Cleveland have undoubtedly been a leader in the wedge industry for decades and as our Cleveland 588 RTX Wedge Review reveals, nothing has changed!
We reviewed the Cleveland 588 RTX as part of our Best Golf Wedges Review.
Cleveland 588 RTX Wedge
Our Assessment
Cleveland have been associated particularly with wedges for decades and that is for good reason. A consistent Cleveland head design has stuck through the years and whilst not much has seemingly changed, Cleveland have stepped up to the plate in providing some of the meatiest grooves on the market.
The 588 RTX is available in two finishes being tour satin or black satin and a variety of sole and head designs including one 'cavity back' option for the slightly higher handicap player. Around the greens we found the 588 RTX also allowed maximum versatility and that was primarily due to the excessive spin imparted even from a very short distance of less than 15 yards… this makes short-siding a tad easier to recover from, particularly on firm fast greens.
Many of the world's best players opt for Cleveland if their contracts allow and the 588 RTX is superb. Workability. Versatility. Spin. And beautiful trajectory on all shots make it a rock solid value for money option.
Check Latest Prices
Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $129.00 |
Gender | Mens |
Handicap Range | Low to Mid |
Hand Availability | Right & Left Hand |
Lie | 64° |
Right Handed Lofts | 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°, 62°, 64° |
Left Handed Lofts | 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°, 62°, 64° |
Material Finish | Tour Satin or Black Satin |
Length | 35 – 35.5 inches |
Shaft Type and Name | True Temper Dynamic Gold |
Grip | Golf Pride Tour Velvet |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
Check Latest Prices
Cleveland 588 RTX Wedges Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
A consistent Cleveland head design has stuck through the years and whilst not much has seemingly changed, Cleveland have stepped up to the plate in providing some of the meatiest grooves on the market. The 588 RTX is available in two finishes being tour satin or black satin.
The grooves may not be to everyone’s liking as they are 16% larger than it’s predecessor. What that does is obviously tear into the ball and perhaps you’ll be running through more golf balls per round than ever before.
The milled face is evident at address and perhaps the only negative for the purist’s sake is perhaps too many ‘stamps’ on the back of the club-head, but nothing overboard.
Image Credit: Official Cleveland Image
Build Quality
The 588 RTX has a Rotex finish which is a rough, milled face that is designed to impart a lot more spin on the ball in comparison to the smoother club-face.
The milling and roughness do contribute to the longevity of the club though, which is great news for most golfers as normally wedges are in need of a change after roughly 9 months to a year in our opinion due to wear and tear.
Control / Feel
Superb feel and probably the best feedback of any wedge tested and that is easy to analyze. A slightly off-center strike or slightly low on the club-face impact results in a ball flight not as pure as a center strike.
The spin is decent on off-center strikes and that’s perfectly normal, but wow – when you strike these in the meat boy do they spin!
If talented enough you would be able to do just about anything with these wedges and that is what most players love.
Image Credit: Official Cleveland Image
Performance
When hitting full shots we got a feel of complete compression on the back of the ball and felt as though the ball was ‘stuck’ on the club for a split second longer than usual.
At the same time if really swinging at it hard the grooves can do some serious harm to a golf ball!
Around the greens we found the 588 RTX also allowed maximum versatility and that was primarily due to the excessive spin imparted even from a very short distance of less than 15 yards… this makes short-siding a tad easier to recover from, particularly on firm fast greens.
Image Credit: Official Cleveland Image
Value for Money
The Cleveland 588 RTX is the best wedge you will find anywhere on the market for the price you paying. The end.
Top class spin and feel. Accurate distance control. Extended longevity and a solid overall aesthetic look. There’s a reason they’ve been around for so many years – it’s because golfers trust them and are happy with what they offer. Get your hands on one of these wedges and you won’t be sorry.
