I was able to get out this afternoon after work to hit some shots at the local course.
Overall Initial impression
The RTX CB is definitely a great looking wedge. I really like the black pearl finish and along with the milled face does not distract at address. I can really tell the difference with the overall weight distribution of the club compared to my previous RBZ 55* wedge. I felt more confidence with at address because I felt the extra weight would allow me to better get through the turf without as may mishits. Confidence is a great thing and this club was making me feel positive the entire time I was out there.
My practice today was around 40 shots. I started a couple of steps off the green and hit to the target in the middle of the green. I gave myself 10 shots and then moved a couple of more steps back, another 10 shots, repeat. My basic thought pattern at each station was to try put the first one out as a marker and hit the next 9 closer. In reality I was just looking for a nice cluster and to work at eliminating the outliers (chunks, skulls) that I have often ended up with in the past. I have not been a big wedge practice player in the past so I try to do something that gave me feedback and keep my mind on my goal. After reading some of the wedge practice threads this seemed like a good place to start for me.
Around the green, the wedge showed great versatility. I have had a hard time in the past trusting my higher lofted clubs. Today was different. After hitting a few shots all over the green trying to get the feel of the club I was really able to start putting shots where I wanted and they STOPPED! I actually had to adjust my power on shots because the ball was stopping in places I am not used to. As most others have said the spin produced from this club is a sight to see. Most times I need to play for the run out but now I was hitting shots that were checking up with minimal roll out. It will be an adjustment but I feel better hitting shots this way then shots that look nice only to run off the back side of the green. I did not get a great deal of backspin as others but I think the more confidence and course/practice range time I get with the club I will start to see the results others have described.
As I was going on I started working on getting the ball higher and letting it land and stop. The turf interaction was nice and I felt the extra weight allowed me to get through the shot. Many times I have had my previous wedges catch the turf with the leading edge causing the ball to come up short, but the addition weight in the shaft and club head made the shots easier to hit. The sound produced was a clear click when hit right, not overly loud but did make a note of it. As others have said there is some adjustment period with this club. Getting the ball in the right position did take some playing around with. Overall in my limited time I am extremely please with the initial interaction/results with the club. It is by no means a miracle cure but I hit my wedge better today then I did all summer. There were still some god awful shots, but that is more the Indian than the arrow and I hope with practice the Indian can match the skill the arrow has inside it.
I want to get out to the range or play 18 this week to see the wedge in action in different positions from 100 yards and in. I am really interested to see the club in action from the sand. I hope Cleveland can help out my bunker play and based upon my initial feel of the club I have high hopes.
Overall Initial impression
The RTX CB is definitely a great looking wedge. I really like the black pearl finish and along with the milled face does not distract at address. I can really tell the difference with the overall weight distribution of the club compared to my previous RBZ 55* wedge. I felt more confidence with at address because I felt the extra weight would allow me to better get through the turf without as may mishits. Confidence is a great thing and this club was making me feel positive the entire time I was out there.
My practice today was around 40 shots. I started a couple of steps off the green and hit to the target in the middle of the green. I gave myself 10 shots and then moved a couple of more steps back, another 10 shots, repeat. My basic thought pattern at each station was to try put the first one out as a marker and hit the next 9 closer. In reality I was just looking for a nice cluster and to work at eliminating the outliers (chunks, skulls) that I have often ended up with in the past. I have not been a big wedge practice player in the past so I try to do something that gave me feedback and keep my mind on my goal. After reading some of the wedge practice threads this seemed like a good place to start for me.
Around the green, the wedge showed great versatility. I have had a hard time in the past trusting my higher lofted clubs. Today was different. After hitting a few shots all over the green trying to get the feel of the club I was really able to start putting shots where I wanted and they STOPPED! I actually had to adjust my power on shots because the ball was stopping in places I am not used to. As most others have said the spin produced from this club is a sight to see. Most times I need to play for the run out but now I was hitting shots that were checking up with minimal roll out. It will be an adjustment but I feel better hitting shots this way then shots that look nice only to run off the back side of the green. I did not get a great deal of backspin as others but I think the more confidence and course/practice range time I get with the club I will start to see the results others have described.
As I was going on I started working on getting the ball higher and letting it land and stop. The turf interaction was nice and I felt the extra weight allowed me to get through the shot. Many times I have had my previous wedges catch the turf with the leading edge causing the ball to come up short, but the addition weight in the shaft and club head made the shots easier to hit. The sound produced was a clear click when hit right, not overly loud but did make a note of it. As others have said there is some adjustment period with this club. Getting the ball in the right position did take some playing around with. Overall in my limited time I am extremely please with the initial interaction/results with the club. It is by no means a miracle cure but I hit my wedge better today then I did all summer. There were still some god awful shots, but that is more the Indian than the arrow and I hope with practice the Indian can match the skill the arrow has inside it.
I want to get out to the range or play 18 this week to see the wedge in action in different positions from 100 yards and in. I am really interested to see the club in action from the sand. I hope Cleveland can help out my bunker play and based upon my initial feel of the club I have high hopes.
