Buying guide
Best Cleveland Wedges in 2026: RTZ 2 vs CBZ vs Smart Sole vs RTX 6
Which Cleveland wedge fits your short game: the RTZ 2 blade, forgiving CBZ cavity back, ultra-easy Smart Sole Full-Face, or the value RTX 6 ZipCore — plus how to choose grind and bounce.
- 4picks
- 9.2top score
- 7min read
- Sep 16, 2026updated
Best Cleveland wedge for skilled players Cleveland RTZ 2 Wedge 9.2GolfTested score The short answer
Our picks, and who each one is for
Best Cleveland wedge for skilled players9.2score
Cleveland RTZ 2 Wedge
Z-Alloy feel, ZipCore iQ, and five grinds including the revived 588 and full-face ADAPT.
Best for Golfers who want a tour-style wedge with top-tier spin, feel, and grind options.
Skip if You struggle with contact around the greens — the CBZ or Smart Sole will help more.
$199.99 Tour Satin
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Best Cleveland wedge for most golfers9.1score
Cleveland CBZ Wedge
Cavity back, centered sweet spot, GelBack TPU, and Z-Alloy feel.
$179.99 Tour Satin
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Easiest Cleveland wedge8.5score
Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face Wedge
Huge full face and three-tiered sole for golfers who chunk chips and fear bunkers.
$149.99
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Best value Cleveland blade8.8score
Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge
Previous-generation RTX 6 ZipCore still offers strong spin and bounce options.
Picks are ordered by fit, not by payout. Brand-direct prices show the date we checked them; Amazon prices change too often to print, so those links open the live listing. Buying through a link may earn GolfTested a commission and never changes a score.
These picks are drawn from the reviews already published on GolfTested: manufacturer specifications, independent testing from across the golf equipment world, and long-term owner feedback, scored on one rubric. It is not presented as a GolfTested lab shootout.
Cleveland Golf is one of the most trusted wedge brands, and its range now covers every type of golfer. The key is matching head type to your contact, then choosing the right bounce for your turf and swing.
This is an Expert Consensus guide based on Cleveland’s product pages checked September 16, 2026, independent reviews cited in each linked review, and the GolfTested rubric. For a cross-brand shortlist, see our best wedges of 2026 guide.
Quick answer
- RTZ 2: best for low handicaps and players who use many different short-game shots.
- CBZ: best for most mid and high handicaps.
- Smart Sole Full-Face: best if the short game is a major weakness.
- RTX 6 ZipCore: best value blade if you do not need the newest technology.
RTZ 2 vs CBZ
Both use Z-Alloy and HydraZip. The RTZ 2 is a blade with loft-tuned ZipCore iQ and five grinds. The CBZ adds a cavity back, ZipCore, and GelBack TPU for a larger sweet spot and softer mishits. Read the full RTZ 2 vs CBZ comparison.
Choosing bounce
- More bounce: soft turf, fluffy sand, steep swings, and deep divots.
- Less bounce: firm turf, tight lies, shallow swings, and open-face shots.
- Mid bounce: the safest choice if you are unsure.
Build your wedge set
Check your pitching wedge loft first, then fill the gaps evenly with 4 to 6 degrees between wedges. Many golfers do well with a CBZ gap wedge and an RTZ 2 sand or lob wedge if they want forgiveness on full shots and versatility around the green.
Prices and availability change. Confirm loft, bounce, finish, and current price on the retailer page before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cleveland wedge is best for high handicappers?
The CBZ is the best starting point because its cavity back and ZipCore move the sweet spot toward the center of the face. Golfers who regularly chunk or skull short shots should consider the Smart Sole Full-Face, which is even easier.
Is the Cleveland RTZ 2 worth it over the RTX 6 ZipCore?
RTZ 2 adds second-generation Z-Alloy, loft-specific ZipCore iQ, and a wider grind menu including 588 and ADAPT. RTX 6 ZipCore remains a strong wedge and can be the better value if you already know your preferred bounce.
Which Cleveland RTZ 2 grind should I choose?
MID (10 degrees of bounce) is the best all-around choice. FULL (12 degrees) suits soft conditions, bunkers, and steep swings. LOW (6 degrees) suits firm turf, shallow swings, and open-face shots. 588 offers classic versatility, and ADAPT adds full-face grooves for finesse shots.
Do Cleveland wedges spin more than Vokey?
Independent reviewers have reported strong spin from the RTZ 2, including one test with more half-swing spin than a Vokey SM11. Spin depends on your strike, ball, lie, and groove wear, so treat any single test as directional.