CLEVELAND 588 RTX 2.0 WEDGE REVIEW

REVIEW OF THE Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 WEDGE

The $79 Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 golf wedge from Cleveland Golf is a hybrid between traditional wedges and the new wave of hybrids.

The 588 RTX is one of the most technologically advanced wedges I have reviewed. The steel shaft is precision-ground from a carbon fiber blank. The head is forged from a single piece of steel and is hand-finished to the highest standards. Cleveland Golf designed the RTX 2.0 wedge with a high launch angle of 58 degrees, and the face width of the wedge is 24 mm.

The head is also beveled with a low profile of 10 mm. RTX 2.0 wedges offer forgiveness from the back and sides, and they also have a low-to-mid trajectory.

This wedge is best suited for players who are looking for a hybrid-type wedge that will give them the forgiveness and spin they are looking for.

Table of Contents

Types of Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 WEDGE

CLEVELAND 588 RTX 2.0 WEDGE: ONE-DOT

In the 588 RTX 2.0 lineup, the low-bounce grind is designed for players who like to be creative around the greens, providing maximum heel and toe relief so that a wide variety of shots can be played. A one-dot model has lofts between 54 and 60 degrees and is suited to both firm turf and sand conditions. It is also suited to players with shallow angles of attack.

CLEVELAND 588 RTX 2.0 WEDGE: TWO-DOT

These standard-bounce grinds are available in lofts ranging from 46-64 degrees and are recommended for players with a neutral angle of attack and with all turf and sand conditions. In terms of forgiveness and versatility, the 588 RTX 2.0 line combines the best of both worlds.

CLEVELAND 588 RTX 2.0 WEDGE: THREE-DOT

Three-dot wedges offer a full-sole grind, which will be especially effective for players with steeper angles of attack on softer turf and sand. In addition, the constant sole employed in these models makes it easier to hit full shots from the fairway or when opening the face.

A description of the 588 RTX 2.0 WEDGES

With the 588 RTX 2.0 line, three unique face technologies have been incorporated to increase spin, especially in rough conditions. The wedges are available in black satin and tour satin finishes, as well as custom finishes.

In addition, there is a CB model (cavity back). The wedges have a slightly larger footprint, a wider sole that makes them easier to hit, and perimeter weighting for more MOI.

It should also be noted that Cleveland engineers have seen a trend toward tour players using more bounce in their wedges and are encouraging recreational players to use more bounce, which they believe makes it easier to control the ball.

Verdict

I applaud Cleveland’s commitment to shot-stopping technology. The milled face, sharper grooves, and micro etching performed well in both the launch monitor and on the golf course. This is without a doubt a top-notch wedge, and we particularly liked how the black satin finish accentuates the face technology and improves focus at address.

In both lofts we tested (52 deg and 58 deg), the sole width was narrower than some, which allowed an aggressive attack and clean shots. While not being too thin to dig excessively in sand or on squelchy turf, the animal was not thin enough to dig excessively in the sand.