Cleveland 588 RTX Wedges

Golf Monthly Senior Staff writer Paul O'Hagan reviews the Cleveland 588 RTX Wedges

Cleveland 588 RTX

Cleveland is looking to build on the history and heritage of the 588 range with the introduction of new 588 wedges and irons for 2013. Since the introduction of the 588 wedge in 1988, it has been used in 300 professional wins, including 26 Major championships.

The wedge line-up for 2013 will include two new designs, both featuring the classic 588 shape and an all-new face design, but with subtle differences to target two distinct golfers.

Both wedges incorporate a new Rotex face design. This has been created to maximise spin, especially on toe strikes, where impact tends to be on open-face shots. Both designs also feature U-Grooves that are 16 per cent larger than previous models, to enhance spin levels out of the rough, sand and in wet conditions.

The 588 RTX CB wedge (main picture) has been manufactured with forgiveness in mind - the undercut cavity creates perimeter weighting to help with off-centre strikes. It also features a Reverse C sole, previously seen on the CG14 and CG16 wedges, which is designed to improve performance from a wider range of lies.

As you can see, the 588 RTX (inset) is a more classic wedge and should deliver on versatility and control. As well as the Rotex face and larger grooves, the design features the S sole - wider near the heel, narrower near the toe - seen previously in the popular CG15 wedge. It's designed to improve performance out of bunkers without sacrificing versatility.

Both the 588 RTX and 588 RTX CB wedges will be available from mid February, both with an RRP of £109. The excellent 588 Forged wedge will also remain in the line-up for 2013.

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.