Zipcore impresses with its forgiveness and durability. The best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playing style. If you value versatility and precision, the Vokey SM9 may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a wedge that offers forgiveness and durability, the RTX Zipcore could be the way to go. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these fantastic wedges. Happy golfing!
