Wedge · 2024
Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face
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
- Forgiveness92
- Distance79
- Feel77
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Rated highest for forgiveness and distance; its softest dimension is workability.
You're a mid-to-high handicapper, beginner or senior who chunks or duffs greenside shots and wants the most forgiving, chunk-proof wedge going - around £110-130.
You want feel, spin and the ability to shape shots - any RTX, RTZ or CBX wedge is far better.
Pros
- Cleveland's most forgiving wedge ever - up to 46% more striking area than the Smart Sole 4
- An extra-wide three-tiered sole makes chunked and duffed shots almost impossible
- HydraZip and UltiZip grooves add real spin and bite, especially in the wet
- Four models (42 chipper, 50 gap, 58 sand, 64 lob) and a cleaner, more modern full-face look
Cons
- Still a big game-improvement head with limited feel versus a bladed wedge
- A wide sole restricts shotmaking - not built to open the face and flight the ball
- Widely-spaced lofts make it a rescue set rather than a full gapping line
By dimension
Forgiveness
Class-leadingBest-in-class - Cleveland's most forgiving wedge ever. Up to 46% more striking area than the Smart Sole 4 lifts MOI and cuts toe miss-hits, paired with the extra-wide three-tiered sole, making chunked and duffed shots almost impossible from any lie. The most forgiving wedge in the catalogue.
Distance
StrongImproved spin for a game-improvement head - HydraZip and UltiZip grooves add real spin and bite, especially in the wet, a clear step up from the Smart Sole 4's milled grooves, with the upgraded face tech improving short-game control. Respectable spin and distance control for the category, still short of a players' wedge.
Workability
FairLimited, but better than the Smart Sole 4 - the full-face, high-toe profile adds some ability to play open-faced greenside shots off the toe, but the wide sole still prioritises simple, repeatable contact over shotmaking. A touch more versatile than the standard Smart Sole, still a rescue tool at heart.
Feel
StrongImproved and satisfying - the HydraZip and UltiZip combination gives crisp contact and responsive feedback, a step up from the standard Smart Sole, a satisfying impact for a game-improvement wedge. Better than the chunky Smart Sole 4, if still short of a bladed wedge.
Sound
StrongCrisp and pleasant - a satisfying sound at impact with crisp contact, a pleasant step up from earlier Smart Sole models. A clean, functional note for a game-improvement wedge.
Looks at address
StrongCleaner and more modern - the full-face, high-toe shape with an alignment system looks sleek and confidence-inspiring with zero glare, the larger face and full-face grooves inspiring confidence at address. A clear visual step up from the chunky Smart Sole 4, if still game-improvement in size.
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 GolfWRX member testing: Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face wedges - GolfWRX
- Read the full review at Cleveland's Full-Face and Smart Sole 4 wedges - Golf Digest
- Read the full review at Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face Wedges - MyGolfSpy
- Read the full review at Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face Wedges Review - The Golf Guide (TGW)
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face best for?
You're a mid-to-high handicapper, beginner or senior who chunks or duffs greenside shots and wants the most forgiving, chunk-proof wedge going - around £110-130.
Who should avoid the Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face?
You want feel, spin and the ability to shape shots - any RTX, RTZ or CBX wedge is far better.
What handicap is the Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face suitable for?
The Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face scores strongest for mid-handicap golfers, and also suits high-handicap golfers.
What is the Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face best at?
In our research the Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face rates highest for forgiveness and distance, and is softest on workability.