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°)
Practiced a little short game today, and the 58* Zipcore is so good. From tight lies, deeper rough, fairway, opened up. Love the feel, consistency, and spin. I know what the ball is going to do, and have confidence to hit the shot needed.
I can’t wait to put this against the cobras, I think it’s going to be a dogfight
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10155445, member: 62865″]
I can’t wait to put this against the cobras, I think it’s going to be a dogfight
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I’m looking forward to it too, and to see who comes out on top!
[QUOTE=”gkeller813, post: 10155516, member: 51675″]
I’m looking forward to it too, and to see who comes out on top!
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It just needs to stop raining here….
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10155541, member: 62865″]
It just needs to stop raining here….
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It’s headed north. Looks like this weekend we’ll be getting it.
Today was my first round with the 60* Full Face. Coming from a PM Grind I had to get used to the smaller head, but it delivered just as good. I had one bunker shot where I was able to spin the ball and land it a few feet from the hole. The ball plays a part here, but this wedge is legit.
I also had other bunker shots that were just as successful.
Used the 50° a couple times today and super versatile inside 100 yards for me. One that stood out was a shot from 62 yards that I caught just a smidge thin but the result was a shot that went in low and spinny and when it hit it hopped about 6 feet and stopped dead. Love seeing the results like that.
[QUOTE=”Snickerdog, post: 10174562, member: 38739″]
Used the 50° a couple times today and super versatile inside 100 yards for me.
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I really want to grab a 50 to compare against the Cobra…
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10174638, member: 62865″]
I really want to grab a 50 to compare against the Cobra…
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Definitely should, great wedges.
I use the 62 degree ZipCore as kind of a short game utility wedge due to the courses I play (mainly our club). Its good to have something that will get the ball up quickly as the greens are a bit elevated and this thing continues to shine. I have worn the grooves down pretty low after using it for over a year, so I think its time to upgrade to a new one.
[USER=59872]@Davidhibler[/USER] some reading for your wedge pondering 😉
I would really love to know the CG point of these compared to other wedges on the market. I’m convinced the tech in these to push the CG towards the toe benefits me after all the wedge testing I did last spring, during the bag battle I has with the Cobra Snakebite wedges this fall, and now another round of shopping to find a pair of wedges that complement the copper irons (which I decided the black zipcores fit that bill nicely).
But I would love to prove it beyond just speculating on the marketing and what has shown up through fittings and on-course testing.
In the meantime, the black wedges are inbound. I decided to go low bounce in the 58 instead of mid. One to have another option and two, side by side testing of bounce sounds fun to do.
[QUOTE=”gkeller813, post: 10365817, member: 51675″]
[USER=59872]@Davidhibler[/USER] some reading for your wedge pondering 😉
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I do like my 56 degree zipcore… good wedge to ponder
[QUOTE=”lukemartin93, post: 10367717, member: 54553″]
I do like my 56 degree zipcore… good wedge to ponder
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What bounce did you go with ans why?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10367747, member: 62865″]
What bounce did you go with ans why?
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It was a gift for winning fantasy football last year so I was unable to pick the bounce. However, I am 90% it is 10 deg bounce which is likely what I would have picked up anyways. I am not the biggest wedge technician and felt like a middle ground was best. Definitely would love a wedge fitting someday!
[QUOTE=”TxAggie2018, post: 10369589, member: 65518″]
Just got done with a night golf round with my RTX4 Zipcore 60-06* lob wedge, and coming up on a year owning it total.
Let’s just say it’s freaking filthy and ended up being exactly what I wanted it to be. I resolved the left-right miss issue I mentioned earlier by opening my stance a bit, and that’s made it start launching darts. Played more square, the low-bounce option can hit off of almost dire-bare lies and it can flop any shot you have enough grass to cut under. After being used for about a round a week for a year, the satin finish looks new, the face looks nearly new, and the grooves have another year worth of life left in them easy. This thing is locked into my bag and the only thing I’m going to replace it with is a RTX5 once the face is finally cooked.
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Awesome. It really is a great wedge!
The softness of the Zipcore with slightly firmer golf balls is a match made in heaven. Still dealing with winter rust but hit a few lovely little pitches today. It feels like they just you 15% more performance than your strike deserves if that makes sense. So excited to give them an extended run this season
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10463442, member: 62865″]
The softness of the Zipcore with slightly firmer golf balls is a match made in heaven. Still dealing with winter rust but hit a few lovely little pitches today. It feels like they just you 15% more performance than your strike deserves if that makes sense. So excited to give them an extended run this season
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UltiZip grooves are awesome. Really good bite and consistent from the junk.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10463442, member: 62865″]
The softness of the Zipcore with slightly firmer golf balls is a match made in heaven. Still dealing with winter rust but hit a few lovely little pitches today. It feels like they just you 15% more performance than your strike deserves if that makes sense. So excited to give them an extended run this season
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Omg I literally said this exact same thing to an engineer there on Friday. Something about the sound of this wedge line with their Z-Star is bliss.
[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10463449, member: 40185″]
UltiZip grooves are awesome. Really good bite and consistent from the junk.
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So I’ve enjoyed them so much I might have a second set in black on the way
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 10463505, member: 62865″]
So I’ve enjoyed them so much I might have a second set in black on the way
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That is awesome. The black finish is really good!
[QUOTE=”GraniteRoost, post: 10463547, member: 40185″]
That is awesome. The black finish is really good!
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And looks even better next to copper irons ?
I might have just joined the Zipcore brigade.
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[QUOTE=”Kenomikes, post: 10464566, member: 42216″]
I might have just joined the Zipcore brigade.
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Great decision!
[QUOTE=”Kenomikes, post: 10464566, member: 42216″]
I might have just joined the Zipcore brigade.
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A wise choice if I may say so. My favorite wedges ever. I played half of last season with the stock 54/58 Mid Zipcore with Spinner shaft, and then custom ordered the same with Steelfibers, and those will be in the bag again this coming season. So reliable and versatile. Enjoy.
I was sure I was going to go with SM8 this spring. Now you enablers have me thinking zipcore SW and maybe zipcore full face LW.
[QUOTE=”MGoBlue, post: 10464673, member: 53320″]
I was sure I was going to go with SM8 this spring. Now you enablers have me thinking zipcore SW and maybe zipcore full face LW.
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Not trying to enable, but I played a few generations of Vokeys but won’t look back with how the zipcore performs for me. I’m convinced it’s because the CG is shifted out towards the toe more which is where I tend to go with my strike.
[QUOTE=”jeffrey r, post: 10464657, member: 1396″]
A wise choice if I may say so. My favorite wedges ever. I played half of last season with the stock 54/58 Mid Zipcore with Spinner shaft, and then custom ordered the same with Steelfibers, and those will be in the bag again this coming season. So reliable and versatile. Enjoy.
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I ordered the 58 low with stock DG spinner shaft, in stock, so I’ll get this Wednesday. Wasn’t willing to wait 4-10 weeks for a custom Recoil shaft. I have one at home to reshaft if the steel isn’t good for me.
Also was thinking other brands but decided to stay with some forgiveness and something new that I’ve haven’t tried. Last Cleveland wedge I gamed was 20 years ago. Probably still have it somewhere.
[QUOTE=”MGoBlue, post: 10464673, member: 53320″]
I was sure I was going to go with SM8 this spring. Now you enablers have me thinking zipcore SW and maybe zipcore full face LW.
[/QUOTE]
Zipcore is so good for me on:
1. Full and partial shots. I used to only take partial wedge shots, but have no issues full swinging a Zipcore. Just so stable and such great dispersion.
2. From a variety if lies. It just gets thru all types of turf. Think, tight lies, etc, it just works.
[QUOTE=”gkeller813, post: 10464746, member: 51675″]
Zipcore is so good for me on:
1. Full and partial shots. I used to only take partial wedge shots, but have no issues full swinging a Zipcore. Just so stable and such great dispersion.
2. From a variety if lies. It just gets thru all types of turf. Think, tight lies, etc, it just works.
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Yeah, whatever magic/geometry is on the sole just works for me better than anything else out there, by a noticeable amount.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10464762, member: 52381″]
Yeah, whatever magic/geometry is on the sole just works for me better than anything else out there, by a noticeable amount.
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I’ll take all the magic/geometry help I can get.
[QUOTE=”Kenomikes, post: 10464734, member: 42216″]
I ordered the 58 low with stock DG spinner shaft, in stock, so I’ll get this Wednesday. Wasn’t willing to wait 4-10 weeks for a custom Recoil shaft. I have one at home to reshaft if the steel isn’t good for me.
Also was thinking other brands but decided to stay with some forgiveness and something new that I’ve haven’t tried. Last Cleveland wedge I gamed was 20 years ago. Probably still have it somewhere.
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I can only say that anecdotally, when I ordered my custom Zipcores last fall from Discount Dan’s, I had them in hand within about 2 weeks. Not sure what the current timeline is. I got the Steelfiber i110 stiff SS 1X, and they are perfect.
And I can echo some of the recent posts that these just work, in all types of conditions, lies, etc. I did not have the chance to try the low or full bounce, but the mid works great for my Northeast course conditions. Enjoy.
Any comments on the Full Face Zipcore vs the RTX ZipCore?
[QUOTE=”MGoBlue, post: 10465730, member: 53320″]
Any comments on the Full Face Zipcore vs the RTX ZipCore?
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I can’t speak to playing the full face. I thought about it but the toe shaping just didn’t mesh with my eye so I kept it standard.
[QUOTE=”jeffrey r, post: 10464887, member: 1396″]
I can only say that anecdotally, when I ordered my custom Zipcores last fall from Discount Dan’s, I had them in hand within about 2 weeks. Not sure what the current timeline is. I got the Steelfiber i110 stiff SS 1X, and they are perfect.
And I can echo some of the recent posts that these just work, in all types of conditions, lies, etc. I did not have the chance to try the low or full bounce, but the mid works great for my Northeast course conditions. Enjoy.
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I was quoted 10 weeks from them, went another path.
My sophomore 2 bag is making the move into these and huge shout out to Cleveland/Srixon’s HS guy Andy Pruess for literally going all over to track down two of the wedges for HS and get them at the HS pricing. My kiddo is blown away and is a Cleveland/Srixon fan for life.
[QUOTE=”Kenomikes, post: 10466834, member: 42216″]
I was quoted 10 weeks from them, went another path.
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Gotcha—well, I can say that the stock Zipcores with DG Spinner were fantastic for me. I only switched to the Steelfibers because I could, and I figured why not match my irons while getting the benefits of graphite. But there was really no need from a performance or feel standpoint. Enjoy.
Order placed.
RTX ZipCore 54.10 Mid Black with DG Spinner.
RTX Full-Face 58.09 Black with DG Spinner.
Wow. This really is a great looking wedge. I bought it blind, gonna be a few weeks before I play it but really happy with looks and swing weight. It came in at D5 which is right on spec. The head is about same size as my Ping Glide 3.0.
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Who is still playing these wedges. I had kind of forgotten about the two Tour Rack wedges that I ordered quite some time ago and had in the bag for a while. I had completely forgotten what great wedges they are. The lofts line up with a gap wedge that I am planning on using, so I was playing around with them today out on a grass field where I can hit balls. These have a very good chance of being in the A position in the bag.
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[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 10476324, member: 42964″]
Who is still playing these wedges. I had kind of forgotten about the two Tour Rack wedges that I ordered quite some time ago and had in the bag for a while. I had completely forgotten what great wedges they are. The lofts line up with a gap wedge that I am planning on using, so I was playing around with them today out on a grass field where I can hit balls. These have a very good chance of being in the A position in the bag.
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Absolutely love the 54 tour rack.
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 10476328, member: 52381″]
Absolutely love the 54 tour rack.
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That’s what I have, as well as a 58. My recent iron sets have had gap wedges in the 48* range and it is too big of a gap, which caused me to put these aside. I may be onto something with a 49* gw and the 54* would flow right in.
My 60* Tour Rack is still in the bag, only comes out on a couple of courses where my low bounce 60* RTX4 is needed. The Tour Rack is the first lob wedge I’ve ever had that I have absolute confidence in on full shots from pretty much any lie.
54 and 58 in the bag, with the same pair in black finish at the shop to get my preferred shaft
I really like my full face 55 after one simulator session.
Just got my 54 ZipCore and 58 Full-Face tonight, both in black. Really looking forward to hitting them, though it might be a week or more. Great looking clubs, love the black finish.
Got the 54 and 58 ZipCores out today. Hit some really nice shots with both. Good ball flight with both, and lots of spin when properly struck. I think I’m gonna really like these.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 10476324, member: 42964″]
Who is still playing these wedges. I had kind of forgotten about the two Tour Rack wedges that I ordered quite some time ago and had in the bag for a while. I had completely forgotten what great wedges they are. The lofts line up with a gap wedge that I am planning on using, so I was playing around with them today out on a grass field where I can hit balls. These have a very good chance of being in the A position in the bag.
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I’m still playing my 58*. Such a good, consistent club from a wide variety of lies. Love the versatility.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 10476324, member: 42964″]
Who is still playing these wedges. I had kind of forgotten about the two Tour Rack wedges that I ordered quite some time ago and had in the bag for a while. I had completely forgotten what great wedges they are. The lofts line up with a gap wedge that I am planning on using, so I was playing around with them today out on a grass field where I can hit balls. These have a very good chance of being in the A position in the bag.
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my current plan is to have them in the bag for the start of the season.
ZipCore put in a shift this morning!
Got up and down at a 70% clip this morning and the vast majority of those were because I chipped it inside of 2’ so I just scooped it away.
Im smitten with these wedges.