Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge

What would we make of Cleveland's new wedge offering aimed at the better player?

Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge Review
Golf Monthly Verdict

The RTX 4 looks to be an even more versatile offering while still providing the consistently high levels of spin we experienced on RTX 3. The compact shape and lower bounce options are more suited to the better player, but mid-handicappers who prefer a soft feel shouldn’t rule them out.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Exceptional spin from all lies as well as improved versatility for the better player

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Some may prefer a softer feeling wedge

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Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge Review - We test the new Cleveland RTX 4 wedge designed to offer a compact look, soft feel, versatility and high levels of spin for the better player

Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge Review

We were suitably impressed with the level of performance we got from the Cleveland RTX-3 wedge at such a modest price point but the design has supposedly improved even further on RTX 4. You can read all about the new technology here.

On first inspection, RTX 4 hasn’t changed all too much. It still has that muscleback design but has an extra cut out section at the back of the sole. The loft and bounce number have moved further away from the leading edge and the model name/number is marginally larger.

RTX-4-outdoor-web

Down at address, better players will enjoy the compact shape and lack of offset. The leading edge is squarer in the lower lofts, but we feel Cleveland perhaps could have gone a little further with this to make it more iron like. Compared to the CBX it has a noticeably smaller profile and narrower sole, as you can see below.

RTX-4-and-CBX-address-web

The technology on the face is clearly visible – there are lines literally all over the place – but they aren't at all distracting at address.

Nip a few chips away and you’re greeted with a fairly soft, solid feel. The difference in feel between RTX 4 and competitor models is fairly negligible although those with the most sensitive of hands and ears could make a case for the RTX 4 not feeling quite as soft as others, especially those that are forged.

RTX-4-testing

You get more feedback on mishit shots than you do with the CBX, which is certainly more stable. Strike the ball cleanly though and you’re rewarded with a low, consistent flight that skips and then checks up sharply on the second bounce.

While the new XLow Grind is a nice option to have, it’s use will be fairly limited. It comes into its own on very tight, firm conditions you usually only experience on links courses – although more and more of us will be encountering these types of lies given the recent spout of dry weather.

RTX-4-Xlow-grind-web

This very low bounce grind help get the club under the ball more easily, even when it is sitting down slightly or when opening the face, but lacks forgiveness through the turf given its tendency to dig, making it difficult to execute bunker shots with it.

Thankfully, golfers have the option of the added bounce on the full sole in the higher lofts if you tend to use your highest lofted wedge from sand more than other shots around the green or if you want more forgiveness on the strike.

Spin levels from the rough look to have improved. While it’s difficult to prove with any certainty, a short test conducted in our review video showed it spun from the rough than a current model from another leading manufacturer and over a wide spectrum of shots from on-course testing, we can comfortably say it spun as much from the rough as other leading wedge models.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x