Cleveland Golf RTX ZipCore Wedges Review

When you already design some of the best wedges in golf, there isn’t much room for creativity.  But Cleveland has succeeded in making the new RTX ZipCore their best performing wedges to date.

 

‪ZipCore have slightly less offset, and a more rounded lead edge than RTX 4.  Full and half swings came out lower, but stopped just as fast if not faster.  Shots from tight lies felt equally crisp.

‪One of the biggest improvements I saw was more consistent repeatable distance control over a larger area of the face (particularly high and low of the sweet spot). ‪ Shots out towards the toe were also more forgiving, RTX 4 was tad better on misses closer to heel.‬ 

 

 

ZipCore has slightly less vibration on misses; I assume because it’s a more forgiving wedge. ‪ So you’ll feel more vibration on mishits low and towards toe with RTX 4, but ZipCore will feel softer, crisper, more solid when you miss slightly.‬ 

 

 

From the rough (including wet rough) and sand ZipCore is a clear winner.  I had more shots with better spin and stopping power (as well as fewer fliers) with ZipCore than RTX 4.  ZipCore also cuts through sand and rough better. 

 

 

‪ZipCore grooves are deeper, closer together (and supposedly sharper), so I’m guessing they move grass, sand away easier and/or more groove volume means junk is less likely to clog the face. 

 

 

‪On touch shots around green ZipCore was also more consistent with deadly stopping power.  Whatever Cleveland did with the new grooves, they are utterly fantastic around the green.  This was my favorite aspect of ZipCore.

 

 

‪And a final thought on the sole grinds (which I can’t explain).  Supposedly the same as RTX 4, but with my 58 there’s no doubt it opens better, slides under the ball better, and gave me better success on a variety of versatile, touch shots. 

The new ZipCore wedges are available in lofts of 48 degrees to 62 degrees, in low, middle and full bounce options.  You can check out and find the best combinations for your game at ClevelandGolf.com, and as always if you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email or DM on twitter or Instagram.