“Forgiveness is a Virtue”
When that is the tag line you are running with for your new product, then you had better deliver. Fortunately for Cleveland Golf, this is an evolution rather than a revolution, but the product in question actually revolutionized a segment.
Enter the third iteration of the CBX wedges for Cleveland Golf, the CBX ZipCore.
Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedges
Make no mistake about it, the CBX wedge transformed the market upon their introduction. With them, Cleveland Golf proved that you could create a forgiving wedge that still looks good, and performs for not just higher handicaps, but all golfers. If you doubt that in any way, then ask yourself why we are seeing other major manufacturers try to grab a piece of the pie in this segment now, when they previously ignored it. Cleveland Golf did that, and because of that the CBX blueprint is here to stay.
The name tells the story here as this is CBX meets ZipCore, which has proven to be a massively successful wedge lineup for Cleveland Golf both on Tour and with amateurs alike. The notion to marry the two makes a lot of sense, especially given the belief of the company that if you play CB irons, you should play these wedges.
So, what has changed? ZipCore. The application of the low-density core has come to the CBX and similarly this means the center of gravity can be shifted while also boosting the high-low MOI of the design. Layman’s terms? The MOI of the wedge has improved significantly from the CBX2, for those that like numbers, Cleveland Golf says it is a 26% improvement high-low and 10% heel-toe. Adding in the Gelback TPU to the flange of the wedge also aims to make sure the CBX Zipcore feels like a traditional wedge, something historically the company has nailed with this lineup.
Another nice feature about the CBX lineup returns as well with Cleveland using three dynamic sole grinds throughout the different lofts. It’s nice because it keeps things simple for golfers by utilizing the sole grind which research says brings the most benefit for the given loft. V-Sole is on the 44°-52°, S-Sole on 54°-56°, and C-Sole on the 58°-60° Also, you read that right, there is now a 44° wedge intent on replacing set PW’s, a move that makes all the sense in the world.
The rest of the design is all about the face, as the UltiZip grooves are making their CBX debut. These grooves are 11% sharper, 7.3% deeper, and 7.4% closer together. More importantly, the grooves being closer allowed Cleveland the ability to add two more grooves in each wedge to make for more groove contact at impact, which meant more spin potential.
Bottom line is the CBX ZipCore is a design that the vast majority of golfers should give a look, regardless of your handicap. With the clean satin looks and truly traditional profile at address, Cleveland is doing it better than anyone in this segment.
The new CBX ZipCore will come priced at $149.99 for steel and $159.99 for graphite with a release date of 2/18/22.
Be sure to keep an eye on the THP Community as we have the new CBX Zipcore in hand and testing has commenced with a full review to come! What do you think, is the new release from Cleveland Golf one you plan on taking a look at? Jump into the fray and let us know what you think either below or on the community!
Sadly my CBX2 56* was never turned in. I replaced it with a CBX Zipcore. I’ve had a couple of practice sessions and 2 rounds with it. Other than feeling slightly softer than the CBX2, I really don’t see a difference.
If someone doesn’t have a CBX/CBX2 wedge, I think it’s definitely worth looking at. I don’t think it’s a clear upgrade from the CBX2. If you had some older CBXs and just wanted a refresh, they may be worth considering.
Conditions were challenging with super-firm turf, leaves, etc. (it was a balmy 39° and windy today in Rhode Island lol) but the new CBX was up for it all.
Though the differences aren’t enormous, I think the CBX Zipcores feel better and are better looking than the previous two generations. They’re a touch smaller and much more refined. The edges are softer, the hosel is longer, and the finish is beautiful (similar to the RTX Zipcores). The new CBX is cleaner and less GI-looking this time around.
Absolutely love it. So much so that I’m contemplating the 44 and 50.
Finally. Good news is that they’re here. Bad news is I haven’t the the slightest idea when I’ll get to put them in play. Praying for Saturday. ?
Atta boy! Congrats!
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I am a big fan of Cleveland wedges and have the original ZipCore as my 54 and 62° so I was really excited to see what the new CBX ZipCore could do.
This wedge has bite. I am getting some beautiful spin numbers which I will post later today. I am also really liking the feel and the way the ball takes a bounce or two and spins slowly to a stop on my chip shots.
I like how the ball comes off the face and even when I hit off center (as being brand new I can see the ball mark very clearly) I still see consistency in roll.
I do use my wedges on full shots and the numbers were right in line. Within a few yards either way I will take that every round.
This is definitely worth looking at if wedges are a consideration this year for anyone.
The soles on the new ones are a touch more refined. The ridge in the V-sole is softened, for example. Overall, they’re a smidgen smaller than the CBX2 as well.
I’ve only had experience with the sole on the 56, but I’d say it definitely prefers square-faced shots to being opened up. Could also be user error and the fact that I play on frozen tundra at my local course lol..
The main reason I upgraded (and ate the loss) is because the new model feels more predictable to me around the greens. Less jumpy.
Both are 58 degree, but I do have to point out that my SureOut 2 wedge is over a year older.
The main area I was looking for in comparing these two wedges was my spin numbers. My ZipCore 54 and 62 do produce a higher spin than my other wedges I have used over the years, and for me, that was the same here. I was seeing a much higher spin number on my full shots with the ZipCore CBX vs the SureOut 2 (9831 to 9511), the distance was very close and consistent between the two, but I did notice my clubhead swing was faster. Not sure why it was faster, maybe on those five swings I was just rotating better, I don’t know. I also noticed my peak height was better with the ZipCore CBX.
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Around the green, only in the practice area as I haven’t gotten out on the course yet, I do like the feel for the ZipCore CBX. The ball does stop when I need it to and has a beautiful feel and sound on my chip shots. I am looking very forward to getting this out on the course to try when the weather allows.
I am very much enjoying the wedge as I demo it on the sims and practice area.
One other thing that I noticed too (and i didn’t at first until I took a good side by side look at my old CBX2) is that there’s a bit more heel relief in the new Zipcore CBX. Certainly helps when you want to open up a 58*. ?
I’m good on wedges for this year, but I have a 56* Vokey that might be retired after this season. The CBXes are awfully tempting as a sand club.
I’m considering getting 54 and 58 CBX Zipcores but what really got my attention were the beautiful Red-Tri and Black-Tri Aussies. I currently have Cleveland 588 RTX wedges, a Red-Tri and a Blue Merle.
I was wrong too on the look. I wasn’t impressed with the early release photos, was in the store yesterday and a bag of wedges caught my eye, look closer and it was these. They look good in hand.
First impressions are great. I love the look at address, and that normally doesn’t move the needle for me one way or another, but I feel like I can’t miss. Feel is great. I don’t have these dialed in yet, and I feel like they’re working as well as my old Glides already.
I think these will make the game a lot easier for me especially when I only get to go out a couple times per month now. Wonder if they will have a darker option anytime soon?
Iron swing is off and couldn’t fall back on my trusty Altitude irons so I bought a used set 6-PW of them.
Now for a Gap Wedge
Do I buy the matching Altitude DW, the Zip CBX 50* or a Smart Sole 4.0 dark GW.
Leaning towards the Smart sole as my other wedges are the dark CBX full face and the smart sole C 4.0 dark
I have this same question. I tried both the 50* CBX Zipcore and the Smart Sole 4 Gap 50* head to head. The Smart Sole definitely felt more forgiving. It launched higher and had a greater peak height, carried about 5ish yrds more, but spun about 500-800 rpm less. The rollout was the same though as the higher launch/decent angle made up for the lower spin.
Nice feedback
I had the Gen 1 CBX in 46 and 50 and they never stuck but did bag the 56 and 60 for quite some time.
Bought one as a gift today because seriously, for all the stuff going on with it and how easy these are, that’s a damn good looking wedge. He’s gonna love it.
I have the 50, 54, and 58. I absolutely love them. Wedges used to give me the heebee jeebies. They are now one of the most comfortable clubs in my hand. Your gift recipient is going to be a happy camper. ?
I ordered a 54 and looking forward to trying it out. I wanted to try it out before considering a 58 also.
Tried for the first time today in league. Overall first impressions are good. I would say more forgiveness without sacrificing spin. I like how it feels and sounds, and the larger head size does inspire more confidence.
Edit: Also wanted to add that I hit 2 great greenside bunker shots with it and nearly holed one and put the other within 6 feet.
I did some internet research and the only thing I found is the standard Catalyst 80 which is stiff flex. The "Spinner" version appears to be proprietary to Cleveland and I’m wondering if it is simply a soft stepped Catalyst 80?
I picked these for a few reasons:
1) Lofts – the full face wedges don’t go quite as low as these. I know some folks don’t mind larger gaps in their scoring clubs, but I have used 4 degree gaps for as long as I can remember, and I didn’t see any good reason to change that. It’s how I control distance and it’s been one of the better parts of my game for a long time.
2) Forgiveness – moving to blade wedge just didn’t make sense in clubs I’d also be swinging full a decent amount. With the sole and the cavity (that is actually bigger than it looks imo), these should be about as forgiving as you can make a non-set wedge.
3) The sole – as you can, it’s VERY similar to the VT sole on the ZX MkII irons. It’ll offer a lot of forgiveness and work through the turf well.
4) @Canadan slayed with them.
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I’m really glad to hear that. I’m hoping for as seamless a transition as possible.
How much do you expect to chip with them? Any concerns with the large sole for that?
Honestly, I probably won’t use them that way very much at all. I really lean on the 58’ish loft for greenside stuff. The 50 now and then for bump and runs, but that’s actually a good sole for me and those shots. I like to utilize the bounce in those situations to avoid stubbing the leading edge. Just let the sole glide on top the grass and do its thing.
Thanks. When I was eyeing wedges over winter these were on the list but in the 54 I need a little more sole versatility around the green and found the larger sole threw me. It would then be a decision of if the forgiveness of the pitch and full swings outweighed the chipping for me.
I did end up going normal RTX 6 in the 54/58, but I use those differently. Both of those have heel/toe grinds on a mid-bounce sole. The hope is they offer the forgiveness more bounce offers with the versatility of the grind’s relief. Best of both worlds, or maybe just a good compromise
Definitely curious myself. Three different clubs between PW and 54.
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I was carrying a set matched GW 50*, a 54* CBX, and a 58 CBX Full Face. I decided to try something different with wedges with my Srixon bag. I stopped the irons at PW and went with a CBX Zipcore 48*, CBX Full Face 2 52*, and RTX 6 Tour Rack 56*. The 52* actually looks bigger and more lofted than the RTX 6 at certain angles.
But the CBX wedges feel great. Slightly more clicky and a little less solid than the RTX, but still plenty of great feel. Ball comes off the face exactly like I thought it would from a Cleveland wedge.
Looking forward to getting them on the course and trying to get the ball close. And I love how they look.
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Can’t wait to hear your comparisons!
I haven’t owned the zipcore version but I had gen 1 CBX and the CBX Full Face as my primary 56 and 60* wedges and never had an issue chipping with them. I had my personal season best of chip in’s with the CBXs. Think it was 5 or 6 in one season which is pretty good for me. In one round 2 seasons ago with the Full faces chipped in twice in one rd. One from just off and another from about 15 yds away from the pin
The subtle differences in feel are more apparent inside when I compare to the ZX4’s before and the RTX6 after. RTX6 is certainly a denser and firmer (don’t take that wrong) feel, which I think I prefer in a true wedge. Still, no complaints.