Cleveland Golf RTX-4 Sand Wedge Review - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway

Golf is a frustrating game.  Always has been, always will be.  From tee to green, the variety of unpleasant shots we're forced to hit and ridiculous lies we're compelled to escape from can be downright traumatic.  And the bunker shot might be the most menacing of all.  Unless you're hitting the new Cleveland Golf RTX-4 sand wedge. 

 

More golfers have probably sworn off golf from the bunkers than any other location on the course.  It's not just escaping them to favorable locations that's so maddening, it can just  be escaping them period.  The RTX-4 makes it easy to dominate from the sand thanks to incredible spin, intelligent sole grinds, and exceptional balance and weighting.  Oh yeah, and they're also pretty versatile from the fairway and rough. 

Cleveland's fourth-generation ROTEX face has taken groove design and configuration to a level where creating spin will never be a problem.  Cleveland definitely cracked the wedge spin code with the RTX-4, as these impart more backspin on the ball than any Cleveland wedge I've ever hit - even on less than full swings.  From the sand or the rough, they're prime time players. 

 

 

I'm not going to pretend I understand sole camber and grind physics like Cleveland's engineers, but I can tell you just like I know flipping the light switch up means on, and down means off, the RTX-4 turf interaction is exceptional, and the club enters and exits the turf quicker than you can blink an eye.  RTX-4 V-Sole is an a@& kicker. 

 

 

The wedges are available in full, mid, low, and extra low grinds.  Theoretically the full grind or bounce would be ideal for bunker play and the extra low grinds for tight lies around the green.  But I had zero issues playing the mid grind from any location on the course.  And there's plenty or relief where you need it most if you're looking to hit that delicate hero shot that even your playing partners will want you to brag about. 

 

 

RTX-4 is compact with minimal offset, and they were designed for better players.  However there's plenty of forgiveness in them because of impeccable balance and weighting.  I'm not just talking about overall weight or swing-weight here.  Cleveland moved weight around in the RTX-4 in a way that improved not only spin, but also trajectory and control.  You don't have to be skilled to play these wedges, you just have to be ready for results that make you look skilled. 

 

For some players this will be the best wedge they've ever used.  The smaller profile might scare some golfers off, but it shouldn't.  The RTX-4 is easy enough to hit that just about anyone can use it, and for the accomplished player, this is a legitimate weapon. 

 

 

 

 

PROS: 

Exceptional spin from fairway, bunkers, and rough 
Softer feeling with more versatility in a greater variety of lies 
Stock Dynamic Golf Tour Issue shaft is a proven winner

CONS: 
There are easier to hit wedges out there (but not by much) 
18 loft-bounce options means there's something for everyone, however that can be confusing if you're not sure what best suits your needs 

 

And remember: you have three ways win the daily gifts in my giveaway this year.  On twitter just retweet my giveaway announcement and follow all; on Instagram like the post, follow all, and tag three friends; and here on my blog leave a comment in the section below in the daily review/giveaway articles. 

These gifts are great prizes, but also some of the best equipment in their class based on my playing and reviewing them this season.  And I hope the reviews give you an idea of why I rate them so highly.  Merry Christmas everyone!