Review: Cleveland RTX-4 wedges
Our Cleveland RTX-4 wedges review took place at the brand’s launch event at Fairmont St Andrews.
We had the chance to speak with Jeff Brunski, Cleveland’s head of R&D and staff player Soren Kjeldsen.
Cleveland RTX-4 wedges review – First impressions
These wedges follow on from the RTX-3 wedges which were released a couple of years ago.
The looks are not massively different – these are classic ‘better player’ wedges designed for the world’s best players.
Cleveland launched the CBX wedges earlier this year which they say will suit the majority of golfers.
So the RTX-4 are really designed with the very best players in mind.
We’ve got three different finishes with a satin, black and raw option. And we’ve got four sole grinds with the full, mid, low and xlow.
So it seems Cleveland are giving golfers plenty of options to build the perfect set.
Cleveland RTX-4 wedges review – The technology
The key technology comes in the face and grooves.
This is the fourth generation of Cleveland’s Rotex Face technology which tells you where RTX-4 comes from.
Cleveland say the RTX-4 will generate more spin through the sharpest Tour Zip Grooves, most aggressive face milling, and more precise laser milling for the hottest face they have ever developed.
The RTX-4 has a more compact blade shape than RTX-3 with less offset and a smaller overall profile.
We’ve got the same ‘feel balancing’ technology as we had in the RTX-3 where weight is moved away from the hosel and nearer to the toe to better align with strike.
Cleveland RTX-4 wedges review – The results
We haven’t had time for much in-depth testing of the RTX-4 but the initial signs are very encouraging.
[skylab_video id=”149042″]RTX-4 YouTube[/skylab_video]
They look and feel sensational and appear to be offering a bit of extra spin.
We expect lots of Cleveland’s staff players to be using these on tour.
“It feels like the ball is really spinning off the face,” said Shane Lowry. “There are extra little grooves in there, which makes it spin more and it definitely does spin more.”
“I mean it’s got that soft feel which is so nice,” said Graeme McDowell. “I really love the bounce profile here. I like the feeling of using the back bounce on the wedge so, when I look at that, it’s something that really appeals to me.”
“What I love about this wedge is the sole in the bunker,” said Keegan Bradley. “It doesn’t dig in too much, and I’m able to really clip the ball and put a lot of spin on it. We are all very excited to play this wedge.”
Cleveland RTX-4 wedges review – NCG verdict
We absolutely loved the RTX-3 which were among the best-performing wedges of the last two years.
And it seems Cleveland had made some design and technology tweaks to make a great product even better.
My one slight issue is the fact Cleveland seem very keen to market these wedges as being for tour players.
I think quite a lot of people may be put off for thinking they are not ‘good enough’ to play them.
The RTX-3 worked really well for me and as a mid-handicapper I still want a bladed style of wedge that allows me to play all the shots I need around the greens.
Admittedly, I’m much happier playing full shots with something a bit larger but when it comes to those delicate chip shots that I want to get close, I want to be playing a wedge like the RTX-4.
And if I can make wedges like the RTX-4 work then I think a lot more people should consider them.
Cleveland RTX-4 wedges details
SRP: £129
Lofts: 46˚-60˚
Finishes: Tour Satin, Black Satin and Tour Raw
More information can be found on the Cleveland website.
Cleveland CBX Cavity vs. RTX-3 Blade wedges test with Graeme McDowell
First Look: Cleveland CBX Wedges
Equipment: Cleveland RTX-3 wedges review
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
