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We take a closer look at the best performing Cleveland wedges of 2026
Choosing the right wedge can be the difference between saving par and walking off with a bogey. There are few brands who understand the short game quite like Cleveland.
For decades, Cleveland wedges have been one of the standard bearers in spin, feel, and forgiveness, earning the trust of plenty of tour golfers.
In 2026, Cleveland’s lineup offers something for every type of player, from those who demand maximum versatility around the greens to golfers who want added confidence from a little extra forgiveness.
The standout models this year are the Cleveland CBZ, a cavity-back wedge built for playability and consistency; the Cleveland RTZ, a modern take on tour-inspired shaping with precision performance; and the Cleveland RTX Full Face 2, designed with a full-face groove pattern for creativity in tough lies and open-face shots.
In this guide, we’ll break down each wedge, who they’re best suited for, and why they deserve a spot in your bag for 2026. Take a look below…
The Cleveland CBZ wedge fills a gap in the market that many brands overlook. It offers the shape and spin performance of a specialist wedge but with forgiveness built in for the everyday golfer. If you have ever struggled with the unforgiving nature of a bladed wedge but do not want to settle for the chunky look of a set wedge, this could be the answer.
What stood out to me most was how well Cleveland has hidden the forgiving nature of this wedge. When you set the CBZ down behind the ball, it looks exactly like a blade. When you strike it, it performs like a cavity-back. I think this combination makes it a compelling option for mid-handicap golfers who want that premium performance without the punishment of a pure tour design.
PROS
Excellent forgiveness
Premium feel
Tour-inspired look
Impressive spin from all lies
CONS
Fewer bounce and grind choices compared to tour wedges
RELATED: Read our full Cleveland CBZ Wedge review here.
Cleveland have equipped their latest wedge offering with a traditional shaping. The lower grind has a C-shaped sole with more forgiveness and relief on the heel, toe, and trailing edge. Throughout the different grinds, the wedges develop from an iron-like appearance to a more rounded shape.
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The Cleveland RTZ is a really high quality wedge and the brand has knocked it out the park. A good short game is all about feel and it is invaluable to have that from your wedge as well. That was certainly the case here with a fantastic feeling off the face, not to mention plenty of spin on offer.
Cleveland has made some top level wedges for a number of years now and this one has reached new heights from the previous iteration.
PROS
Feels really soft
Clean connection from a variety of different lies
Nice bunker performance
CONS
Shape – a bit square on the toe.
RELATED: Read our full Cleveland RTZ Wedge review here.
Performance-wise, I found the RTX Full-Face 2 really comes to life in short-game scenarios. Open-faced bunker shots, lob shots, and touchy flops all benefit from the combination of high-toe design and full-face grooves.
The full-face groove design offers a 34% larger hitting area. That means when you opt to play open face shots, as many skilled short-game players do, and strike nearer the toe, players can still get maximum spin. This is ideal for finesse shots, especially from tricky lies or in bunkers.
Cleveland has clearly thrown its engineering muscle behind the RTX Full-Face 2 wedge. From my testing the result is a club that’s confident, versatile, and spin-obsessed. I think it is a compelling option for those wanting something different from the Vokey dominance.
PROS
Full-face grooves offer exceptional spin across the face
Cleveland’s 2026 wedge lineup proves why the brand continues to be a go-to name in the wedge market.
Whether it’s the confidence-inspiring forgiveness of the CBZ, the tour-proven precision of the RTZ, or the creativity unlocked by the RTX Full Face 2, there’s a model to suit every type of golfer.
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Ultimately, the best wedge for you comes down to how you like to play around the greens and the shots you rely on most.
But whichever option you choose, you’ll be getting Cleveland’s trademark blend of spin, control, and reliability, qualities that can help turn a tricky up-and-down into a scoring opportunity.
