Cleveland CBZ
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Why We Like It
- The fifth generation of the company’s cavity-back wedges charts a fresh path by using the same Z-alloy found in the company’s tour-played RTZ line. The Z-alloy is 25 percent softer than the 431 stainless steel used in past CBX models.
- Cleveland’s research found that about 80 percent of all wedge shots by middle- and high-handicappers occur slightly toward the toe side of the center of the face, right where CBZ’s sweet spot is designed to be.
- The “gelback” insert in the cavity is a thermoplastic-urethane polymer designed to control unwanted vibration and sound.
- Within the heel and hosel is a lightweight piece made of an aluminum silicate compound that is four times lighter than the steel it replaces. This weight savings helps position the center of gravity in the center of the face to enhance feel.
- Top 5 in Performance from sand, middle-handicaps
- SPECS: 15 options (44-60 degrees), 3 sole grinds, 1 finish
- all
- low
- mid
- high
Hot List testers noted a wildly forgiving, big‑footprint club with a wide sole and full face that makes full swings consistent and easy to launch high with repeatable distance. Greenside and bunker play were standout: reliable splash-outs, soft landings and controllable spin with minimal rollout. It inspires confidence for higher handicaps and simplifies scoring shots — a true “cruise control” wedge. Only caveat: its chunky, oversized profile may feel too large for players who prefer compact heads.
Hot List panelists observed consistently predictable performance: greenside and bunker spin stayed controlled with minimal rollout and contact felt identical across strikes. Exceptionally forgiving—thick profile, full-face grooves and a wide sole rescue steep swings and prevent digging, making it ideal for higher handicaps and confidence-building. Easy to launch, reliable on full and short shots, and a cruise-control option in sand; less suited to delicate downhill shots.
Hot List panelists observed consistent distance control, easy turf interaction and tight left/right dispersion on full swings. The big, light face felt soft and lively, launching high, spinny shots with simple, punchy bunker performance. Around the green it’s forgiving and versatile — easy to flight up or down, with strong splash-and-spin from sand. Looks chunky and toe-heavy to some, and a few reported occasional toe-miss shots.
Hot List testers noted a big-footprint, full-face design that produced effortless height, strong spin and remarkably repeatable "moon-ball" trajectories with soft landings. Full swings delivered surprising distance, speed and accuracy; greenside play offered easy bunker control, low-checking chips and good turf interaction. The club simplified short-game scoring and felt very consistent. One drawback: several found it larger and firmer than preferred with muted feedback.
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