Sometimes revolutionary can be familiar too. In recent years, few have put as much emphasis and effort into improving the balance and performance of their wedges than Cleveland Golf. To many on the THP community and well beyond, the RTX4 was the most complete wedge out there, so a refresh would have been more than acceptable.
But that isn’t what Cleveland Golf does.
If you have seen the teasers that the company put up the past week, then you’ve gotten a taste of what’s coming, and believe me, this is impressive. You know what though? When you are willing to take something that’s already great all the way down to its core, literally, then it had better be.
This is the RTX ZipCore.
Taking it to the Core
Cleveland themselves are describing the new RTX ZipCore as “radically new and ultra-familiar”, essentially new, yet classic. From the images of the back of the club, we all see a shape that comes with that familiarity which Cleveland is referring, albeit, with a little more modern aesthetic in how the text is placed on the club and a revamp of the loft font. However, the aesthetics aren’t the story here, Cleveland knows they had a wedge in the RTX4 that was fantastic in that area, but to find improvements they decided to look for an inside to out solution. This meant the change they sought was at the core, and I mean that legitimately.
ZipCore
While not the only story in this release, being the namesake of the new wedge means it definitely gets lead billing. If you saw the teasers, then you know there has clearly been some internal work done on the new RTX wedges, and that is exactly at the core of ZipCore.
What you were seeing there, is a low-density core which has allowed Cleveland to shift the center of gravity even more than they have in the past. Yes, they have gone hard on marketing the CG change before, and they acknowledge that, but they also realize that there was more they could do. To be able to shift both the balance and the shape how they wanted, it was necessary to find a way to alter the core balance, so using a proprietary material which Cleveland only explains as being “extremely lightweight, yet strong” they carved out an internal spoon shaped section from the hosel into the heel and used this compound to fill it.
What this all ends up meaning is better balance, higher moment of inertia, more spin, more control, and more shots likely to strike the sweet spot and thus yield better results. Also, for those of you wondering, Cleveland promised that this new ZipCore and the material they’re using won’t sacrifice or compromise the feel either, which will most definitely be interesting to test out because this is one of the most outside the box design features we have ever seen in wedges.
Beyond the Core
Clearly you can see why so much attention is being given to the ZipCore design feature, but if you know Cleveland Golf, then you know they aren’t going to stop there. Rounding out the evolution of the RTX is the focus on improving spin and durability.
For spin, it’s no surprise that you need to look to the face of things. Cleveland, who have long ridden the wave of ROTEX, have gone back to the design board in a big way. More spin? How about more grooves? How about better grooves? How about UltiZip?
Yes, the name is, well, unique. But, based on what Cleveland is touting, it might not be all that hard to get down with. These grooves have the sharpest edge radius ever, and the deepest, meaning more spin and more control in all conditions. The depth funnels away the debris more efficiently, but the key, according to Cleveland, is that they have also moved the grooves closer together, which allowed them to add two more grooves as well. Why is that important? More grooves mean more of the ball contacting them with each shot, and that means more bite. For the fans of hard numbers, all this comes out to grooves that Cleveland says are 11% sharper, 7.3% deeper, 7.4% closer, and 7.2% more groove contact at impact.
Grooves are great, but grooves that are more durable are even better. The last thing Cleveland has addressed with the RTX ZipCore was just that, durability. How though? The answer they have arrived at is utilizing heat treatment of each and every wedge. By heating the 8620-carbon steel wedge they’ve found the material is altered, in a good way, removing impurities, aligning the grain, and just generating an all around more durable wedge.
Rounding it all out, Cleveland is plugging the all new Tour Issue Dynamic Gold Spinner wedges shaft and finishing it with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360, both impressive components. The RTX ZipCore will be available in lofts from 46° to 62° with three specific grind options, Low (C-Grind), Mid (V-Sole), and Full. Additionally, it’s worth noting that upon the initial release the classic Cleveland satin will be the only finish available, but Black Satin and Raw finishes are coming later this year.
The Details
Available: 8/14/20
Price: $149.99
Finish: Tour Satin (Black Satin and Raw later)
Lofts: 46°-62°
Grinds: Low (56°-62°), Mid (46°-60°), Full (54°-60°)
I really am, yeah. And it explains the lower spin numbers I was seeing with this wedge. It’s been pretty darn good for my game and I even full swing it a bit too now
I’ve been that way with Cobra drivers. No matter how good the design is, we just don’t jive.
I think this design is good. It’s balanced nicely, obviously with some feshness to them there is plenty of spin. I don’t know how sustainable it is for the spin is long term, let’s be real grooves won’t stay fresh forever. More than that though, I like the mid sole I have on the 54. There is plenty of comfort with it out of the sand, tigher lies, and rough.
I don’t have enough time with the Zip Core yet but my initial gut feeling is I like the looks of the RTX4 better. To me, the ZC is shaped more like the 588 wedges which I liked as well just not as much as the RTX4. I don’t need more spin, especially on full wedges at my home course so we will see. I’ll have only two rounds in so far and have only hit about a dozen full approach shots with the ZC LW and SW so the jury is still out on whether or not they have maybe too much spin. Yesterday a full SW from 103 landed a few feet past the pin, hopped forward a yard and spun back about 15 feet and I missed the 10 footer.
Spin monster! Quit being so impressive.
It’s not me it’s the damn greens and the sadistic greenskeeper who loves to mess with us with the borderline unfair hole locations, lol. A yard short of the correct landing spot and you are screwed. On the 18th my strong 3 wood yesterday flew 235 yards with a low trajectory, hit the front of the green that is sloped and released only about 5 feet.
I am really enjoying how this handles the short chips and touch shots around the green regardless of lie. I believe one part because of leading edge and what part because of sole grind, but I seem to be getting at everything very clean.
I’m hoping this holds true for me when I get them in play. It’s the number one feedback reason why I made the leap to buy. Short side chips and touch shots are my number one short game miss/issue. I found better results with the Ben Hogan Equalizers than I did with my RTX4s in that regard, but I missed the spin and height I was getting from the RTX4s. I am really hoping the ZipCores give me the best of both worlds, as it sounds like most are seeing.
Looking forward to your thoughts on them. They are definitely different, which I have enjoyed.
Doc said no golf for two weeks after my nasal surgery last Wednesday, so for now I am relegated to just admiring them. But once I can get back out, they are going to get a ton or work in the short game practice area.
I’m still OK with them aesthetically, and the turf interaction in the 54 Mid and 62 Low I have are good, there’s solid versatility too. I have no knocks for them in any of those places.
There are three things that continue to stand out for me.
1) The new Spinner is effing good. I truly believe that, the flight, launch, peak, in tandem with the spin rate are making them amply playable and manipulable for me. For the love of everything I know we all have our preferences in things and are creatures of habit, but give these a chance, a legitimate chance, because there is very much something here.
2) I still cannot hit a draw with them in full shots, its part frustrating, but way more funny to me. The CG placement 100% is to do with this for ME. Put an SM8 or RTX4 in the same loft in my hands at the same distance, swooping draws for days, back to these and laser straight. I’m sure as heck not complaining, its just a continued adaptation for me.
3) THESE GROOVES ARE STUPID. I mean that complimentary, but I cannot make myself adjust. CONSTANTLY I’m playing from lies and conditions where I absolutely KNOW the ball is going to HAVE to release based on spin being killed or whatever…only to hit shots that end up STONE DEAD when they hit the surface. LOTS of expletives from me, again, its me not trusting it even this long having them in the bag, but that’s because I haven’t seen anything like this before for debris and moisture funneling. Spin retention here is RIDICULOUS and for my by faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar the biggest shining design moment here. I had one today, THICK bermuda rough, WITH dew, about 15 feet to a pin sitting on a downhill (from me) lie, open it up, KNOW that its going to release with the somewhat significant slope only to clip it perfect and watch it just drop like a sack of flour….ON the slope.
Silly. Just silly.
I do wish they were raw though, I’m seeing some pretty decent brushing/sole-wear on mine…but…I play a LOT.
Morning nudge, but more of me saying/typing aloud that in the scramble today I’m going to play them more aggressively and see where it all sorts out
Speaking of full shots. This wedge is bringing back some memories to the IndiGolf wedges Ive had. Those things were probably the easiest, most forgiving, wedges to hit with this type of swing. The weight distribution here might not be as extreme as that one, but this design and the alterations done give me some similar feels. It’s hard to say a bladed club is forgiving so don’t think this means Im throwing it up against CBX/CBX2. But consistency in yaradge and spin has been uber impressive.
I’m really enjoying these wedges.
Feedback started by noting the shape was different, but pleasant not negative. Maybe a bit more face presence which obviously leads to extra confidence. Repeatedly commented on how ‘easy’ they were to hit on full swings, and his results definitely validated it. Quite a few tight-to-pin results.
He also felt very confident out of the sand, which I found fascinating because for me, the sand touch with a wedge takes me a good while to dial in, and even I felt that way after a big sand session a week ago helping out a friend. Lots of versatility in the way it connects with the sand, whether I want to blast it out, or finesse with open face.
He’s a fellow BStone RX player but hits it quite a bit lower than I do, so he’s rarely looking for big action when it hits the green. That said, he did note that the ball wasn’t releasing much which is exactly what he looks for in a wedge.
Very cool. Seems like a uniform response to what I saw as well.
I can’t compare to the Jaws, but they’re pretty comparable to my SM8’s and that’s a good thing imo. It’s a solid shape they’ve developed here.
He who hesitates is lost.
Well I guess that settles it then
I haven’t been able to hit my ZipCores yet, but I have both so if you any questions regarding looks or shape comparisons let me know. I can’t do anything but look at them right now, so kind as well make that productive.
Sweet, I’m definitely curious how turf interaction differs. Gonna get the same setup as the RTX4’s (56* Mid, 62* Low, TT S400 Tour Issue), so if the shape is different, that’s my only concern.
If your only concern is shape, then you have no reason to be concerned. They are virtually identical, with the exception that the ZC has a slightly to moderately smoother radius and shape on the leading edge to the sole. It’s difficult to take accurate measurement pictures, and I know there are some good ones in this thread, but I took a few as well to help you compare. If you at w a fan of the RTX4, I think the ZC is the logical next evolution of the design. Holding them side by side, I see why the ZC should be better at producing spin from the rough as the shape seems like it is better designed to glide through trouble.
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Whoa those are fantastic. Somethings working
Yeah, now if there was a ZipCore putter I may be under par. But that’s another story entirely.
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This is what I mean -full shot is played at 105 but anything between 45 and 105 is this club now. It’s silly good.
That is so awesome. Funny story seeing your data and thinking about mine with the ZipCore. I knew the 62* was pure gold for me. I also knew the 50* was good for what I was using it for. I thought the 56 was giving me a bit of trouble around the green. My Shot Scope data says otherwise and is really showing how well these are working for me.
I can hook them, but I sure as hell still can’t draw them, so I’m jealous
However, I’m waiting for the satin black and raw. I want to see how they look before deciding on my next wedges.
Currently playing a 54* RTX4 mid bent to 55*. The 54* ZC Full sounds up my alley. Not sure what to go with for the 58/60. Low would match the bounce of my lob wedge but usually don’t like C grinds.
The 58° Low is money out of the sand…
I’m starting to dial in my distance control with these and they are special related to how aggressive you can get and still have the ball check.
Awesome. Gonna pull the trigger this week.
Thinking 56 degree will be the other that I run with.
Overall, another really good usage for me and ZipCore continues to shine.
Question, but is the Zipcore as good out of sim rough as it is out of the real life rough?
Seriously though, I cant believe how this club continues to get me out of the tall stuff when I’m there. Greenside to 75 out, even from the rough, I can swing without much worry of the club catching.
Sent you a PM. The ZCs sound fascinating, but, being a new golfer, I imagine the CBX 2’s are better-suited for me
Let’s start with the good. On short work around the green, both of these wedges shined. I’m not a high spin player up close to the green (read: I kinda stink), but the check with these is noticeable and I feel like there’s a ton of potential there once I get the distances dialed in. These don’t seem to go quite as far on similar swings as my gamers, but nothing I couldn’t work with. The sole on these definitely makes chipping a breeze.
The problem areas for me are fullish shots and traps so far. Let’s start with the traps. My home course does have some pretty soft traps right now, which isn’t always the case around here, but I generally don’t have issues getting out. Anywhere up close I usually use my MD4 60X, but will go down if I need to cover more ground. Spent time in three different traps at varying distances. Every one I left quite short, usually in the rough between the trap and the green. Now that’s certainly an indian issue and I wasn’t perfect at all with my current gamer, but my results were much more manageable as I was on the green in 5/6 attempts, with the one being past the hole on the fringe.
I also dropped a number of balls to hit these wedges from a distance. My layup zone is usually ~100 yards if I have to (only forced layup is #3 if you’re not close enough to carry the creek), which on a calm day is a 54? 3/4 swing. These are plenty straight and appear to spin pretty well as I had no issues with the ball stopping when I did reach the green with them. The problem was I didn’t reach all the greens & was never close to sniffing the pin distance. On as repeatable a swing as I can make from around 100 yards, the ZipCore 54? was consistently 5-10 yard shorter than my MD4. I try not to take more than about a 2/3 swing with my 60?, and only hit a few shots with those, but the results were similar. Noticeably shorter.
I’m willing to chalk up the sand issues to me, but the longer shots are just unacceptable. Is it technique? Am I just more comfortable with the wedges I’ve been gaming for a good while? ¯\_(?)_/¯ I’m going to give these a little more time to work out, but if I have to change shafts on them to make them work, the odds are I’ll end up selling these and just refreshing with Callaway wedges instead since I’m obviously more comfortable there.
For the record, don’t read this as a knock on these clubs. I’ve gamed Cleveland wedges and other clubs with plenty of success, and I definitely see the potential in these. They just haven’t panned out across the board for me yet, which is the danger of buying & trying. Sometimes the clubs don’t fit you perfect.
I am also see less than 100 yds with the 54, I used to play the Honma 52 for 105-110 so I figured this 54 would be good for 100. I had a perfect lie from 104 and flushed right a t the pin and was short by 10 yds. might have to rethink it for a 90 yd club which gives me a weird gap between the 11 Honma TR20 P wedge which when flushed is closer to 120 carry. Around the green it is a blast and checks like crazy, may just have it adjusted to 53 and see what happens.
Yeah leaving it the way it is would introduce a large gap between my sand and gap wedges. Like I said, will continue to work on it. I’ve got a vacation coming up in another week. If I don’t get them worked out by the time that’s over, I’ll start looking at my options. Definitely need a wedge refresh this year though.
I am not sure where that stems from. Is it increased spin? Or the spinner shafts? I am just not sure. But I would say they are 5’ish plus yards short on full shots than my previous wedges. The RTX4s.