Introducing a new material to design a clubhead is a risky proposition for any equipment manufacturer. It often requires years of research and development to ensure it’s a meaningful step forward. When it comes to wedges, few companies have the credentials and expertise to drive change. Among the exceptions, though, is Cleveland Golf, as evidenced by its latest line.
Keep reading for six things to know about the 2025 line of Cleveland RTZ wedges.
The Cleveland RTZ Wedges feature a revolutionary new alloy called Z-Steel, a lower-density material that, Cleveland says, makes the RTZ wedges 10% softer than the popular RTX 6 ZipCore wedges. This allows engineers to move the center of gravity (CG) closer to the center of the clubface, optimizing the sweet spot for better performance.
“When we first started working with Z-Steel, we quickly realized it would give us more flexibility in wedge design, allowing us to create without limitations,” said Patrick Ripp, Cleveland’s tour engineering manager. “The benefits of this material show up in every area that matters: the feel is pure, the aesthetics are cleaner and consistency around the greens is improved.”
Rust is a divisive topic among wedge enthusiasts. Some golfers love the raw, weathered look, while others avoid it. But the key to generating spin isn’t rust — it’s the grooves and face texturing do the work. While rust may reduce glare, it can also accelerate groove edge deterioration. That’s why Cleveland’s new raw RTZ Tour Rack is engineered to retain its high-spin properties for a longer period, providing more consistent performance over time while staying rust-free.
Cleveland consulted with Tour players when developing four versatile grind options: Low, Mid, Full, and a new Adapt grind, explicitly designed for open-faced shotmaking.
“To ensure optimal turf interaction, we tailored each leading-edge radius to complement the sole’s shape and bounce profile,” Ripp said. “For the first time, each RTZ leading edge is precision milled for the most accurate and consistent shape, delivering more consistency and precision around the greens.”
The new RTZ wedges come with a range of customization options, especially in the Tour Rack version. Golfers can select finish options, preferred sole grinds, leading-edge curves, engraving, paint fill, and even custom ferrules for a truly personalized look.
While the Z-Steel alloy takes center stage, the 2025 RTZ wedges still feature the same proven technologies found in previous models. These include HydraZip face milling for better spin in wet conditions, ZipCore technology (which removes weight from the heel and hosel, replacing it with vibration-dampening material), UltiZip grooves for sharper, deeper grooves that boost spin, and Rotex milling to increase friction on both square and open-faced shots. Additionally, a new shaft option — the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 — has been added, a shaft commonly found in the bags of tour professionals.
6. Price and availability
The Cleveland RTZ Wedges are $169.99/each, and the RTZ Tour Rack wedges are $189.99/each. They will be available starting Jan. 17.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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