Last summer, Cleveland Golf unveiled their flagship wedge line, the RTX ZipCore. ZipCore was very well received, and even more so after expanding the line to include a Tour Black and Tour Rack (Raw) finish options in the fall. Today, the ZipCore family continues to grow with an offering that will likely be quite popular, the RTX Full-Face.
This release does not mark the first time we have seen Cleveland Golf release a full-faced wedge; in fact, they currently have the full-faced CBX wedge present in their lineup. While many enjoy the CBX for its forgiveness, the introduction of the RTX Full-Face brings that extra groove space and high-toe action to their tour-inspired lineup. Cleveland Golf believes that this wedge will help unlock some additional imagination in a player’s short game by including the full-face grooves and high-toe design.
“The new RTX Full-Face maintains the traditional and striking clean look that golfers have come to expect from a Cleveland wedge, all while adding shotmaking creativity with grooves across the entire face,” said Ryan Polanco, General Manager at Cleveland Golf. “It’s the perfect complement to the classic RTX ZipCore and delivers exceptional versatility around the greens.”
Fans of the ZipCore wedges will find comfort knowing that the Full-Face version carries much of the same technology. We still see the use of their low-density core that replaces much of the steel that was in the hosel. Using this material here to save weight allows for a shift in the center of gravity, which helps boost the stability of the head, and increase the consistency of spin, feel, and distance. Also present, is the UltiZip grooves, which are sharp and deep to help channel away grass and sand, as well as to help offer a little extra bite.
For anyone new to these styles of wedges, the theory behind them is that when you open the clubface for those short game shots and cut across the ball, contact tends to stray out towards the toe and, at times, higher on the face. Getting a little more mass out in that area helps keep the clubhead stable on these shots. As for grooves that stretch across the entire face, it gives comfort to know that toe or heel side contact is still going to come off with more spin and control than it would versus a traditional wedge.
Recently, I have been able to get some quality time in with both a 52° and 58° full-face wedge. I have found several variations of this wedge style in my bag throughout the last five or six years, so the basic design is not particularly new to my eye. The 58° has held up against every challenge it has faced so far and excelled on bunker shots. Meanwhile, the 52° has been a solid choice for longer chip shots and has performed well on full swings, proving that this design is not just a one-trick pony. The only thing missing so far is that there is no rust on the Tour Rack wedge, but that will happen.
Cleveland golf gives golfers another option to hone their short game skills with the RTX Full-Face wedges. By offering these with the Tour Rack experience, golfers have the opportunity to alter the grind and the leading edge if they so choose. For more information on the newest wedges from Cleveland, including a look at the Tour Rack custom options, visit www.clevelandgolf.com.
The Details
Available: June 11, 2021
Finishes: Tour Satin
Tour Rack (RAW)
Lofts: Tour Satin (50°-60°, & 64°
Tour Rack (56-60°,& 64°)
Grind: C-Shaped
Price: Tour Satin -$159.99
Tour Rack -$179.99
I opened the season with the non-full face ZipCores and then switched to Snakebite for the MC. I’ve enjoyed both but have noticed some differences for my game.
On full swings/pitches the Zipcores seem to be more consistent for me. I attribute that to the lighter weight hosel and back weighting which pushes the CG higher and towards the toe which is my miss.
Yet on chips and touch shots, the Snakebites seem to perform better for me. The spin seems to be a bit higher and more consistent. Not sure if it’s how they cut the grooves or the scallop grind that allows it to sit flush and get through the turf, likely a bit of both, but I’ve really enjoyed them around the green and seen my up and down percentage increase.
I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Happy to try to expound from my experiences on anything if you’d like.
Thanks. If anything my bad shot with wedges is a bit low and close to the heel.
I’d be curious if the lower leading edge of the Snakebites might not be the ticket for you then. Let us know if you pull the trigger on any how how they work out.
That’s a good comparison I need to do. Comparing those two
Decided to add the 58 and trade or the TM hi toe raw. So far so good. These are still great on full shots unlike the Taylor made.
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I know I wasn’t tagged, but I’ve always enjoyed the edge of the grooves for alignment on longer swings. That may be one item you are leaving in the table for full swings.
Oh, I’m glad you jumped in! Same for anybody with an opinion for that matter.
I do wonder about that, because I admittedly am not a fan of the look. I had a couple old Edel wedges with extended grooves and it’s a visual adjustment. I just know I put a lot of balls up in that region of the face with a lob wedge and the extra spin retention is intriguing.
I kinda dig the higher toe look, but was taught to use the grooves as an alignment help.
That said, whether I open of just live towards the toe (hence why I’m a big fan of the Zipcore line), the benefits of the full face may outweigh the alignment.
I tend to use the leading edge for alignment more than the groove/toe line, so maybe that wouldn’t be much of an issue. I do think I could get over the look at address if I saw performance on the little spinners.
Two questions, how often are you full seining this one and when you’re not, how is it used?
I mentioned earlier that this replaced my PM Grind and I didn’t skip a beat. Granted it’s only a green side bunker or an around the green wedge, but seeing the ball imprint on the toe and seeing how it helped made me a believer.
Well, first of all I’d guess the 57/58 loft is my most used club other than the putter. That tells you all you need to know about my approach shot game I bet it’s something like 95% of my shots inside 50 yards, so I’ll pitch, chip, flop, and use it in the bunker (almost exclusively). I’ll take maybe 2-3 full swings with it per round at the most I’d say?
Although it’s not the RTX Full Face, I’ve gamed a full face wedge in this spot since end of 2018 and full face will always be in that spot in the bag for multiple reasons. Amazing out of the sand, great for fluffy rough around the greens or short pitch and have had no issues with full shots.
That’s great to hear. Thanks @ttucliffhanger !
You’re welcome. I seldom use it for full swings but when I do I don’t have any issues. My 54* standard wedge is my go too for most shots inside of 100 yards, but I wouldn’t want to live without a full face 58* mainly bc of green side bunkers bc it’s like a cheat shot club every time I’m in one.
Gotcha. I’ve transitioned to using my GW from all those scenarios you mentioned except green side bunker. I trust my GW to bump and run vs trying to get cute with the 58/60
I’ve played quite a few full face wedges. OG PM Grind, TaylorMade Hi-Toe, and this one of Cleveland. I have had no issues with full swings, and those all ranged in loft from 58-60. I do think shaping matters, and Cleveland and the TM model had much better shaping than the OG PM Grind, Callaway has really done well with their shaping on their latest model. Full swings are fine, pitches are good, deep rough and bunkers are amazing.
You are the best.
So versatile off tight lies. Still some work to do with consistency out of bunkers, but good enough.
What grind did you get in the RTX?