Introducing a new material to design a clubhead is a risky proposition for any equipment manufacturer. It requires years of research and development to ensure it’s a meaningful step forward. When it comes to wedges however, few companies have the credentials and expertise to drive change like Cleveland Golf.
After six generations of RTX wedges, Cleveland is ready to move on from the tried-and-true wedge family with the introduction of RTZ. Previously, Cleveland used 8620 carbon steel to make its wedges, but in-house designers felt they were reaching the material’s limits. Cleveland hired a material scientist and set out to develop its own alloy to provide a softer feel than 8620 carbon steel, resist rust and improve durability. The goal was also to create discretionary weight, allowing designers to manipulate the center of gravity more effectively.
After several years of development, Cleveland created Z-Alloy, which it said has not been used in golf before. Cleveland says the RTZ wedges are 10 percent softer than last season’s RTX6 ZipCore wedges.
“When we first started working with Z-Alloy, we learned quickly it was going to allow us more flexibility in our Wedge design and we wouldn’t be limited on what we wanted to create. The enhancements this new material offers shows up in every area that matters. The feel is pure, aesthetic is cleaner, and the consistency golfers will see around the greens is improved. From top to bottom, this is our most complete Wedge to date.” Joe Miller, Cleveland Golf Europe, Product Manager.
Another key feature of Z-Alloy is that it doesn’t rust. Due to Z-Alloy’s unique anti-rust properties, golfers can rely on raw, RTZ Tour Rack Wedges to maintain their performance and appearance for longer periods of time. According to R&D testing, rusted grooves on an RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack Wedge face can deteriorate, on average, 87% faster than a raw, RTZ Z-Alloy Wedge. Additionally, RTZ Tour Rack Wedges retain up to 15% more spin over time, delivering the same tour-preferred benefits but with more consistent, longer-lasting performance.
Based on valuable feedback from Tour players, RTZ Wedges come in four versatile sole grind options. New for this generation is the RTZ ADAPT grind. Featuring its own face shape, this unique grind is a great option on Sand and Lob Wedge lofts due to its full-face grooves and added leading edge bounce chamfer for players who like to tackle open face shots and unleash their greenside creativity. LOW, MID, and FULL grinds round out the available options, each filling the specific needs for any conditions faced.
“To ensure optimal turf interaction, we tailored each leading-edge radii to work in unison with the sole’s shape and bounce profile. And for the first time, each RTZ leading edge is precision milled for the most accurate and consistent edge shape possible, creating more consistency and precision around the greens.” Joe Miller, Cleveland Golf Europe, Product Manager.
Additional Features & Benefits
• HydraZip: A unique system of face blasts and laser-milled lines formulated to maximize spin performance under wet conditions. This technology is configured by loft groupings, which helps balance spin across lofts, while maximising spin in tough conditions.
• ZipCore: This low-density core technology replaces heavier material in the heel and hosel area with a lightweight, low-density, vibration-dampening material. This proprietary core shifts CG closer to where the ball is struck, while simultaneously adding MOI.
• UltiZip: UltiZip’s sharper grooves cut through grass and debris at contact, while deeper grooves help make space for grass, sand, dirt, or water to clear the impact zone, giving RTZ Wedges stronger, more consistent spin from anywhere on the course.
• Rotex Milling: This dual-pass milling pattern increases friction and is directionally configured to accommodate shot type. The straighter portion of the milled pattern works well for full swing shots with central contact, while contact on the toe strikes the more angled portion of the pattern for optimal spin on open face shots.
• Components: To further enhance the performance and precision fitting of RTZ Tour Rack Wedges, a new shaft has been introduced. The True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 is an industry favourite among Tour professionals, ensuring a precise and consistent swing feel. Paired with Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grips, golfers can experience unparalleled control and comfort with every shot.
The new Cleveland RTZ wedges will be available in RTZ Tour Satin and RTZ Black Satin with an RRP of €189 or RTZ Tour Rack for €199. Full spec sheet below.
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