By Scott Kramer
Already a leader in wedges — both among Tour pros and amateurs — Cleveland Golf has come to market with some new models that collectively can help any golfer improve the short game. The new RTX-3 wedges are available in a Cavity Back ($140/graphite shaft, $130/steel) and a Blade ($130). While each sports unique properties, they share three key technology elements.
Feel Balancing is a patent-pending technology that shifts the CG closer to the center of the wedge face – the impact zone – to mute vibration and maximize clubhead stability at impact, for tight shot dispersion with more control. By adding a microcavity inside the hosel and shortening the hosel, nine grams of mass are repositioned in the clubhead for a more centered CG location.
“We’ve redistributed weight around the clubhead to be closer to the center of the score lines,” says Jeff Brunski, Cleveland Golf’s director of research and development. “Historically it hasn’t been in a bad location, but we’re moving it to a better spot. Higher handicaps tend to hit it all over the face, and for them we wanted to put the sweet spot in the middle of their contact pattern. For better players, it trends slightly toward the heel. So on the blade models, the CG is positioned accordingly. Most golfers will find they get better feel, spin and ball speed. For game-improvement players, they will get even better feel. When they typically hit it away from the sweet spot, ball speed falls quickly. Now they’ll see it’s better across the face.”
Next, there are three tour-proven V-shaped grinds that have more leading edge bounce that helps golfers get the clubhead through the grass or sand faster at impact. This promotes crisper feel and more consistent head speed, for enhanced spin and control. Each grind is indicated on the club by one, two, or three dots. The V-LG (•) is Cleveland’s narrowest low bounce sole for maximum versatility, the V-MG (••) has a mid bounce suitable for a wide range of players and turf conditions, and the V-FG (•••) is a forgiving full sole with trailing edge relief.
Finally, a fresh version of the company’s popular Rotex clubface helps maximize spin with more consistency. It includes new Tour Zip grooves sporting a deep, narrow U shape with a sharp edge radius in all lofts, to enhance contact in various conditions. An advanced micro milling pattern boosts friction based on loft: Low lofts have a straighter pattern to accommodate full shots, while high lofts have a more-angled pattern that optimizes open-face shots. All the while, laser milling precisely roughens the face surface to the USGA-conforming limit.
“After spending more than two years developing these wedges, we’re proud of the finished product,” says John Rae, the company’s vice president of research and development. “Our testing proves the three key technologies here can help golfers get the ball closer to the hole.”
The Cavity Back has a slightly larger shape that promotes confidence and increases forgiveness. It’s available in a Tour Satin finish. The Blade provides more versatility, and is offered in Tour Satin, ultra-durable Black Satin, or a Tour Raw finish.
