Cleveland RTX ZipCore Full Face Wedge Review
In this Cleveland RTX ZipCore Full Face wedge review, we take it out onto the course to put it to the test

A very solid option in the full-face market, Cleveland's RTX ZipCore model delivers excellent forgiveness and control on full shots and around the green. In particular, golfers who rely on playing flop shots or other similarly delicate chips will love the lob wedge that's available at a competitive price.
-
+
Plenty of spin
-
+
Great out of bunkers
-
+
Very forgiving
-
-
Not as good-looking as other wedges
Why you can trust Golf Monthly

The emergence of full-face grooves are a popular new trend when it comes to modern wedges. And Cleveland will hope its latest offering in this space, the RTX Full-Face, can compete with the likes of TaylorMade's Hi-Toe Raw and Callaway's Jaws Full-Toe to be one of the best wedges for those looking to reap the benefits from the all-over performance on offer.
The premise of a full-face wedge is that it will give you more spin and forgiveness if you tend to open the face a lot on chip shots. Whenever you open the club - for a flop shot or similar - the ball tends to slide up and towards the toe. That's why having the entire surface covered in grooves allows golfers to confidently play a host of delicate greenside shots in the knowledge they'll remain in control of the ball.
A full-face wedge delivers control from any strike location
This was certainly the case when using this wedge. The UltiZip grooves provided more forgiveness - and more spin - from strikes high and with a toe bias. This feature is especially useful out of bunkers, where the ball has a tendency to hit high on the face.
On full shots, the RTX Full-Face benefits from Cleveland’s ZipCore technology, which shifts the centre of gravity in the wedge, increasing overall consistency. Not only that, but with two extra grooves, golfers are able to generate even more spin. In this regard, I felt in complete control from a range of lies and strike locations - as much as I did when greenside.
Joel Tadman testing out the Cleveland RTX ZipCore Full-Face wedge against its competitors
In terms of looks, the high-toe shape and full-face grooves do take a bit of getting used to, but once you make the adjustment, using this wedge becomes something to look forward to and is actually more confidence-inspiring than one without this feature. In addition, Cleveland says its new heat-treatment process will increase the club's durability. While that remains to be seen, if this is indeed the case, it will be a big plus for most golfers who don't want to fork out for new wedges on a semi-regular basis.
Overall, this club sits very nicely in the full-face market, especially for those who utilise the flop shot regularly and are in the market for one of the best lob wedges that's going to inspire confidence behind the ball. With that in mind, I’d recommend opting for Cleveland's RTX ZipCore Full-Face in your highest-lofted option, however there’s no reason why some wouldn't benefit from a set of two or more - they are available in lofts from 50-64°.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 15 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.1.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist GT3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°
Putter: LAB Golf DF3
Ball: 2025 Titleist Pro V1x
-
'They Can Feel Free To Leave Some Waffle House Gift Cards' - Neal Shipley Makes '12 New Friends' As Final Hole Bogey Moves Valspar Championship Cutline
A late bogey from Shipley meant the cutline moved to two-over-par, thus allowing 12 MORE players to make it into the weekend at the Copperhead Course
By Matt Cradock Published
-
6 Big Names To Miss The Cut At The Valspar Championship
Friday at the Valspar Championship saw some big moves being made by various players, but some big names would also miss the weekend at Innisbrook Resort
By Matt Cradock Published
-
How Much The Winning Caddie Earns At The Valspar Championship
The Valspar Championship is the final event of the Florida Swing and, with an $8.7 million tournament purse, it's not just the players who are playing for big money
By Matt Cradock Published