Wedge · 2021
Cleveland CBX ZipCore
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 9 June 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Forgiveness86
- Feel85
- Looks85
Watch
Rated highest for forgiveness and feel; its softest dimension is workability.
You're a mid-to-high handicapper who wants a very forgiving cavity-back wedge with game-improvement-iron MOI, blade-comparable spin and sole grinds matched to each loft.
You want a compact tour-blade shape, maximum shotmaking versatility, or the quietest short-shot sound.
Pros
- A perimeter-weighted cavity back with game-improvement-iron MOI
- ZipCore - 26% more high-low MOI and 10% more heel-toe forgiveness
- UltiZip grooves for blade-comparable spin
- A TPU insert for a soft, dampened feel
Cons
- A wide cavity-back sole - less workable than a tour blade
- A little clicky in sound on short shots
- A larger game-improvement shape than a tour blade
By dimension
Forgiveness
ExcellentBest-in-class - the perimeter-weighted cavity back gives the kind of MOI usually found in a game-improvement iron, with a wide sole for consistent contact, and the aluminium ZipCore delivers 26% more high-low MOI and 10% more heel-toe forgiveness. Among the most forgiving wedges - a game-improvement cavity back.
Distance
ExcellentA standout - the UltiZip grooves (sharper, deeper and closer together, with two more grooves per face) provide loads of spin no matter the shot length, the spin numbers comparable to a blade wedge. Among the better wedges for distance control.
Workability
SolidWorkable for a game-improvement wedge - three sole grinds by loft: a V-sole (44-52 degrees), an S-sole (54-56 degrees, for full shots and chipping) and a C-sole (58-60 degrees) that makes it easier to open the face, though the cavity-back game-improvement head limits manipulation. Workable around the greens via the C-sole, though a wide game-improvement sole.
Feel
ExcellentSoft and dampened - a TPU insert that helps with vibration dampening for a softer feel, a refined cavity-back feel. A soft, dampened game-improvement feel - better than a typical cast cavity-back wedge.
Sound
ExcellentA clean note, a touch clicky - the sound at impact on short shots is a little clicky, a firmer short-shot acoustic. A clean note, slightly clicky on short shots.
Looks at address
ExcellentClean, if larger - the cavity-back game-improvement shape is confidence-inspiring at address, larger than a tour blade. A clean, confidence-inspiring game-improvement shape.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at Cleveland Golf CBX ZipCore Wedge Review - Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge Review - Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge Review - Golf Monthly
- Read the full review at Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedges Review - T3
- Read the full review at Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge - Just Say Golf
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the Cleveland CBX ZipCore best for?
You're a mid-to-high handicapper who wants a very forgiving cavity-back wedge with game-improvement-iron MOI, blade-comparable spin and sole grinds matched to each loft.
Who should avoid the Cleveland CBX ZipCore?
You want a compact tour-blade shape, maximum shotmaking versatility, or the quietest short-shot sound.
What handicap is the Cleveland CBX ZipCore suitable for?
The Cleveland CBX ZipCore scores strongest for mid-handicap golfers, and also suits high-handicap golfers.
What is the Cleveland CBX ZipCore best at?
In our research the Cleveland CBX ZipCore rates highest for forgiveness and distance, and is softest on workability.