First Impressions
The first thing that stood out to me with the Cleveland RTX ZipCore wedges was the shape. They strike a really nice balance, not too angular, not overly rounded, just a clean, traditional profile that sits beautifully behind the ball.
What I particularly like is how well they blend into a modern iron set. That’s something I think is hugely important with a technical wedge. It has to transition nicely from your pitching wedge into your specialist scoring clubs at the bottom end of the bag. The RTX ZipCore does that effortlessly. They look refined without being intimidating, and they don’t feel overly “tour-only” in their shaping.
I’ve got mine in the Tour Rack raw finish, which will rust over time, and I love the way they look. But they’re also available in satin and black finishes, so there’s something for everyone aesthetically.
Design, Technology & Performance
Cleveland has packed some serious technology into these wedges, but what I like is that it doesn’t feel overcomplicated.
The standout feature is ZipCore technology. At the heart of each wedge is a lightweight core that redistributes mass around the head, raising MOI and improving consistency, especially on off centre strikes. Forgiveness in wedges is often overlooked, but when you’re hitting partial shots or opening the face around the greens, that added stability makes a real difference.
Then you’ve got the UltiZip grooves. They’re sharper, deeper and closer together, designed to cut through debris and maximise spin. Out on the course, I found spin numbers to be very consistent, particularly from the rough where flyers can sometimes creep in. These grooves do a great job of maintaining friction between the face and the ball, helping you control distance and trajectory more reliably.
Another key addition is the heat treatment applied to the face. Wedges take more wear and tear than almost any other club in the bag because of the higher friction and frequency of use. That heat treatment increases durability, helping the grooves maintain their performance for longer.
In terms of options, Cleveland keeps things simple. You’ve got low, mid and full bounce grinds, which makes the fitting process straightforward without overwhelming you with too many variations. There are also full face groove options available in certain lofts if you’re someone who likes to open the face and use the toe section regularly.
Performance wise, I’ve been hugely impressed. They feel solid, controlled and consistent. Spin is high without being unpredictable, and distance control from 150 yards and in, which is where scores are really made, has been excellent.
Who Is It For?
I genuinely think these wedges suit a wide range of golfers.
You don’t see many players using cavity back wedges now, and most golfers want something that looks traditional but still offers forgiveness and modern tech. The RTX ZipCore wedges deliver exactly that.
Whether you’re a mid handicapper trying to tighten up dispersion into greens or a lower handicapper looking for precision and spin control, they tick a lot of boxes. The shaping is clean, the tech is meaningful, and the performance is reliable.
Price is another major plus. Even when they were brand new, they were competitively priced at around £139–£160 per wedge. Now that newer generations like the RTX 6 ZipCore and RTZ have launched, you can often find these at discounted prices and on the used market, they’re exceptional value. I picked up three in the Tour Rack finish for around £220, which is outstanding for this level of performance.
Final Verdict
For me, the Cleveland RTX ZipCore wedges are a phenomenal all round package. They combine classic looks with modern performance technology, offer real forgiveness where it matters, and deliver consistent, high spin across a variety of lies.
They blend beautifully into the bag, feel great off the face, and most importantly, they perform when it counts. If you’re looking to upgrade your wedges without spending a fortune, especially if you’re open to the used market, these are absolutely worth checking out.
Joe Killoran, Editor