Cleveland Golf’s brand new CBZ wedges could be the most forgiving yet
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Cleveland Golf have announced the release of their latest Game-Improvement wedge series, the CBZ. Built from brand-new materials, Cleveland CBZ wedges offer incredible feedback and outstanding forgiveness.
Srixon/Cleveland Golf have been on a roll recently. Known for their quality metal construction, which has led to them being one of the go-to names in iron design, and some of the best wedges in golf, the company are even starting to excel within the metalwoods category. But the company’s greatest strength is in remembering what they already do well, and the Cleveland CBZ wedges are looking to continue that value.
Cleveland split their premium wedge offerings into two models to help cover the whole space of golfers’ desires and needs. The first is the ‘RT’ range, which is their more blade-like, lower forgiveness series built around tour-level preferences.
The most recent model, the RTZ wedge, has seriously impressed us with both its technology and performance, standing out as one of the best models of 2025.
The second wedge in Cleveland’s family is the ‘CB’ cavity line. This is where the new CBZ fits in as a replacement to the formidable CBX4, a wedge that did extremely well in our 2025 testing for approach play. The CB models are defined by their larger size, a design that comes from their internal pocket space, which helps make the product more forgiving for the golfer who chooses to play it.
With big shoes to fill from the success of the previous release, Cleveland’s CBZ wedges will need to pull out something special to improve on the CBX4. Luckily, Cleveland’s latest technology is exactly what might make the difference.
Z-Alloy Technology
If you’re not familiar with Z-Alloy, you might not be the only one. Introduced for the first time this year in the RTZ release, the alloy is completely proprietary to Srixon/Cleveland. That means they own the rights to it, so you’ll never see Z-Alloy appearing in a TaylorMade MG5 or Callaway Opus SP.
Z-Alloy is unique among its competitors for two big reasons: the first is that it is incredibly durable, providing more spin over a longer lifetime, meaning you won’t need to replace your wedges as regularly as before.
The second reason is the density. A less dense steel than the previously used 431 steel, this has a direct impact on feedback, creating a 25% softer feel than Cleveland already provided in the CBX4. It’s also why Cleveland are being particularly tight-lipped on the exact science of the Z-Alloy, since they don’t want to lose their impressive advantage to a competitor.
So you get tour-level softness with the new Cleveland CBZ wedges, but how else can they improve your game?
Sticking with what works
Returning with the new release are some core technologies that have taken Cleveland wedges to the highest echelons of the short game.
These include the legendary ZipCore design, which replaces heavier mass in the hosel and heel areas with low-density, lightweight, superstrong material. Cleveland, in their research, have found that 10+ handicap golfers will strike the heel only 20% of the time, with the majority of blows coming from the center and toe.
ZipCore looks to reinforce and stabilize these key areas to provide better consistency for all players.
Alongside ZipCore, the Cleveland CBZ wedges will also continue to use their UltiZip and HydraZip engineering to provide more controlled spin across multiple conditions and lies that golfers will find themselves in.
UltiZip is a sharper, more aggressive groove cutting that helps channel debris out and away from contact, meaning you retain spin in both thicker rough or wet conditions.
Working alongside that is HydraZip, which works alongside the Rotex Face Milling that Cleveland is known for, to optimize the space in between the grooves to maximize spin everywhere you might make contact with.
Additionally, the Cleveland CBZ wedges will retain the Gelback TPU insert behind the face to dampen vibrations and provide the golfer with an even softer feedback from central strikes.
And to top the technology-packed design off, Cleveland will also continue offering both their traditional and full-face choice from the 50º wedge through to the 60º.
Grinds and Lofts
Cleveland aren’t rocking the boat with their loft and grind options this year, as they’ve seen tremendous success with golfers through the feedback they’ve accumulated since CBX4 launched; however, it’s always worth recapping what each style of sole camber is designed for.
V-Shaped – This sole is designed with 12º of bounce, and a traditional head length prevents digging on full swing shots, even if you strike slightly behind the ball. The V-shape is available in both traditional and full-face styles.
Traditional: 44-52º
Full-Face: 50-52º
S-Shaped – The ‘S’ sole is offered in only the traditional head option, with no full-face model available. It features an increased bounce of 14º and is ideal for bunkers or more finese-type shots, helping you get in and out of the sand or turf without losing speed.
Traditional: 54-56º
C-Shaped – The more aggresive ‘C’ cut is perfect for lob shots with an open face. It includes additional heel and toe side relief to give you options in any greenside situation you may encounter. The sand wedge C-shape is offered in 12º of bounce, whereas the lob wedge is a slightly lower 10º.
Traditional: 58-60º
Full-Face: 54-60º
The Cleveland CBZ wedges, priced at $179 and £159, will be available to pre-order from today, August 26th, 2025, and will be on shelves from September 5th, 2025. The CBZ will come fitted with a KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 shaft and a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip.
Premium feel in a forgiving design
| Loft Options | 44º / 46º / 48º / 50º / 52º / 54º / 56º / 58º / 60º |
| Grinds | V / S / C |
| Finishes | Tour Satin |
| Left-Handed Options | 50º (V) / 52º (V) / 54º (S) / 56º (S, C) / 58º (C) / 60º (C) |
| Stock Shaft | KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g (Steel) / KBS Hi-Rev G 80g (Graphite) |
| Stock Grip | Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 |
- Z-Alloy gives CBZ Wedges superior feel, better forgiveness, and more consistency
- ZipCore technology returns for improved Center of gravity positioning
- UltiZip grooves give stronger, more consistent spin from every lie
- HydraZip design maximizes spin performance in adverse weather
- Full-Face wedges in the 50-60º options provide more control and versatility
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Cleveland CBZ wedges have incorporated Z-Alloy from the RTZ line
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Full Face grooves are available in the 50-60º Cleveland CBZ Wedges
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Cleveland CBZ wedges use the HydraZip technology to shift water away from the face
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Cleveland CBZ wedges have UltiZip grooves for more spin
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Cleveland CBZ wedges are great from every lie, including the bunkers
