Cleveland CBX 4 ZipCore

Best-in-class for a wedge - the highest total MOI in any CBX wedge, up 7% heel-to-toe and 5.8% high-to-low, with a noticeable ZipCore effect on mishits and minimal distance loss. Wide, forgiving cavity-back soles with leading and trailing edge relief give a larger margin for error. The most forgiving wedge type, built for the mid-to-high handicapper.

Elite distance control - the carry spread shrank from 9 yards on the CBX ZipCore to just 4 on the CBX 4, more than a 50% improvement, with a spin drop-off between the highest and lowest shots of only 949 rpm, 45.4% tighter than the test average and 3rd best across all twenty 52-degree wedges tested. Exceptionally repeatable yardages.

Limited by the game-improvement design - the wide, forgiving soles and cavity-back are built for easy turf interaction rather than shotmaking, though the C-grind in the 58-60 degree lofts still allows some open-face lob work. A forgiveness tool first, not a shot-shaper's wedge.

Soft and improved - the ZipCore and HydraZip combine for a soft yet responsive feel, a step up on the predecessor with a slightly crispier centre strike, and the ZipCore reduces vibration for a pleasant impact. Comfortable and forgiving, if not as premium as a forged tour blade.

Acceptable, on the louder side - centre strikes produce a louder, deeper click than the higher-pitched note of an RTX 6. Clear and informative, but not the quietest or most refined.

Clean for a cavity-back - a much cleaner look in the bag than its predecessor, still clearly a cavity-back with no visible TPU inserts and a tidy black-and-silver scheme, blending with cavity or hollow-body iron sets. Well-executed for a game-improvement wedge, but a larger, non-traditional profile.