The RTX 3 is Cleveland's 2018 answer to golfers who want a wedge that spins hard and gives back honest feedback on every strike. What sets this one apart from the wedges that came before it is Feel Balancing Technology, where Cleveland pulled weight out of the hosel and pushed the center of gravity closer to the middle of the face. The result is a wedge that feels solid on center hits and holds its line better on the misses toward the heel.
This is a Tour Grind wedge, so the sole is shaped for players who like to open the face, lean the shaft, and hit shots that most weekend golfers never attempt. Cleveland ground away material in the heel and toe to let you sit the club flatter to the turf when you rotate it open. Around tight lies and firm sand, that extra relief matters. It lets the leading edge stay low instead of digging.
Loft options run from 46 up to a very steep 64 degrees, with a couple of lofts doubled up so you can dial in bounce and grind to your turf conditions. That range covers everything from a gap wedge you can flight down into a green to a lob wedge for the short-sided flops you have no business attempting but will try anyway.
Cleveland RTX 3 Wedge: Key Specs
- Category
- Tour Grind
- Loft range
- 46 to 64 degrees
- Loft/grind options
- 11
- Model year
- 2016
Available Variants
| Loft | Bounce | Grind | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46° | 6° | Low | Chrome |
| 50° | 8° | Mid | Chrome |
| 52° | 10° | Mid | Chrome |
| 54° | 10° | Mid | Chrome |
| 56° | 8° | Low | Chrome |
| 56° | 10° | Mid | Chrome |
| 58° | 8° | Low | Chrome |
| 58° | 10° | Mid | Chrome |
| 60° | 8° | Low | Chrome |
| 60° | 10° | Mid | Chrome |
| 64° | 10° | Mid | Chrome |
Loft and bounce are nominal values. Actual specifications may vary.
Technology
About the Cleveland RTX 3
The face carries Cleveland's fourth-generation Rotex milling paired with Tour Zip Grooves, and the two work together to grab the ball and rip spin off partial shots. The grooves are cut deeper and sharper on the higher-lofted heads, which is where you need bite the most. A laser-milled pattern between the grooves adds friction on those greenside shots where you barely make contact with the ball. The cavity-back construction sits behind a forged feel, which keeps the head more forgiving than a straight blade without turning it into a game-improvement club. The Tour Grind sole is the narrow, versatile shape, so this rewards a golfer with some hand skill and a shallower angle of attack. Open it up and the trailing edge relief lets you slide the sole under the ball on delicate shots. Keep it square and it still handles full swings from the fairway.
Who Should Play the Cleveland RTX 3?
- ✓You take a shallow, sweeping swing and tend to slide the club under the ball rather than dig a deep divot.
- ✓You open the face on greenside shots and want a sole that sits flat instead of the leading edge riding up off the turf.
- ✓You play firm turf or tight lies where a wide, high-bounce sole would bounce into the middle of the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Feel Balancing Technology actually do on the RTX 3?
Cleveland removed about nine grams from the hosel and redistributed it, which moves the center of gravity toward the center of the face. In practice you get a more solid feel at impact and slightly less twisting on shots hit off the heel, which is the most common miss on a wedge.
Is the Tour Grind right for me or should I pick a different sole?
The Tour Grind is a narrow sole with heel and toe relief, built for players who open the face and take shallow divots. If you dig deep divots or play soft, fluffy conditions, a wider mid or full sole will keep you from digging. Firm turf and a sweeping motion are where the Tour Grind shines.
Why are some lofts like 56 and 58 listed twice?
Those duplicate lofts come in different bounce and grind combinations. It lets you match the sole to your swing and course conditions instead of being stuck with one option per loft. Pick the higher bounce for soft turf and steep attacks, the lower for firm turf and a shallow swing.
How much spin does the RTX 3 generate on partial shots?
This is one of the stronger areas of the club. The fourth-generation Rotex face and Tour Zip Grooves, plus the laser milling between grooves, grab the ball on half and three-quarter shots where spin usually drops off. It holds up well in wet conditions too, though like any wedge the grooves wear and lose bite over a couple of seasons of heavy use.
Is the 64-degree worth carrying?
The 64 is a specialist. It opens up steep flop shots and lets you land the ball soft when you have almost no green to work with. It is also easy to leave a shot short or slide under it, so it rewards practice. If you are not comfortable hitting high, soft shots on demand, a 60 will do most of what you need with less risk.
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