Now that the season is “over” (meaning I have played all my important golf and I’m in a tinkering phase) I have started to test a ton of gear to see what’s out there — or what I may have liked in testing but didn’t have time to fully evaluate for my bag.
One of the pieces that I just seem to keep coming back to is the Cleveland RTZ 2 Adapt grind. There’s something about the Adapt that really works for my game, and I also think it’s an incredibly versatile wedge for a ton of players even if they are looking for different needs.
In experimenting with the Adapt grind I also started to play with a few other grind options in the new Cleveland RTZ 2 lineup, so I figured I would spend some time breaking down my three favorite grinds from the new lineup, and why I think they’re each unique in performance.
1.) Cleveland RTZ 2 Adapt
The Adapt grind is very unique in the market. I wrote about my season long wedge search a few months ago and if you want some backstory on wedge philosophy I highly suggest jumping over there first. In that article I talk about my custom lob wedge that I have played most of this year. It has a ton of heel relief, and there’s a very special “front edge blunt” as well. This helps me keep the blade of the wedge close to the ground without feeling like it’s going to stick into the ground immediately upon impact.
It’s awesome that I have the ability to get something custom-made for myself like that, but the reality for most golfers is that they’ll need to find something in the retail space that works. Enter the Adapt grind. It’s easily the closest non-custom wedge that I have found to compare to something that was hand-built for me. The Adapt has an added leading edge bounce chamfer to keep it from getting too knife-like, as well as some pretty aggressive toe and heel relief. It states a bounce angle of 8º which a lot of players who see as pretty low, but in reality it plays like something higher bounce. On top of all the work it has already, it also takes some material off the trailing edge to make sure that it exits the turf effectively as well. It’s a little help everywhere.
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What I love about a wedge like this, is the way it becomes incredibly versatile. You can open up the blade without exposing too much of the leading edge, you can stick the toe in the ground for a low runner and not worry about any un-needed friction, and hitting a square-face shot feels effortless through the turf, even if you get a touch too steep. It’s also a full-face design which means on even the floppiest of flop shots you have plenty of grooves to work with.
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Connor Federico / GOLF
2.) Cleveland RTZ2 Mid
In my testing, the Mid grind has been second-best. It’s a really good all-around grind that helps players who are mostly playing square-face shots. It’s easy to hit with full swings, and nearly effortless to hit out of the bunker. It’s what I would get in a 56º wedge personally. The ability to hit a nice 100-yard nipper, but still get up and down from a bunker is very appealing. It’s going to expose the leading edge a bit when you open it up, but if you’re a player who usually finds themselves in soft conditions, or you like to be aggressive with your attack angle around the greens, the Mid is a great way to find a balance between a wider sole, and something that helps execute the “trick shots”.
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Cleveland Golf
The Mid grind has somewhat of a v-sole design, so you’re going to be able to get the wedge into the turf very easily, but it’s going to want to exit quickly. Make sure that you get down on top of the ball on those full shots to take full advantage of the design.
3.) Cleveland RTZ 2 588 Grind – Roger’s Return
The 588 grind has become the choice for my Fully Equipped Podcast Co-Host Johnny Wunder, and for great reason. It’s the shot-makers grind. It states the same 8º bounce measurement as the Adapt grind but the leading edge sits much tighter to the turf. It’s definitely something that you want to play open a bit more so that you can add a bit of bounce on the back end, but the increased toe bounce and decreased heel bounce allow it to sit very flat when opened up. As it stays flat it’s easier to feel confident hitting higher shots off of tight turf. The sole is a bit wider, with smoother edges than the Adapt grind, so it’s great for players with the best mitts. It’s a silky feeling to hit a nice saucy flop shot from a tight lie using the 588 grind. Roger is a legend, and the 588 grind is legendary, so it’s fitting that upon Roger’s return to Cleveland Golf, that they brought back the timeless grind offering.
Want to dial in your wedges for the turf you actually play on? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf, or build your exact custom Cleveland setup online with aftermarket shafts and grips at Fairway Jockey.
