Best Cleveland Wedges 2023
How we tested
When you’re looking for the right clubs, nothing beats advice from a Real Expert. Every club on this list has been tested by someone who knows golf inside and out. People who wake up at 6am to practice chipping and putting before their tee time, who know the difference between Bermuda, Bentgrass, and Fescue, who want to try every new club head and shaft that hits the market— you know the type! Collectively, our Real Experts have tested hundreds of clubs from different brands, and they’re given no incentives to choose one over another. If you’re looking for more personalized advice, you can chat with one of our Real Experts and get product picks — for free!
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Questions You Should Ask
Do any pros play Cleveland wedges?
There are a good number of professional players that utilize Cleveland wedges. On the men's side, Brooks Koepka, Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley, Matt Kuchar, and Shane Lowry, to name a few, all play a variation of the RTX Zipcore model. On the LPGA side, Inbee Park, Minjee Lee, and Grace Kim all play a Cleveland wedge model.
What 3 wedges should I carry?
Wedges should have 4-6 degree of loft gapping. The wedges a player has in his/her bag should be based off what the PW loft degree is from their iron set, and then work up in loft from there. Typically, that means along with a PW, players will carry an AW (aka GW) that is 50 or 52 degrees, a SW that is 54 or 56 degrees, and an LW which is 58 or 60 degrees.
What wedge degree is best for sand shots?
A lot of players think that because they are in the sand, they must use their sand wedge. While this would be logical, players should use the type of wedge that the shot calls for. Lob wedges 58 degree or higher are great for sand shots where you find yourself short sided, and need to hit a high and soft shot that stops quickly. Sand wedges of 54 to 56 degrees offer a great mix of launch and roll, and can be used for a ton of mid range bunker shots. Lower lofted clubs, anywhere from a gap wedge to even an 8 or 9 iron, can be used when you only need to carry the ball a few yards and have a lot of green to work with. Just because the sand wedge is associated with sand, doesn't mean that it's the best club for each bunker shot. Practice with a few different clubs and get a feel for how much carry and roll each of them can offer.
Best Cleveland Wedges 2023 for Forgiveness
Players needing a forgiving, cavity-back style wedge
Players looking to reduce any chunking
Players seeking spin around the greens
Players who want a wedge that they can get creative with
Players who like to open/close the face a lot when chipping
Golfers who prefer blade-style wedges
The CBX Zipcore is the very best forgiving, but not oversized wedge on the market. Cleveland makes an exceptional wedge, and the CBX line is their cavity backed wedge for more forgiveness. A hollow cavity design and a very high MOI make this club very consistent and forgiving on all shots. Sharp UltiZip grooves help increase spin, while still maintaining a very forgiving wedge. For players who want a very forgiving and quality wedge, look no further than the CBX Zipcore.
Hitting extreme open face shots
Sliding under the ball to hit high-lofted shots
Getting maximum spin from all strikes on the club face
Players that prefer the look of a traditional wedge
Advanced players who like to manipulate the face on their wedges
This is a great wedge for the player looking for a mainly cavity back wedge that is focused on forgiveness and easy club face manipulation. The full face of grooves allows players to smoothly open up the face and hit high lobs or keep it square. The C-grind allows for easy turf interaction throughout any face manipulation as well. Tour Zip Grooves will create max spin on all shots.
Added forgiveness no matter where the ball makes contact on the face
Players who like to open the face when chipping
Players looking to reduce chunking their chip shots
Players who like the look of a traditional wedge
Low handicap players
The Cleveland CBX Full Face 2 Tour Satin Wedge has more "face" to it, which allows players to manipulate the face by opening it up and have confidence knowing that no matter where they strike the ball, there will still be spin produced. The full sole design on the 50 and 52 will get the player maximum forgiveness on fuller swing shots, while the "C-shaped" sole on the 54 to 60 degree will offer versatility from shaving material off the heel, making it a very forgiving wedge overall.
Best Cleveland Wedges 2023 for Value
Cleveland RTX Zipcore Black Satin Wedge
- We price match
- Returnable
High quality, durable wedges
Variety of bounce options
Reduced glare off the face
High handicaps who chunk often
Not as slim as a traditional blade
The Cleveland RTX Zipcore Black Satin Wedge has all the attributes of the best wedges out there, minus the price tag. The sale price makes them very affordable for players who haven't upgraded their wedge for a couple years and who want optimum performance at an affordable price.
Players looking for a specific bounce or grind
Hitting controlled shots
Budget Performance
High handicaps, as it's not the most forgiving wedge
Not quite a blade-style wedge either
This is an ideal wedge for the lower handicap player looking for a super affordable, quality wedge that will last. It's aesthetically pleasing, has forgiveness across the face, and spins so well. I've played it for a few years and have really enjoyed its versatility on full shots, as well as tight, short shots.
Players who prefer no glare on their wedges
Reducing chunk shots
Consistent spin and contact
Low handicaps who want more spin, control, and versatility
Players who like to open the face
The CBX2 is one of the most forgiving wedges on the market. It is a previous year's wedge, so offers a discounted price while they are still available. For players who prefer game improvement irons and want a wedge that blends with the set, this is a great option. It offers forgiveness, spin, and control from all different lies. The black finish looks great in the bag, and reduces the glare on the face.
Forgiveness
Control on full shots
Budget Performance
Skilled players who want to manipulate the face
Wide sole is not for advanced players
This hollow cavity design wedge is made for players who want forgiveness on all shots without something too bulky. It is easy to launch and spin, and comes in different bounce and grind options. Different than the original CBX, this second generation model comes with grinds that feature more heel and toe relief in higher lofted wedges, and less relief in lower lofted wedges, which will help during the typical shots and distances played with those lofts. This wedge is perfect for the average golfer who wants to enjoy improving their short game.
Best Cleveland Wedges 2023 for Low Handicappers
Classic shape
Spin and Flight control
Great spin in all conditions
High handicap players
Players seeking the most forgiving wedge
The RTX6 is a great low handicap, players wedge. It features Zipcore technology like the previous generation, which shifts the center of gravity and allows the wedge to be more forgiving, spin more, and be more consistent. New HydraZip technology allows for more spin in wet conditions. It has a players preferred look, sharp UltiZip grooves, and is very easy to control launch and spin. The RTX line is among the most popular wedges on tour, and for very good reason.
Great spin and flight control
Tour preferred look
Long lasting and glare-reducing finish
High handicap players
Players who don't like cosmetic damages
This Black Satin RTX6 Zipcore is SURE to turn some heads. This finish is a super confident look and the club performs in a way that matches it! The HydraZip and UltiZip tech both combine to make this wedge grip and spin like no other on the market. The feel and forgiveness are phenomenal for such a sleek wedge, and it has the ability to be utilized in a super creative manner around the greens, as well as for full shots.
RAW face for max spin in any conditions
Spin and flight control
No glare off the face
High handicappers
Players who don't like the face rusting
Low handicap players are always looking for the best performance in clubs. The Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore Tour Rack Wedges have grinds to suit any player's preferences, and with the Raw finish, they produce maximum spin no matter the conditions they are used in (wet or dry). These wedges have tremendous feel, and better players will be able to control them really well.
Controlled pitch shots
Premium spin
Manipulating the face when chipping
High handicap players
Eliminating chunk shots
The RTX ZipCore is a perfect wedge for low handicappers who still want a little forgiveness across the face but don't want to lose a sleek aesthetic. I've played these wedges for almost 3 years and have loved the feel and performance on full shots as well as tight shots. They are super easy to manipulate, and the variety of bounce and grind options allows golfers to tailor them to their game. The grooves have also held up very well over time.
Cleveland RTX Zipcore Black Satin Wedge
- We price match
- Returnable
Controlling pitch shots
Reduced glare
Several bounce options for players preferences
High handicappers needing extra forgiveness
Not a game improvement wedge
The RTX Zipcore is a player's style wedge that is featured in the bags of some of the world's best golfers. The Zipcore refers to the lightweight, low density material in the lower hosel and heel. Saving weight in this area shifts the center of gravity, allowing for more forgiveness, spin, and control. Ultizip grooves generate tons of spin. A player's preferred shape and several bounce/loft options make this a great wedge for low handicap players. The black finish helps reduce glare, and looks great in the bag.
Best Cleveland Wedges 2023 for High Handicappers
Cleveland Smart Sole 4.0 Tour Satin Wedge
- We price match
- Returnable
High Handicaps
Maximum help out of bunkers
Reducing chunked shots
Higher skilled players who like to open the face
Players preferring a classic look
The Smart Sole 4.0 Wedge is perfect for high handicap players who want a wedge that helps makes the short game easier. The three-tiered sole is very wide, and prevents the club from digging on different lies. Milled grooves allow for plenty of spin. This wedge is as easy as they get to play. The Tour Satin finish is very clean.
Simplifying short game shots
Hitting bump and runs
Maximum forgiveness with the large cavity back
Low handicappers
Hitting high, soft landing chip shots
Getting as much feel and spin as a player's wedge
The Black Satin Smart Sole 4.0 is an ideal wedge for a high handicapper who wants a forgiving wedge and wants to stand out amongst their competitors. This finish also helps prevent glare off the clubface. The Smart Sole is made for easy turf interaction and is very helpful for the golfer who chunks their chips frequently. The CNC Milled Grooves will help with great spin, and the cavity back design helps improve perimeter weighting and forgiveness across the face.
Simplifying short game shots
Forgiveness
Consistency
Low handicappers
Hitting high, soft landing shots
This Smart Sole 4.0 is perfect for the female golfer looking to truly enjoy the ease of hitting a wedge. The Smart Sole is extra wide to help with a variety of full and short shots without feeling nervous about chunking the shot. The lightweight shaft will allow the ball to get up in the air effortlessly, while the CNC milled grooves will help it stop on a dime. This wedge comes in three lofts: one for a chipper, one for a gap wedge, and one for a sand wedge.
