Cleveland 588 RTX

We review ten of the latest wedges and put them through the ultimate test with a Tour pro and Flightscope shot data. Who comes out on top?

Andy Roberts and Charlie Lemay

04 Jul 2013

Brand: Cleveland
Wedge: 588 RTX
RRP: £119
Best price: £89
Loft: 52-degree
Lie: 64-degree
Bounce: 10-degree
Length: 35.38"
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold

Summary: The new Cleveland 588 RTX features large U-grooves that are supplemented with rough, laser-milled scoring lines and a directionally milled Rotex face pattern to maximise spin. The New Face of Spin.

Appearance: One of the best looking clubs in this test, as expected from a brand specialising in wedge play. The black pearl finish adds a sense of flair and appears to frame the ball nicely. It also features a wider sole towards the heel, which becomes narrower near the toe. 5

Feel: Not quite as soft as some of the other forged wedges but it delivers a lively, rewarding hit at impact. The club feels very balanced through the swing. 8.5

Performance: Very consistent yardage and excellent spin rate, which judging by our Flightscope results, shows all three of us achieved our highest spin (when using a 52-degree wedge) with the 588 RTX. The Rotex blade face perfoms like the Zip Grooves of old more than any Cleveland offering has since its extinction, in our book. Those looking for a wedge that imparts maximum spin on all shots will surely want to give the 588 RTX a try, whether they’ve previously been fans of Cleveland’s wedges or not. 9.5

Verdict: Quite simply, timeless beauty and versatile design for an all-around wedge performance no matter what shot is required. The innovative groove and face technology in Cleveland’s 588 RTX wedge make the club a serious consideration for mid-to-low handicappers. The 588 RTX CB version will appeal more to the higher capper. 23

Pro Verdict: I love the weight of this club and how it sits beautifully at address. One of the better wedges out there. Terrific spin rate, easy to hit down the line and handsome looks. It's a versatile club that has all the shots in the bag. The darkened finish, while not something I'd necessarily opt for, is a nice touch especially in the sun as it reduces glare.