Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedge review

Golf Monthly technical editor Paul O'Hagan tests Cleveland's 588 RTX 2.0 wedge

Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0
Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedge review

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Golf Monthly technical editor Paul O'Hagan gives his Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedge review

Above, Golf Monthly technical editor Paul O'Hagan gives his Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedge review. You can also see his on-course test below.

As the long hitting side of golf continues to evolve, players are finding themselves facing an increasing number of shots from inside 125 yards, where Cleveland claims over 65% of all shots take place.

It is this evolution that has inspired the new Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges, which replace the highly popular 588 RTX model.

The process began with feedback from the likes of Graeme McDowell and Keegan Bradley, before Cleveland addressed everyday problems amateurs face in the scoring zone.

Their conclusion identified a common need for versatility. That’s why the new Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 model features a huge variety of lofts, grinds and head shapes.

This array of options includes two heads types; a more forgiving cavity back design, and a traditional blade shape, which offers a touch more feel and workability.

Lofts options range from 46-64°, while three sole grinds will suit different swing and course types.

The Low Bounce Grind is ideal for tight lies, dry fairways and players with a shallower attack angle.

The Full Sole Grind has a consistent sole width that is useful on full shots, while maintaining versatility around the green. Its characteristics will suit players used to softer fairways and with a steeper angle of attack.

Between the two falls the Standard Bounce Grind, which performs well in a wide variety of conditions, and will suit players with a more neutral angle of attack.

The 588 RTX 2.0 also features improved Rotex face technology, with 15% sharper Tour Grip grooves and a new, deeper micro-milled pattern on the face combining to deliver the most surface roughness the USGA will legally allow. The result creates more friction with the ball at impact to impart more spin for more control from all lies.

The wedges (£99 per club) will originally be available in a Chrome finish, with a Black Satin option becoming available in Spring 2015.

Below, check out Paul's on-course 588 RTX 2.0 review:

Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges gallery

Nick Bonfield
Content Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, commissioning and feature writing. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x