Best Cleveland Golf Wedges Reviewed


Standout Picks




















Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
When we discuss golf clubs, regardless of what kind of clubs we are talking about, the features they provide are the first step to check their quality and their performance. Features are an important part of every club, so when we talk about features we mean the key characteristics that mark the design and the performance of the club. Wedges are a club category that exhibits a great range of specifications and has abundant varieties in order to appeal and match different golfers’ needs and skills. And this category too has several subcategories, i.e. what we distinguish among sand wedges, pitching wedges, lob wedges and gap wedges in accordance with the function they perform on the course. Furthermore, when it comes to the way their head is made, they can be cavity-back or forged, they can have various sole grind designs to fit golfers’ performance preferences under different face angle and different lies, the lofts, and increments vary too. As a distinguished technology remarkable for Cleveland is the Rotex face technology that we have talked a lot about when we described the wedges that feature it and the Progressive Fell-Balanced Technology that repositions the CG for increased spin, control, and forgiveness. All these features guarantee successful shots, greater feel and increased control.
Materials
Materials are equally important when it comes to golf clubs because they define the durability of each club and the performance it will provide on the course. The most popular materials used for wedges are stainless steel, graphite, and combinations of them. Here we will mention the grooving and milling on the face that provides patterned incisions that have several functions. They allow for greater spinning, increased consistency of the shots and channel away all the dirt and mud gathered during the play, so the contact with the ball is uncompromised.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness is the actual effect that the players get by using the club and if that club is able to provide what the manufacturer has claimed it will. The effectiveness is best perceived by reviewing all the comments, tests and trials, and experts’ opinions and reviews after using the specific club for some time. They provide real input on how the club behaves on the course and represent an unbiased source of information for everyone looking for the right club. So, if a certain wedge is claimed to provide excellent bunker shots, the effectiveness of it will be seen in golfers’ ability to get the ball out of the bunker much easier than they would usually do. The wedges that we have on our list have been tested, used and commented by many tour and average players and are said to provide the aimed effect at their fullest.
Versatility
Wedges are among the most versatile clubs and there are many specifications and types of wedges that can be found on the markets nowadays. We have already said that Cleveland has always been associated with wedges that are designed to fit the needs of different-skilled golf players, starting with cavity-back wedges that are aimed for high-handicappers and which provide great forgiveness to forged, blade ones, mostly aimed to fit the needs of the better players. A certain family of wedges has distinguished sole grind options that have the function to aid golfers who have developed specific golfing styles and show certain preferences when it comes to short game shots. For example, RTX 2.0 has 34 configurations that golfers can choose from, different lofts and increments. All this variety is a feature that has been on the rise as the technological development and advancement got on the rise, and has been a characteristic of models that have been introduced to golfers with the recent launches.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is the overall summary of a specific product and it includes all other criteria that help make an appropriate estimation of the value of the product. Here we have included the appropriate build quality, the durability and how prone it is to wear and tear. Another important thing is the price tag that each product features and if that price is in line with the overall value the product has. Users’ comments and their level of satisfaction complete the big picture and give us a complete idea of the product. The wedges that we have included on our list have very high scoring when it comes to the bottom line and this happens as a result of the high-quality of the clubs, their excellent performance, the maximized spin and distance they provide, very durable finish they have and the immense satisfaction the buyers experience on the course.
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Top 10 Picks
1. RTX 4


The fourth generation RTX 4 shows a very sophisticated blend of modern technology and traditional design that has been remarkable for these wedges for over 30 years. Designed to appeal tour players, they focused on ultimate face design perfection to achieve optimized spin from every possible lie and angle. It also features four sole grinds to provide a selection of various choices to match different golfers’ styles and preferences and fit every golfer's need. This award-winning model deserves better insight, so let’s read more about it.
Read moreDesign
When you look at it at the address, it will definitely remind you of the classy, traditional Cleveland design, however, it is so strikingly modern at the same time, inspiring more confidence and assurance. The Black Satin Finish has been a preference for many and it is not the elegance only that it provides but the glare protection too. The club head looks smaller compared to some predecessors and there are four sole grinds that fit different golfers’ needs. The Full grind sole is more traditional and provides crisp pitch shots and will be a match for golfers who look for more stability on their full shots and need extra sole for their bunker shots. The Mid grind features a V-shaped sole that provides excellent turf glide due to the relief on the trailing edge so that it stays low when the golfer plays open-face shots. Low sole grind is C-shaped and provides total versatility from any lie due to heel and toe relief and it is a perfect choice for golfers who feel superior around the green. And the lowest bounce wedge has Xlow sole grind which is appropriate for golfers who like to hit with the face extremely open at tight lies.
The Technology Behind
It is always all about the technology since that is what makes these Cleveland golf wedges stand out. The RTX4 features two distinctive technologies, the first being Progressive Feel Balancing Technology which places the center of gravity on both, the horizontal and vertical axes which makes it much closer to where golfers hit the ball. The progressive back shaping additionally allows adjusting the CG by lofts. This results in easier performance and improvement to every kind of shots, from a knockdown to flop shots. But what the RTX4 in seriously proud of is the ability produce the best spin ever due to the Rotex Face Technology which was utilized in the face grooving and milling. The grooves are the deepest that they have ever produced and the laser milling adds to the face roughness which yields more friction and more spin. The result you get is maximized spin in all conditions, optimal control, and improved distance.
Cost and Value
This is the latest RTX model, which is designed to fit the game of better players. It is an award-winning model and it provides excellent performance which is much evident in the maximized spin and versatility it offers. As this is a premium model, it features a premium price too.

2. CBX 2018


CBX is shortly called the short game changer due to its cavity back design as a novelty greatly welcomed by many golfers. The reason behind this change lies in the realization that over 84% of the golfers prefer cavity backs instead of blades, so this one appeals to those golfers who prioritize forgiveness over anything else. Hand in hand with the cavity back goes a pack of technology that makes it suitable for everyone. And indeed, buyers’ comments suggest almost more than double game performance and much easier shots with the CBX. Why is this so?
Read moreDesign
The simplest way to describe the CBX is classical, cavity back with loads of modern elements and technological advancements. The fact that it is a cavity back meant repositioning of 70 grams of weight around the clubhead perimeter which leads to maximized forgiveness. A remarkable feature of the CBX is the dual V shape of the sole. One V shape on the sole stretches from front to back and allows for excellent turf interaction and the other V-shape goes from heel-to-toe, making the toe wider and allowing for maximum forgiveness while the narrow heel leads to greater versatility.
The Technology Behind
The Cleveland TMs Feel Balancing Technology positions the center of gravity in line with the clubhead’s center which means it is repositioned from the heel by removing the weight from the hosel. This leads to much improved feel when golfers hit the ball and less dispersion on full shots. The Rotex Face Technology, which we introduced with the first model, makes the grooving and milling on the face much deeper so that the spin increases. The loft availability ranges in two-degree increments starting with 46 to 60 degrees.
Cost and Value
It is a wedge that is designed to meet the expectations of a wide range of golfers, practically anyone looking for increased forgiveness and maximized spin that a cavity back can provide. However, the designers of the CBX made it appealing to a wide range of golfers with different skills and abilities. The price it features is just a mere reflection of what it offers.

3. Smart Sole 3 S


The Smart Sole line is known as a collection intended to fit the needs of high handicappers and it is a super game improvement collection. This sand wedge is designed to make the short game easier and much simpler so that it provides better shots through the sand and smoother turf glide. It allows greater forgiveness and appeals to golfers of different skills. The design of the sole is much more sophisticated and features several aspects that we are going to further talk about. This is a model that high handicappers will love since it will be of immense help around the greens.
Read moreDesign
The design of the latest Smart Sole features a wider, three-tiered sole that has very specific pads that are differentially activated depending on the lies around the green, but which lead to much greater turf interaction and increased playability. The loft in this wedge is 58 degrees which have been optimized to the ideal loft for hitting complex shots around the green without needing to open the face. Designed as it is, the golfers will find it incredibly easy to hit higher and softer shots.
The Technology Behind
The Smart Sole 3 features the remarkable Feel-balancing technology that utilizes the weight from the hosel and moves it more towards the center of the clubface. That has proved to be an effective way to maximize the feel and achieve better dispersion of the shots. The way it is constructed provides much more forgiveness and it is claimed that it will save you several shots per game. The shots out of the sands will be easier and many say that even close approach shots help you get up and down.
Cost and Value
When we went through the users’ comments about it, what we couldn’t help but notice was the praise this wedge has received and almost no negative comments. It is highly recommended for golfers struggling with the short game shots especially the bunkers shots. Another positive feature of this club is the reasonable price it has bearing in mind that it brings Cleveland quality and design.

4. Smart Sole 3 C


This model comes from the same line of super game improvement Cleveland golf wedges, this one being chipping wedge and since it shares the same line of production, this model also has many similarities with the previous model on our list. Anyway, that one was a sand wedge, this one is a chipper, so they do have many things that distinguish them too. Regarding the sole size, it is as wide as with the sand wedge, however, it provides a much more consistent chip and allows increased control of the launch and distance.
Read moreDesign
The design of the clubhead is similar to a 9 iron and features a 42 degrees loft, but it is shorter in length and the lie angle is more upright. The intention of the designers was to meet the needs of the high handicappers so it has much-increased bouncing, and an ideal chipping setup and at the same time to prevent excess digging in the turf. Similar to the sand wedge, this pitcher also features a three-tiered sole that increases the turf interaction and easier glide.
The Technology Behind
The technology that makes this game improvement club as successful as it is, is the feel-balancing technology. Just as a reminder, this technology removes the weight away from the hosel and repositions it more towards the center of the clubhead. The effect is already familiar, that means greater feel and a much better trajectory of the shots. This means it is made to improve bum and run shots around the green.
Cost and Value
What many mid-handicappers had to say about this model is the extreme game improvement feature it provides and that could be felt even instantly. The chips come off with an optimized low trajectory and a run-out that can easily be predicted. If you take a look at the reviews, you’ll realize that similarly to the previous model, this one lacks negative reviews too, making it an excellent value for the money.

5. RTX-3 VMG


When this Cleveland wedge was launched about two years ago, it was a delight for tour players (and still is) and that's the reason why it immediately scored highly on many top lists. It is a premium designed model that exceeds in performance due to its patented technology, the versatility it provides, the durability it has, and most importantly, it offers maximized spin for greenside shots. We suggest that you read the details about this excellent wedge and find out more what it offers.
Read moreDesign
If you’ve ever played Cleveland wedge, you surely know that their peculiar look is distinguished by the sharp, leading-edge that is slightly rounded and specifically this design is the hallmark of the company’s wedges. The hosel in this model is shorter and this change of the design leads to change of the center of gravity towards the center of the head and away from the shaft so that it yields greater forgiveness. Even in this model, the grooves are much deeper and narrower than everything else they had previously launched and the laser milling allows squaring up the clubface. The V-grind sole is designed to provide much better glide through the turf which as a result can add some extra yards.
The Technology Behind
This model introduced the Feel-balanced technology which relocated the center of gravity from the hosel to the head closer to the zone of impact. This relocated center of gravity makes a great difference in the feel, the control over the swing and it provides the tightest dispersion of the shots. The Rotex Face in this model makes the grooves refined and the micro-milling pattern optimizes the spin and the consistency of the spin in all turf conditions. There are three distinctive types of finish characteristic for this model, Tour Satin, Black Satin, and Tour Raw.
Cost and Value
This wedge has been among the most popular since the moment it was launched due to its variable function and the versatility it offers. Many golfers have been using it for long, approach shots but for the short game too. The price it has is far from being cheap, however for a wedge of this category it more than expected.

6. 588 RTX


We are slowly moving in time regression and got to the model that was a predecessor of our number five selection. They are but a year and something apart and of course, besides the similarities there are some differences too. The great spin, workability and the extraordinary control and feel would be the attributes that they share. This model comes in many varieties and head options, including a cavity back for high handicappers and two available finishes, Tour Satin and Black Satin.
Read moreDesign
Cleveland has always been associated with wedges and part of that can be attributed to the consistent design of the club heads and the added attention on workability, spinning, and better launching. The sole is wider near the heel whereas the sole near the toe is narrower and due to these specs it improves the bunker performance. The S sole is actually inspired by the famous CG15 wedge that has long been the most preferred choice of many golfers.
The Technology Behind
The Rotex face is the hallmark of this company and that can be seen in this model too. The grooves are about 16% larger than all the other models that had been launched until this one was launched and besides the excellent spin it causes much wearing and tearing on the golf balls. The micro milling and the grooves make the face much rougher, making the club more durable. This wedge has an awesome feel and excellent feedback on the golfer’s game.
Cost and Value
This one is among the best wedges that Cleveland has even made and even though it does not belong to the latest editions. For the price that is currently being sold it is the best wedge that can provide premium spin and feel.

7. 588 RTX 2.0 Muscle Back


When the 588 RTX 2.0 line of Cleveland wedges was first launched a few years ago, the whole range offered something different for golfers- that was the long waited versatility through the grind and bounce options and it totaled 34 configurations which featured muscle and cavity back heads. They were created based on tour-players needs and demands, and include innovative and still very functional technology that changed the way a wedge looks and the way it feels.
Read moreDesign
We will start with the sole design since there are three distinctive sole grinds which are marked with dots below the number. If the wedge has one dot it means it features low bounce grind. Two dots marking means that it is a standard bounce grind and the three dots mark a full sole. When it comes to the design of the head, we can see that it features the well known tear-drop design, a standard shape that is has been part of Cleveland's wedges looks for more than 30 years. They feature two types of finish, Black Satin which is more remarkable and Tour Satin which is a more conventional steel finish.
The Technology Behind
Rotex technology is responsible for the micro-milling that makes the roughness of the face strategically designed to increase the friction and by that to increase the spin, especially when it comes to rough shoots and the inconsistent lies. The 588 RTX 2.0 features Tour Zip grooves that are much deeper and more successful in channeling away the grass, dirt, and moisture so that the contact with the ball is cleaner and that would lead to a more consistent spin. The textured consistency across the face is obtained by the micro-milling which is most needed for increased spin on a chip and pitch shots.
Cost and Value
Due to the fact that this family has many versatile members with different specifics and design options, the prices vary accordingly, but within the range of considered quality price. However, bearing in mind the fact that these are outdated models now and that Cleveland has launched several lines that we have previously talked about, these can be purchased by relatively affordable and inexpensive price now.

8. Smart Sole 2.0


Do you know that awkward feeling of embarrassment and frustration when you get stuck in a bunker with four-plus hits unable to get along? Many, if not all golfers have been there, so Cleveland has been putting a lot of effort to answer golfers needs and make those moments reminiscence of the past. The effect of that effort can be seen in the Smart Sole 2.0 designed with incredible forgiveness and excellent loft so that the ball gets successfully taken out of the bunker.
Read moreDesign
The premium black satin finish makes it look very sophisticated and elegant, reduces the glare at address and provides an improved alignment with the ball through contrast it provides. The sole is much wider than the usually-sized soles, which allows for super game improvement forgiveness. The turf interaction is much smoother and cleaner and provides greater playability from all conditions.
The Technology Behind
The sole features much-improved feel plaque that is designed to add more weight around the clubhead perimeter and which in addition increases the forgiveness it has. However, it is not only the forgiveness, but the consistency of the shots is much increased. The other function it has is to dampen the vibrations at impact for better feel and response.
Cost and Value
Even though larger soles and increased forgiveness indicate game-improvement wedge category, it is conforming for tournament play too. The wedge is bound to improve your game and make your bunker shots much more improved and consistent. The price tag reflects the high-quality this wedge is made of but is not over the roof.

9. 588 Tour Action


This is the wedge that has been mostly the base for most of the latest wedges that we have discussed on our list and which has had an immense effect upon many players and many trends. Its classy design and the anti-glare Tour Satin finish, together with many performance capabilities have marked this model among the most successful and the most sold wedges made by Cleveland ever. Let’s take a look at what makes this model so special.
Read moreDesign
This design is the well-known Cleveland teardrop shape and has been a hallmark over the years. The sole is rounded, simple and straightforward which provides the opportunity to use it from different lies, such as sand, heavy rough and tight fairway lies. The Tour Satin finish was an excellent refreshment when it was launched since it features anti-glare properties and solved the problems the golfers had at address.
The Technology Behind
The 588 Tour Action features precision milled grooves that deliver excellent spin and an immense control over the trajectory. The overall design of this wedge has is all about control regardless of the shot you’re taking, short or full swing shot from the fairway you will surely have an optimized amount of spin for super performance. The available loft ranges move from 50 to 60 degrees in two increments and golfers can choose from two bounce varieties of 8 and 14 degrees.
Cost and Value
This wedge is revolutionary and changed the whole game concept when it comes to wedges. It has been popular since the day it was launched and it is still available today. Nowadays you can find it in a very reasonable and affordable price and own this exquisite wedge.

10. Tour Action


Even though this is the oldest model on our list, it is still a very popular one among golfers of different generations and of different skills. The fact that it is still sold says a lot since it provides an excellent game as a gap wedge, but it is not less useful as a sand wedge, actually, you will find it appropriate for game improvement from 125 yards and in. According to many buyers, it will provide you with an excellent balance, touch feel and superb feedback on your shots. Let’s see what this old-timer is characterized with.
Read moreDesign
It features the well-known, tour-proven teardrop design that has been the trademark of this company. It has a sleek tour satin finish that prevents the glare from coming into your eyes and won’t cause you any problems if you’re playing under the glaring sun. It is a bit heavier compared to present day models, and that’s the reason why it comes with a graphite shaft material in a wedge flex in order to provide better turf glide.
The Technology Behind
Even this model is distinguished by precision-milled grooves; actually, the grooves are CNC milled which provide greater face flex, softer feel, and tolerance. The sole features trusted sole design that is constructed to allow for greater turf glide and increased consistency and accuracy when it comes to golfers’ short game performance. This model comes in several loft options ranging from 50 to 60 degrees which makes this model appropriate to be used as a sand wedge, a lob, and a gap wedge. And, indeed, it is still considered to be among the best Cleveland wedges to approach the green.
Cost and Value
There is no doubt that this model truly deserves the title-the most sold wedge that this company has produced. It is a wedge that has a very versatile usage and is still able to provide you with excellent performance. Another advantage that you can make use of is the cheap price that is currently being sold which makes it a good value for the money.

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