Now that the season is “over” — meaning I’ve played all my important golf and have shifted into more of a tinkering phase — I’ve started testing a wide range of gear to see what’s out there or what I liked in testing but didn’t fully have time to evaluate for my bag.
One piece that keeps drawing me back is the Cleveland RTZ 2 Adapt grind. There’s something about the Adapt that suits my game, and I also think it’s an incredibly versatile wedge for many golfers, even those with different needs.
While experimenting with the Adapt grind, I also tested several other options in the new Cleveland RTZ 2 lineup, so I decided to spend time breaking down my three favorite grinds from the new lineup and why I believe each one offers a distinct performance benefit.
1.) Cleveland RTZ 2 Adapt
The Adapt grind is very unique in the market. I wrote about my season-long wedge search a few months ago and discussed the philosophy behind my scoring wedges, including the custom lob wedge I’ve played most of this year. That wedge has a lot of heel relief and a very specific “front edge blunt” design, which helps me keep the blade close to the ground without feeling like it will stick immediately upon impact.
It’s great that I can have a custom wedge made for me, but most golfers need to find something in the retail market that works. Enter the Adapt grind. It’s the closest non-custom wedge I’ve found to match a hand-built setup. The Adapt has an added leading edge bounce chamfer to keep it from getting too knife-like, along with aggressive toe and heel relief. It states a bounce angle of 8º, which many players may see as low, though it actually plays like a higher-bounce wedge. It also removes some material from the trailing edge to help it exit the turf effectively. It provides a little help in several areas.
What I love about a wedge like this is the way it becomes incredibly versatile. You can open the blade without exposing too much of the leading edge, you can stick the toe in the ground for a low runner without worrying about unnecessary friction, and a square-face shot can feel effortless through the turf, even when you get a bit too steep. It’s also a full face design which means on even the floppiest of flop shots you have plenty of grooves to work with.
Connor Federico / GOLF
2.) Cleveland RTZ2 Mid
In my testing, the Mid grind has been second-best. It’s a really good all-around grind that helps players who are mostly playing square-face shots. It’s easy to hit with full swings, and nearly effortless to hit out of the bunker. It’s what I would get in a 56º wedge personally. The ability to hit a nice 100-yard nipper, but still get up and down from a bunker is very appealing. It’s going to expose the leading edge a bit when you open it up, but if you’re a player who usually finds themselves in soft conditions, or you like to be aggressive with your attack angle around the greens, the Mid is a great way to find a balance between a wider sole, and something that helps execute the “trick shots”.
Cleveland Golf
The Mid grind has somewhat of a v-sole design, so you’re going to be able to get the wedge into the turf very easily, but it’s going to want to exit quickly. Make sure that you get down on top of the ball on those full shots to take full advantage of the design.
3.) Cleveland RTZ 2 588 Grind – Roger’s Return
The 588 grind has become the choice of my Fully Equipped Podcast co-host Johnny Wunder, and for great reason. It’s the shot-maker’s grind. It states the same 8º bounce measurement as the Adapt grind, but the leading edge sits much closer to the turf. It’s definitely something that you want to play open a bit more so that you can add some bounce on the back end, but the increased toe bounce and decreased heel bounce allow it to sit very flat when opened up. As it stays flat, it’s easier to feel confident hitting higher shots off tight turf. The sole is a bit wider, with smoother edges than the Adapt grind, so it’s great for players with good mitts. It’s a silky feeling to hit a nice saucy flop shot from a tight lie using the 588 grind. Roger is a legend, and the 588 grind is legendary, so it’s fitting that upon Roger’s return to Cleveland Golf, that they brought back the timeless grind offering.