Cleveland Wedges 2026: Four models for every level of play

From the Tour weapon to the forgiving all-rounder - Cleveland Golf presents four Wedge models that are set to revolutionize the short game at every level. We present all four and explain who really benefits from which model.

No club decides Birdie or Bogey as often as the Wedge. The short game - the chips, pitches and bunker clearances around the green - is where handicaps really separate themselves. Cleveland Golf has known this for decades and is considered one of the most renowned wedge manufacturers in the golf world. With four current models, the brand now serves almost every playing ability, every budget and every playing situation - from wet Rough to hard Bunker in midsummer.

The most important step in the latest product history is a change of material: with the RTZ and the CBZ Tour Satin, Cleveland introduced wedges based on the in-house Z-Alloy steel alloy for the first time in January 2025 - a step that the company officially described as "groundbreaking". Read on to find out what's behind it and how the four models differ from one another.

Background: A new era in Wedge construction

To be able to categorize the current models, it's worth taking a brief look back. In 2020, Cleveland introduced Zipcore technology - a lightweight, low-density core that shifts the center of gravity of the club head closer to the impact zone and increases the moment of inertia (MOI). This innovation formed the foundation for all subsequent models.

the CBX Zipcore followed in 2022, combining Zipcore with a cavity back design for the first time and thus offering particularly forgiving properties for players with a medium handicap. The RTX 6 Zipcore was released in January 2023 - in Europe from March of the same year - and featured HydraZip technology, which, according to internal development tests, is said to achieve up to 43 percent more spin in wet conditions compared to its predecessor.

Cleveland made its biggest development leap to date in January 2025 with the introduction of Z-Alloy. The new steel alloy was developed specifically for wedges and, according to the manufacturer, offers more design freedom in the club head construction as well as greater durability: compared to conventional steel, the material is said to retain up to 15 percent more spin over its entire service life. The fact that the RTZ could already be seen on the course at the PGA Tour event Shriners Children's Open in October 2024 - even before the official sales launch - underlines the confidence that professionals have in the development.

A portrait of the four Cleveland Wedges

Cleveland RTZ - The Tour model (€159.99)

The RTZ is Cleveland's most technically advanced wedge for those who demand the highest standards from their short game. It is the first model ever to be based on the new Z-Alloy alloy - a material that not only promises a cleaner feel, but is also significantly more resistant to wear than classic steel. Rust resistance and long-term spin retention are not just marketing promises, but measurable properties that make the RTZ particularly interesting for regular golfers.

Technologically, the RTZ draws on the full potential: HydraZip optimizes the friction of the clubface even under the influence of moisture, Zipcore shifts the centre of gravity precisely behind the impact zone, UltiZip grooves ensure consistent spin from a wide variety of lies, and Rotex Milling specifically adapts the surface structure to different types of shots. Cleveland relies on the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaft and the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip as components - a combination that has been tried and tested in Tour use.

What makes the RTZ particularly versatile is the range of sole grinds: In addition to the tried and tested LOW (for firm ground and flat attack angle), MID (for all conditions) and FULL (for soft ground and steep attack angle) options, the new ADAPT grind offers a solution specially designed for sand and lob wedges with grooves across the entire clubface and additional bounce at the leading edge.

Conclusion RTZ: Recommended for experienced golfers with a low handicap who rely on durability, precision and Tour-proven technology.

Cleveland CBZ Tour Satin - The versatile all-rounder Wedge (169,99 €)

The CBZ Tour Satin is the latest model in the Cleveland lineup and combines the new Z-Alloy alloy with a cavity back design for the first time. The result is a wedge that combines premium material quality with a wider forgiveness - bridging the gap between demanding players and those still working on consistency in their impact points.

The cavity back design widens the sweet spot, while a TPU GelBack insert dampens unwanted vibrations on miss-hits and softens the feel. Zipcore, HydraZip and UltiZip are also installed here - the CBZ is therefore hardly inferior to the RTZ in terms of technology, but also offers the Pyramid Face Pattern for more even ball interaction across the entire clubface.

The loft range is particularly noteworthy: The CBZ is available from 44° and is therefore also suitable as a gap wedge or as a replacement for the lowest Iron in the bag. The loft-specific adapted sole grinds - V-shaped in the lower lofts, S-shaped in the middle, C-shaped in the higher lofts - ensure that every type of shot is optimally covered. The CBZ is the only model in the comparison that is also available with a graphite shaft.

Conclusion CBZ: The best choice for ambitious all-rounders who do not want to compromise on material quality but at the same time want to benefit from greater forgiveness.

Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore - The spin wedge (€ 119.99)

When Cleveland unveiled the RTX 6 Zipcore in January 2023, Pat Ripp, Tour Engineering Manager in Research and Development, put the clubhead's claim succinctly: The model looks classic on the outside, but is equipped with three technological breakthroughs on the inside that shift the advantage to the golfer's side - regardless of the conditions on the course.

In fact, HydraZip is the most striking innovation of the RTX 6 Zipcore: a combination of dynamic face blasts and laser-milled lines maximizes friction and ensures spin even in wet conditions. According to the manufacturer, internal tests have shown 43 percent more spin in wet conditions compared to the previous model - a value that is particularly relevant for golfers in rainy regions. UltiZip grooves cut through grass and dirt more precisely, Zipcore optimizes the center of gravity and MOI.

New to the range in 2023 was the LOW+ grind for sand wedge lofts: a C-shaped sole with two degrees more bounce than the classic LOW grind - developed in response to feedback from Tour players looking for versatility and sand bunker performance in one grind.

Conclusion RTX 6 Zipcore: Ideal for advanced golfers who want a classic Wedge look but don't want to compromise on spin - especially strong in changeable weather conditions.

Cleveland CBX Zipcore - The forgiving Wedge (€119.99)

The CBX Zipcore is the oldest of the four models and is aimed at golfers who want to systematically improve their short game without having to rely on a penalizing club design. The cavity back design combined with a weighted hollow body ensures that even miss-hits away from the sweet spot still deliver controllable results.

Zipcore is also installed here and optimizes MOI and centre of gravity. A TPU gel insert dampens vibrations on unclean hits - the feel remains pleasantly soft, even if the ball is not hit perfectly. UltiZip grooves with two additional grooves per clubface increase contact between the grass and grooves and improve spin even from the Rough.

The dynamic sole grinds automatically adapt to the different lofts: V-shaped in the lower areas, S-shaped for medium lofts and C-shaped for high lofts - a well thought-out system that requires no manual grind selection.

Conclusion CBX Zipcore: The ideal introduction to Zipcore technology for golfers with a medium to higher handicap - reliable, forgiving and at a fair price.

Comparison: Which model suits whom?

Technology glossary: The most important terms explained

Z-Alloy is a steel alloy specially developed by Cleveland for wedges. It is more rust-resistant than conventional steel and retains its spin properties over a longer period of time - a decisive advantage for golfers who use their wedge regularly and intensively.

Zipcore refers to a lightweight, low-density core inside the club head. It shifts the center of gravity precisely behind the impact zone, increases the moment of inertia (MOI) and thus improves consistency and feel on every shot.

HydraZip is a surface technology that maximizes friction between the ball and clubface through a combination of dynamic face structures and laser-milled lines - even when the grass is wet or damp.

UltiZip refers to the groove geometry of Cleveland Wedges: sharper, deeper and closer together than standard models. This enables the club to cut through grass and dirt more effectively and generate more spin.

Bounce describes the angle between the sole of the Wedge and the ground. A high bounce value (e.g. 12-14°) is suitable for soft ground and steep attack angles, a low bounce (e.g. 6°) for hard ground and flatter swings.

Grinds define the shape and width of the Wedgesole. They determine how the Wedge interacts with the ground - and which types of shots are particularly easy. The choice of the right grind depends on the swing type, ground conditions and preferred types of shot.

Cleveland sets standards - for all levels of play

With four clearly differentiated models, Cleveland Golf now covers almost the entire spectrum: from the Tour-oriented RTZ and the versatile CBZ to the proven and attractively priced RTX 6 Zipcore and CBX ZipCore models. The change of material to Z-Alloy marks a new generation in Wedge construction - with real, measurable advantages in terms of durability and spin consistency.

If you are unsure which model suits your playing style, you should opt for a professional wedge fitting. This takes into account swing type, angle of attack, preferred shot types and ground conditions - and the decision becomes much easier.