Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedges

The Short Version

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore is the 2023-generation blade-style wedge from the brand that has owned the short game for decades, a Golf Digest Hot List Gold winner in both 2023 and 2024. Its story is spin in all conditions: sharper, deeper UltiZip grooves, a laser-milled HydraZip face treatment, and a low-density ZipCore hosel insert that boosts MOI by up to 20 percent. Cleveland claims wet-condition spin jumps by up to 43 percent over the previous generation.

Performance

Published testing backs up the spin story. Golf Monthly's review found excellent spin on full shots and delicate chips alike, calling it one of the most forgiving wedges available despite its blade design, with consistent results regardless of playing conditions. GolferHive's extended testing concluded it is a phenomenal scoring club for golfers with a handicap of 15 or lower, praising consistent, high spin and a superbly soft feel. The loft-specific groove geometry, with two extra grooves fitted on the face, maximizes edge contact, and the matte face finish cuts glare at address.

Forgiveness

This is where the RTX 6 separates from traditional blades. The ZipCore insert uses up to 95 percent more low-density aluminum and silicone material than the previous generation, freeing weight from the hosel to raise MOI. Golf Monthly classified it as one of the most forgiving wedges money can buy, noting stable performance on mishits. It is still a player's wedge, and high handicappers will find more help in the cavity-back CBX ZipCore, but for a blade profile the stability is exceptional.

Feel

Feel is a Cleveland signature and the RTX 6 delivers it. Reviewers describe a soft, forged-like sensation with a gentle, muted sound at impact, classic 588-inspired feedback. The True Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft gives the club a slightly heavier overall feel that Golf Monthly found helped them relax their hands and let the club do the work. The Tri-Bounce sole geometry keeps turf interaction clean across the four grind options.

Value

At a launch price of $169.99 with street prices now often under $150, the RTX 6 is one of the best values in premium wedges, significantly less than Titleist Vokey and TaylorMade Milled Grind while matching them on spin technology. The one value caveat: Cleveland's newer RTZ line has since launched, so the RTX 6 is technically a generation old, which is exactly why it is discounted.

Who Should Buy It

Low- to mid-handicap golfers who prioritize spin and control from every lie, including wet rough and bunkers. Players who need maximum forgiveness should step up to the CBX ZipCore, and beginners will find the blade profile punishing. Golfers who like to tinker will appreciate four grinds, Low, Low+, Mid, and Full, across lofts from 46 to 60 degrees.

Verdict

The RTX 6 ZipCore remains one of the smartest wedge buys in golf: Hot List Gold pedigree, genuinely innovative groove and face technology, and a discount price now that its successor has arrived. If your short game runs on spin, this wedge earns its bag slot. This is a research-based review.