Cleveland · Wedge · 2024
Smart Sole Full-Face
CaddyIndex™ breakdown: what our research found across each of the six performance dimensions, with cited sources.
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
Best-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
Improved 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
Limited, 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
Improved 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
Crisp 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
Cleaner 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
Some of the reviews, lab tests and head-to-head comparisons we read while grading this club.