Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge Review

Cleveland’s RTX 6 ZipCore models use three huge technological breakthroughs to give you even more control.

The Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore is one of the best golf wedges in the game.

The brand have been wedge maestros since 1979, fine-tuning each model over the years for more spin, consistency, versatility and even greater playability. This is the culmination of all that R&D, Tour player and consumer feedback.

Replacing a winner

RTX 6 Zipcore replaces the RTX ZipCore, one of the best wedges of 2022 and a TG Editor’s Choice winner. But Cleveland promises even more performance from the classically-styled blade head shape.

Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore is packed with new tech and all starts with HydraZip. This technology uses dynamic face blasts and laser lines to maximize friction for improved spin consistency in the dry and wet.

The brand’s testing revealed 43% more spin in wet conditions with the RTX 6 ZipCore than the previous generation.

Then there’s ZipCore, a unique, low-density designed to expand the sweet spot and upgrade MOI for ultimate forgiveness. It pushes the center of gravity directly behind the impact zone, helping players find more consistent performance.

By adding high/low and heel/toe forgiveness into every loft option in the range, golfers can also benefit from increased spin, distance, and control.

Finally, the RTX 6 ZipCore features UltiZip groove technology, which helps by cutting through debris more consistently. These new grooves are sharper, deeper, and tightly spaced for enhanced spin, control, and consistency.

Clean Grooves = better numbers

When we conducted a test using dirty grooves, shots lost 7mph of ball speed – 5.5% of our tester’s total – which is huge. Backspin also fell a jaw-dropping 52.5% (to 2,566rpm from 5,399rpm), as did height (down six yards, or 20%) and descent angle (down 16.3%; 7°). That just shows you how important it is to clean your grooves.

Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore: New sole Grinds

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge has four versatile sole grinds with a variety of lofts that are developed for greenside creativity.

Low (58º-60º), Mid (46º-60º), Full (54-60º) are all available, but new for 2023 is the Low+ grind featured on sand wedge lofts (54º-56º). This model offers two degrees more bounce in a C-Shaped sole, creating extra bounce in bunkers.

Key tech in the RTX Zipcore wedge

HydraZip

A dynamic blast and laser-milled line system creates roughness to enhance friction—maximizing spin in any conditions from anywhere around the green.

ZipCore

A low-density core technology offering players increased spin, distance, consistency, feel, and control.

UltiZip

Features grooves that are sharper, deeper, and tightly spaced, allowing the club to slice through debris and bite harder for enhanced spin and control.

Watch: Best 2023 wedge video

Verdict: Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore wedge

Cleveland have a massive pedigree for making great wedges and the RTX 6 is their brand new tour-level offering for 2023. We’ll put our cards on the table upfront and say you won’t find a better looking wedge on the market.

We love the compact size, the straight leading-edge profile and the new super aggressive CNC Milling pattern on the toe, which brings full face groove levels of stopping power to a traditional groove wedges.

Our best 2023 wedge test data has the ZipCore hovering just under average levels of backspin, but with so many factors to consider when buying new wedges, it’s worth remembering you should never just pick the highest spinning wedges.

What’s much more important, is having a full range of lofts, bounce or sole grind options and the ability to choose a finish that suits your eye, as you have to love your wedges if you’re going to get the best out of them. And options is where Cleveland utterly excel.

From 100 yards out our test pro’s shots had a tiny 4-yard drop-off (from longest to shortest) and 7.2 yard left to right dispersion, which gave a miniscule 28.8 SQ YD shot area. That’s 58.4% tighter than our test average, which says everything you need know about this cracking model.   

What Cleveland say about the RTX 6 Zipcore

Joe Miller, product expert at Cleveland Golf Europe

“The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge may have the classic look on the outside, but inside it’s packed with three technological breakthroughs that give the advantage to the golfer and not the conditions.

“All the work put into this wedge, we really focused on finding the perfect balance of versatility and consistency.

“UltiZip is a notable example. Without grooves you don’t have a wedge, so we equipped the RTX 6 ZipCore with our sharpest groove radii ever, imparting more spin and control. Now golfers won’t have to worry about how their wedge is going to react in certain conditions, they’ll know.”

Watch: Cleveland’s RTX 6 wedge video

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Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore Wedge

RRP £159/$159.99 (steel), £169/$169.99 (graphite) | VIEW US OFFER | VIEW UK OFFER

Launched March 2023

Lofts 46º, 48º, 50º, 52º, 54º, 56º, 58º, 60º

Grinds Low (58º-60º), Low+ (54º-56º) Mid (46º-60º), Full (54-60º)

Stock shaft Dynamic Gold Spinner Tour Issue

Stock grip Lamkin Crossline 360 grip