Sam Tremlett
The best Cleveland wedges deliver an exquisite blend of spin, trajectory control and stability, making them brilliant for playing full shots, pitch shots and delicate greenside recovery shots. Consequently, it pays to make sure you’re kitted out with some of the best wedges available.
There's no denying Cleveland fits into that mould. Renowned for crafting some outstanding wedges, there are an array of different models to suit every type of golfer and turf condition. For those who don’t have as much control over strike location, there are multiple full-face options that produce a high level of spin no matter the contact point, while the elite golfers out there will enjoy Cleveland's new UltiZip grooves that are closer together and deeper than ever before for the ultimate in control.
Watch: Best Players Wedges 2024
There are also different bounces and grinds available, so whether you have a tendency to get too steep or too shallow, there’s a perfect wedge for you. You might also want to consider the aesthetics. This list features both muscleback and cavity-back designs, with most available in three finishes - tour satin, black satin and raw - so you really can tailor your choice based on your exact preferences.
While you're here, you may also want to check out some of our other guides on the most forgiving wedges, the best lob wedges or the best wedges for chipping. But right now, after testing a lot of models, we're going to detail the best Cleveland wedges currently on the market.
The Quick List
The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge brings more forgiveness and wet-condition spin to the course in a classy looking head. A new low bounce option adds to the full range of lofts and grinds so there should be one for everyone.
The CBX 4 Zipcore wedges are a really solid blend of performance and forgiveness. While aimed predominantly at the mid-to-high handicap golfer, better players looking for extra help in their short game should also consider using these user-friendly, cavity back wedges.
Cleveland’s CBX ZipCore wedge really impressed across all the key performance areas. It was extremely forgiving and easy to hit on full shots, while closer to the green, the spin was excellent.
This CBX Full-Face wedge is well worth a try if you're struggling with short-game confidence. The full-face grooves allow golfers who perhaps aren't as accurate to produce consistent levels of spin approaching and around the greens.
The cavity back Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge blends in better with today's modern sets for mid to high handicappers. The larger head with full width grooves combines forgiveness with control for full shots and around the green.
The RTX Full-Face 2 wedge is a blade-style wedge that should help you improve your wedge play. The full-face grooves provide higher spin when manipulating the club face to hit a variety of shots around the greens while producing a consistent ball flight.
Best Cleveland Wedges
Top pick
The RTX 6 ZipCore wedges are Cleveland's top of the range wedges and have had some big upgrades from the previous Cleveland RTX ZipCore model. The overall look of the wedge has remained basically the same, but the tech has had an update. The hosel is now created using 95% more aluminum and silicone, making it a lot lighter, which has increased the MOI by 20%, so it has become one of the most forgiving wedges you can get, despite the blade-design.
The UltiZip grooves, which vary in dimensions depending on the loft of the face, remain an integral part of the face design. The latest version of the RTX series now offers deeper, sharper and even closer together grooves which helps maximize friction for optimized spin control and touch. They have also etched laser-milled lines between each groove and then treated the entire face with their HydraZip blasting. The enhanced friction leads to consistent results no matter the playing conditions, so there is lots of spin for you with these wedges.
The wedge comes with a relatively heavy 126g True Temper Dynamic Gold Steel Shaft, but the extra weight can help with chipping and forgiveness, with graphite shafts available for those who covet a lighter touch. The consistent performance means Cleveland’s latest offering are easily one of the best wedges for chipping. In summary, the RTX6 Zipcore wedge can give players give players high-level performance in balance, bounce and grip, coupled with consistency. It is one of best wedges Cleveland produce.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore Wedge Review
Best wide appeal
For players looking for the ultimate blend of performance and forgiveness, the Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore is the best option that Cleveland offer.
This wedge feels tremendous on full shots, generating generous but consistent amounts of spin allowing for increased levels of control. The CBX4 wedges look at home in the bag with a polished steel look, and at address the face doesn’t look small behind the golf ball.The HydraZip technology on the face gives consistency in whatever the conditions, while the wide sole helps players hit confident, aggressive shots around the greens thanks to the larger margin for error.
The wedge comes in three different grinds, accommodating for those who deliver the club more steep or shallow to the back of the ball. The CBX 4 wedge is an excellent option for handicaps of all ranges looking for higher performance and forgiveness in their short game.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX 4 ZipCore Wedge Review
Most forgiving
Speaking of forgiveness, up steps the Cleveland CBX Zipcore wedge. In what it lacks in looks, the CBX wedge makes up for in many different areas. It comes with the same excellent forgiveness as the Full-Face 2, but with increased touch and feel. This wedge feels wonderful in your hands, and although short shots can create a ‘clicky’ sound off the club face that may not be to every player’s liking, the forgiveness it offers will quickly drown out the critics.
With Cleveland once again rolling out their ZipCore technology, forgiveness is offered in abundance across all performance areas – full shots and more delicate touches around the green. It is not the prettiest wedge from behind but looks beautiful at address which will help inspire confidence in scoring positions.
Two extra face grooves are added through UltiZip technology on the face, helping increase spin. Add to this a range of customizable grinds – V, S and C, excellent balance and lovely feedback after contact, it comes as no surprise the CBX ZipCore snagged a place in our Editor's Choice awards.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge Review
Best for bunkers
Another full face option but now in a darker look, the CBX Full Face wedge offers forgiveness, consistency and versatility. It’s one grind option – C grind, may seem limited, but is extremely versatile. The grind on the full face means the wedge is at home not matter the lie, surface or conditions a player will face.
The full face also means the CBX is one of the best sand wedges , even in the worst of lies in the deepest of hazards. With all full faced wedges, this option may take some time to get used to, but the cool dark finish will help instill confidence in players without having to worry about any glare or glint in sunny conditions.
The Zip grooves are partnered with Cleveland’s Rotex-milled face to offer significant levels of spin control, while the C-shaped sole helps players turn potential chunked or duffed chips into workable shots with increased forgiveness. The CBX Full-Face is well worth a try if you’re struggling with your scrambling.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX Full-Face Wedge Review
Best high bounce
Another option for the higher handicap golfer is the CBX Full Face 2, a cavity back wedge offering unparalleled forgiveness. The wedge does not lack in spin control from the more bladed Cleveland wedge options, with a big face full of clean grooves inspiring phycological support for players struggling with their short game.
Like the bladed RTX 6, the Full Face 2 reaps the benefits of the HydraZip blast finish – increased spin in wet conditions with sharp, deep grooves. The grooves across the entire face allow some help for those who struggle to consistently find the middle of the clubface, and spin levels are consistent across the entire face.
Two grinds are available on the Full Face 2, with both having a wider sole than the RTX 6 for greater margin for error when playing those tricky chips from tight or bare lies.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge Review
Best for spin
Arguably the cleanest-looking wedge Cleveland produce, the RTX Full-Face 2 offers consistent results from a range of different lies and shots. It’s selling point is given away in the name – the full face, which helps make it one of the most forgiving wedges on the market.
The face now has a 34% bigger surface area, compromising for off-centre shots whilst inspiring confidence at address – especially when playing shots with the face open. The forgiveness ties is matched with consistent spin levels when playing a range of different shots on the course, but importantly, those spin numbers remain high for optimized control.
With all full-face wedges, the look may not be to the taste of some traditionalists, but even they cannot argue against how good this wedge looks while sitting in the golf bag. The RTX Full-Face 2 is the perfect option for someone looking to grow confidence in their short game, especially those who play golf courses that demand a range of different shots from scoring positions.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 Wedge Review
How we test
When it comes to wedges, we take the testing process very seriously. Whether we are sent a product or buy it ourselves, we put everything through its paces to ensure we can provide thorough and reliable advice. Every member of the Golf Monthly team is an avid golfer and as such, knows what does and doesn't make for a good wedge. As far as our methodology goes, we review all wedges properly, which means we have used each one across multiple rounds and in practice to assess every aspect of performance in all conditions. If a wedge claims to be the ultimate bunker club, we will test that theory from any lies possible.
Specific to the best Cleveland wedges, we tested those with and without full faces to assess how spin differed relative to strike. We were also keen to find out the forgiveness on offer from each model, as well as the feel and distance control. We all know new wedges are going to generate more spin, but a golfer must be also able to flight it how they like and hit their numbers consistently. This comprehensive testing style is not just exclusive to wedges as we test with the same level of thoroughness across all gear categories.
How to choose a wedge
When it comes to wedges you need to make sure you have a wedge that is comfortable to you and fits your ability. It is said that wedges are your scoring clubs, along woith the putter so making the first step to have wedges that fit your game is going to help bring your score down when it comes to chipping and those shots from 100 yards in. You can get lots of different tech in wedges that help with spin and forgiveness so finding a wedge that fits you can be a tough decision, so we have set out some key points to think about when picking a wedge.
Gapping
find out the yardages of your current wedges to make sure you do not have any big gaps. This is important as it helps you on those shots where you are in between clubs and gives you more confidence in hitting a club you know is getting there. Some people will have 4 different wedges and others only a couple, it all depends on what fits your game. But make sure you are not hindering yourself with too big gaps in your yardages.
Bounce
Low bounce wedges are more suited to hard fairways and tight lies, while high bounce wedges are better for softer ground conditions and bunkers. The most bounce you will ever see on a wedge is about 18°, but it can be as low as 2°. The type of bounce you opt for should largely depend on things like your normal angle of attack, the firmness of your fairways and the type of shots you like to hit around the greens.
Finish
Options like black PVD and copper are becoming increasingly common. The difference is mainly cosmetic, but dark finishes can help reduce glare. Alternatively there are classic chrome and silver designs as you can see above.
Grooves
While grooves are now tightly regulated, it is still well worth keeping up to date with the latest designs, which use new milling processes and groove shapes to help move water and dirt away from the ball at impact to create extra spin and improve control. Additionally there are several brands that have brought out wedges with grooves that stretch across the entire face. Admittedly this does take a little bit of time to get used to, but for those players who may struggle with strike, a full faced wedge might do you some favors when creating spin towards the toe.
Forgiveness
Depending on your experience level and how much you play with your greenside clubs, wedge shots can still be some of the hardest shots to hit. We've all been there when we've struck a brilliant shot down the fairway and ruined our hole by chunking a simple pitch into the green. So understanding the level of forgiveness you need in your chipper is paramount. Some clubs offer a little more forgiveness than others, like the cavity-backed CBX offerings above and they can also help to inspire confidence when you're stood over the ball.
But Cleveland aren't the only brand in the industry that are innovating to produce high-quality wedges. If you're looking to see what other brands have on offer, then why not check out our guide to the best Callaway wedges too!
FAQs
What pros use Cleveland wedges?
Some of the world's best male and female golfers use Cleveland wedges. This includes: Brooks Koepka, Hideki Matsuyama, Shane Lowry, Inbee Park, Minjee Lee, Hannah Green and Ernie Els.
Which Cleveland wedges are best?
We think the models on our list are the best Cleveland wedges at the moment. These are the Cleveland RTX ZipCore, Cleveland CBX Full-Face, Cleveland RTX ZipCore Full-Face, and the Cleveland CBX 2 wedges.
Are Cleveland wedges any good?
The simple answer is yes. Cleveland produces some of the best wedges on the market and has done for some time. It's for this reason that a number of pros put their trust in the brand to give them what they need to perform at their best.
How do I choose the right Cleveland wedge?
There are a few key things to consider. For example, do you want a full-face wedge with a high-toe design or something with a classic groove pattern and teardrop shape? How much bounce and what sole grind will suit your action should also be high on the list of priorities. Finally, assess the finish you want and which lofts you'll need, something that may depend on how many wedges you want to carry. Ultimately we would recommend a custom fitting session as well so the fitter can help you find the right model for your game.
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