OVERVIEW
Cleveland Golf has long been one of the leaders in wedge design. You can’t have a serious conversation about wedges without the Cleveland name entering into the mix. I recently tried out the entire line of Cleveland’s latest line of wedges, the RTX4. The following review details the specs and my feedback.
FACE
The RTX 4 line is the fourth generation of wedges featuring Rotex Face Technology – the milling process which creates micro lines between the grooves to create more friction and increase spin. Combined with the Tour Zip Grooves, the Rotex Technology is designed to get right to the edge of USGA limits and create as much spin as possible.
SHAPE
The RTX 4 wedges feature what Cleveland calls “progressive, tour-preferred” shaping. This essentially means that the lower lofted wedges are more compact with a relatively straight leading edge which makes them look and perform much like your short irons. The higher lofts have a more traditional wedge shape with a slightly curved leading edge which makes it easier to precisely strike pitches and chips around the green.
If you’re familiar with the RTX 3, the RTX 4 is slightly more compact. This is a direct result of tour testing and feedback and the change is designed to give the player more feel and control.
LOFTS
Lofts from 46 to 64 degrees are available. Loft availability varies based on chosen grind.
PROGRESSIVE FEEL BALANCING TECHNOLOGY
With the release of the RTX 3, Cleveland moved the center of gravity closer to the desired strike point. They’ve kept that here and added new progressive back shaping which adjusts COG by loft. The goal is to make shot-making easier whether it is a knockdown or a flop.
FINISHES
Cleveland RTX 4 wedges are available in 3 finishes: Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Raw.
GRIND / BOUNCE OPTIONS
There are four different sole grinds available: Full – A relatively wide sole with a mid-bounce. Mid – A v-shaped sole designed to cut through the turf easily with a trailing edge relief that keeps the leading edge low when the face is opened. Low – A c-shape which provides heel and toe relief for versatility from all lies. Xlow – The lowest bounce designed for tight lies and players who like to really open the face.
SHAFT & GRIP
Cleveland is using the True Temper Dynamic Golf S400 shafts as the stock shaft for the first time. Grips are Golf Pride Tour Velvet.
PERFORMANCE
Cleveland definitely has hit a home run with the RTX 4 line of wedges. They look great at address, and they feel awesome! The DG S400 shaft is a great addition and, for me at least, gave them a perfect total weight as well as swing weight. The balance is really nice.
These wedges aren’t just irons with more loft, they’re scoring tools specifically designed to help you get the ball as close to the hole as possible… and cut strokes off your score!
Cleveland has done a great job with the loft/grind/bounce options. There really does seem to be a fit for all players and all conditions. As someone who has struggled with chips and pitches, I can promise you that these wedges really help with making consistent contact! Nothing builds confidence around the green more than knowing that your wedge is going to easily slide through the turf.
The Zip Grooves and Rotex face create plenty of spin. I was very impressed by how quickly the ball checked up and both full and partial shots.
Bottom Line: The Cleveland RTX 4 wedges are in my bag and they’re not going anywhere. I went with the 50, 54, and 58 degree lofts, all mid-bounce, all in Satin Finish.
Pick the right combination of loft and grind for the type of shots that you like to hit and the conditions you typically play in and you’ll be set! Lower bounces are best for players who take shallow divots and playing in firm conditions. Higher bounces are better for diggers and soft conditions. There is plenty of great information on the Cleveland Golf website, but the best way to find the RTX 4 wedge for you is to go try them. Check out a demo day near you and give them a test!
For more information on the Cleveland RTX 4 wedges and other Cleveland Golf products, visit clevelandgolf.com.
