Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge review

Welcome to my Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge review. Cleveland Golf is famous for producing innovative and high-quality wedges, and the RTX 6 ZipCore wedge came out in-line with this tradition.  Building on decades of experience, the RTX 6 ZipCore aims to provide golfers with enhanced forgiveness and exceptional spin, particularly in wet conditions. 

Released in January 2023, the RTX 6 ZipCore built upon the success of its predecessor, the RTX ZipCore, by integrating new technologies to enhance performance and versatility. It’s designed with a classic look and incorporates advanced technology to cater to a wide range of players.

Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge review-OVERVIEW

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge is designed to offer more forgiveness and increased spin in wet conditions. It features a classy head design and is available in a variety of lofts and grinds to suit different players. The wedge is built with a focus on versatility and consistency, making it a comprehensive option for improving your short game. Even though Cleveland has since released newer wedge models, the RTX 6 ZipCore remains a solid choice for golfers seeking a balance of performance and value.

LOOK/DESIGN

The RTX 6 ZipCore wedge boasts a clean and appealing aesthetic. Initially available in Tour Satin, Cleveland later released additional finishes including Black Satin and the customizable Tour Rack (raw). The head size is perfect, and the raw finish enhances its visual appeal. Aesthetically, the wedge presents beautifully. The design inspires confidence, offering a blend of traditional appearance with modern technology.

Features/Technology

The RTX 6 ZipCore wedge is packed with technology to enhance performance:

ZipCore Technology: The hosel features a ZipCore insert made of up to 95% more aluminum and silicon material compared to previous models. This saves weight, allowing it to be redistributed elsewhere in the head, increasing the MOI (Moment of Inertia) by up to 20% and making the RTX 6 more forgiving.

The centralized CG helps make the RTX 6 a more forgiving wedge than those without this ZipCore design.

HydraZip: This technology combines laser lines and face blasting to increase face roughness, ensuring high spin rates regardless of wet or dry conditions. Cleveland claims this improves spin by 43% in wet conditions compared to the previous RTX ZipCore wedge. The HydraZip technology increases spin in wet conditions and the rough.

UltiZip Grooves: The grooves on the face are sharper, deeper, and closer together, varying in dimensions according to the loft. The space between the grooves includes laser-milled lines, and the face is treated with HydraZip blasting for maximum friction.

Sole Grinds: The RTX 6 ZipCore offers multiple sole options, including Low, Mid, Full, and Low+. Each grind is designed for different playing conditions and swing types.

The leading edges are dialed in to match the grinds, with sharper edges for the Low and Low+ and more rounded edges for the Mid and Full.

Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore Specs

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge typically comes with a True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shaft, weighing around 126g. This gives the club a slightly heavier feel, providing more control during the swing.

A graphite shaft option is also available for those seeking a lighter feel. Lofts range from 46° to 60° with various bounce options, including a new 8° Low+ option in the 54° and 56° heads.

Performance (Short Game Focus)

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge is engineered to maximize spin and performance around the green, regardless of the lie.

Spin from Any Lie: The RTX 6 ZipCore is designed to deliver high-spin shots consistently, no matter the lie. Whether you’re hitting from the fairway, rough, sand, or even wet conditions, this wedge is packed with technology to maximize spin.

HydraZip Technology: The HydraZip technology uses dynamic face blasts and laser lines to maximize friction, which leads to improved spin consistency in both dry and wet conditions. R&D testing showed that the RTX 6 ZipCore can achieve 43% more spin in wet conditions compared to the previous generation. Lower lofts receive a less rough blast while higher lofts receive a rougher blast and more laser lines for more consistent dry and wet spin performance across the course.

UltiZip Grooves: Equipped with UltiZip grooves, the RTX 6 offers sharper, deeper, and narrower grooves that maximize spin and control. These grooves channel debris more efficiently and provide exceptional bite, giving you unparalleled stopping power on the greens. Tighter grooves equal more bite on the ball, especially effective when grass, sand, dirt, or water clogs the impact zone.

Forgiveness: Cleveland’s proprietary, low-density core technology optimally positions the CG (Center of Gravity). The result is more consistent performance and forgiveness, even for toe shots. By adding an abundance of high/low and heel/toe MOI into every loft, you’ll enjoy increased spin, consistency, feel, and control.

Tour Rack (Raw) Finish: The Tour Rack (Raw) finish is designed for players who don’t mind their wedges rusting a little, further increasing ball spin off the face. The rust also helps to defer glare.

High Spin Rates: The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedges deliver high spin rates. It is definitively one of the highest spinning wedges, producing spin rates north of 10,000 rpm.

Pros& Cons

Pros:

• High Spin Rates: Delivers high spin rates, especially from the rough and in wet conditions.
• Superior Control & Accuracy: Offers excellent control and accuracy, allowing for precise shot-making.
• Versatile Sole Options: Multiple sole grinds cater to different playing styles and conditions.
• Enhanced Forgiveness: ZipCore technology increases forgiveness by optimizing the center of gravity.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Clean, classic look with a raw finish.
• Wet Condition Performance: One of the best wedges for maintaining spin in wet conditions.

Cons:

• Feel: Some may find the feel a little firm.
• Weight: The heavier shaft might not suit all players.
• Forgiveness: It is not the most forgiving wedge available.

Comparison With Similar Models

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge stands out due to its focus on wet condition performance and enhanced forgiveness. Compared to previous models, the RTX 6 has an improved ZipCore insert and HydraZip technology, resulting in up to 43% more spin in wet conditions.

Its comprehensive range of lofts and bounces ensures it can compete with other leading wedges on the market.

Who should play this club

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge is suitable for players of all skill levels. It will particularly benefit those seeking to increase spin from various lies and improve control in wet conditions.

The availability of different sole grinds allows players to choose the best option for their specific needs. The RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack is a great wedge for players in the 15 and under handicap range seeking more spin.

Conclusion

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge is a comprehensive and versatile option for golfers looking to improve their short game. With its advanced technology, multiple sole options, and focus on wet condition performance, it offers something for players of all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking to increase spin, improve control, or enhance forgiveness, the RTX 6 ZipCore is a worthy addition to any bag.