Wedge · 2026
Cleveland CBZ
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
- Forgiveness90
- Distance90
- Feel89
Watch
Rated highest for forgiveness and distance; its softest dimension is workability.
You want a forgiving cavity-back wedge that looks, feels and spins like a player's wedge - a soft Z-alloy head, blade-comparable spin and an almost-invisible cavity, with a sole grind for every loft.
You want the crispest tour-blade feedback, a compact pure-blade head, or the lowest price.
Pros
- A soft Z-Alloy head (25% softer than RTX) - a premium feel
- Blade-comparable spin, even on short swings
- An essentially invisible cavity - a clean blade-profile look
- A Golf Digest 2026 Hot List wedge - the best cavity back ever
Cons
- Not the crisp, high-feedback feel of a tour blade
- A premium price for a game-improvement wedge
- A toe-biased sweet spot tuned to mid-high handicappers
By dimension
Forgiveness
Class-leadingBest-in-class - the latest cavity-back evolution with a larger sweet spot positioned toward the toe (where most mid-high handicappers strike), feel and forgiveness for the average golfer. Among the most forgiving wedges - widely called the best cavity-back wedge ever made.
Distance
Class-leadingBest-in-class - the CBZ really spins even on short swings, with spin far closer to premium blade-wedge performance than previous cavity backs, consistent on chips, pitches and full shots. Among the best wedges for distance control.
Workability
StrongWorkable for a cavity back - three sole grinds matched to loft (V, S and C) plus a Full Face groove option, with the C-sole easing open-faced short shots, and the near-blade profile helping it work like a player's wedge. More workable than a typical game-improvement wedge thanks to the blade-like shaping.
Feel
ExcellentSoft and refined - the Z-Alloy head (shared with the RTZ) is 25% softer than the metal used in the RTX for a feel that is fantastic and on the softer side with moderate feedback, a soft, refined contact. Among the better wedge feels - a soft Z-alloy game-improvement feel.
Sound
ExcellentA soft, muted note - the soft Z-Alloy avoids the clicky sound of firmer cavity backs, a muted, soft acoustic. A clean, muted note.
Looks at address
ExcellentAmong the best - the cavity back is essentially invisible at address (the topline, leading edge and hosel transition resemble a standard blade-profile wedge), a clean, player's look. Among the cleanest game-improvement wedges - a near-blade look.
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 CBZ Wedge Review - Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at Cleveland CBZ Wedge Review - Golf Monthly
- Read the full review at Cleveland CBZ Wedge Review - Golfalot
- Read the full review at Cleveland Golf CBZ Wedge Review - The Hackers Paradise
- Read the full review at Cleveland CBZ - 2026 Hot List - Golf Digest
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the Cleveland CBZ best for?
You want a forgiving cavity-back wedge that looks, feels and spins like a player's wedge - a soft Z-alloy head, blade-comparable spin and an almost-invisible cavity, with a sole grind for every loft.
Who should avoid the Cleveland CBZ?
You want the crispest tour-blade feedback, a compact pure-blade head, or the lowest price.
What handicap is the Cleveland CBZ suitable for?
The Cleveland CBZ suits a broad range of abilities, from high-handicap beginners through to scratch and tour players.
What is the Cleveland CBZ best at?
In our research the Cleveland CBZ rates highest for forgiveness and distance, and is softest on workability.