Cleveland and wedges go together like strawberries and cream and the hype around the launch of its latest batch of RTXs has been considerable.
Not surprising considering the new RTX 6 ZipCore, which is scheduled to launch in Europe on March 17th, will spin from ‘any lie’ according to the makers.
Cleveland has put its not-inconsiderable reputation on the line by claiming this incarnation is spinnier than a Prime Minister’s Press Office. It claims ‘R&D testing showed 43% more spin in wet conditions with the RTX 6 ZipCore than the previous generation’.
That is a remarkable increase when you consider what Cleveland has brought to the table before.
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The double-pronged reason for the giant leap in spin rates is a HydraZip face combined with a new UltiZip groove and, while lots of spin isn’t hugely important for the elite players, for the rest of us who struggle to impart the revs required to create prodigious spin, the help is much appreciated.
Joe Miller, product expert at Cleveland Golf Europe, said: “The RTX 6 ZipCore wedge may have the classic look on the outside, but inside it’s packed with three technological breakthroughs that give the advantage to the golfer and not the conditions.
“All the work put into this wedge, we really focused on finding the perfect balance of versatility and consistency. UltiZip is a notable example. Without grooves you don’t have a wedge, so we equipped the RTX 6 ZipCore with our sharpest groove radii ever, imparting more spin and control, and now golfers won’t have to worry how their wedge is going to react in certain conditions, they’ll know.”
It will be interesting to see how the likes of Brooks Keopka and Hideki Matsuyama perform with the new RTX 6 ZipCores.
Since Rory McIlroy’s wedge play has dramatically improved after changing his set-up so the ball spins a lot less, there is a feeling, at the top of the game, the tide has turned against hard-spinning clubs.
However for average club players, exerting more control is a huge incentive, particularly as Cleveland’s numbers suggest that you no longer need a pristine lie to get the ball to stop quickly.
So what is HydraZip? It's a technology that uses dynamic face blasts and laser lines to maximize friction for improved spin consistency in dry and wet conditions.
Just as crucial as spin in wet or dry conditions is consistency. ZipCore, a unique, low-density core is designed to expand the sweet spot and upgrade MOI for ultimate forgiveness, while pushing the Center of Gravity (CG) directly behind the impact zone, helping players find more consistent performance. Meanwhile, by adding High/Low and Heel/Toe MOI into every loft in the line, golfers can benefit from increased spin, distance, and control.
The RTX 6 ZipCore wedge has four different sole grinds with a variety of lofts and LOW, MID, and FULL grind options are all available. New for 2023 is the LOW+ grind featured on sand wedge lofts. This option offers two degrees more bounce in a C-Shaped sole, creating an extra bounce in bunkers.
The clubs are also equipped with the Dynamic Gold Spinner Tour Issue shaft and Lamkin Crossline 360 grip.
Pricing
• Steel shaft: £159
• Graphite shaft: £169
Retail Launch Date
17th March 2023
