Cleveland is bringing its new Z-Alloy material to its most forgiving wedge line.
On Tuesday, the company announced the new CBZ wedge line of cavity-back, game-improvement wedges. The wedge is the company’s second wedge, and first game-improvement focused wedge, to utilize its new Z-Alloy, a proprietary metal created by Cleveland that is less dense than other materials, making for softer wedges.
The Z-Alloy material was first used in the RTZ wedge line, which was in the bag of U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun. These are the first wedges the company has released since the return of founder and legendary wedge designer Roger Cleveland.
Here’s what the new Cleveland CBZ wedge is, who it might be for, and what I think about the new wedge.
What are Cleveland CBZ wedges?
Cavity-backed wedges have been a growing segment of the market, and Cleveland’s own research shows that 87 percent of golfers indicated they played a set of forgiveness-focused irons. So why play blade wedges?
Cleveland has long made cavity-back wedges, and now they’re taking the latest tech from their top-of-the-line RTZ wedges and putting it into their more game-improvement wedges.
With the new Z-Alloy, Cleveland says the new CBZ wedges are 25 percent softer than the CBX 4 Zipcore wedges.
“When Z-Alloy was first formulated, it was designed to outperform every wedge material on the market, including 431 stainless steel, which is commonly used in cavity back wedges,” said Cleveland senior research engineer Boeing Smith in a press release. “While 431 is durable, its hardness and lower density come at the cost of feel. Z-Alloy changes that. It’s significantly softer and less dense than 431, delivering tour-level feedback traditionally reserved for blade wedges. Now, golfers who prefer to play cavity back models no longer have to sacrifice feel.”
Johnny Wunder/GOLF
CBZ wedges feature pre-selected grinds tailored to the loft, making it easier for players to choose the right wedges. But players will have the option of either traditional or full face grooves.
Who are Cleveland CBZ wedges for?
CBZ wedges will pair well with any player who plays game-improvement irons and wants soft-feeling wedges.
Players who want a custom-designed wedge will also be able to select from custom skin designs for their wedges, as well, in what the company calls an industry first.
My thoughts
Cavity-backed wedges are an ever-growing segment of the wedge market, and one of the main reasons golfers shy away from them is feel.
When the RTZ wedges were released last month, they were only billed as 10 percent softer than the previous generation. But incorporating the Z-Alloy in the CBZ wedges has improved feel by 25 percent, according to Cleveland.
Golfers have needed the forgiveness of cavity-backed wedges for a long time, and now they don’t have feel as an excuse anymore. That’s going to help a lot of golfers with forgiveness around the greens and lead to lower scores.
Price, Specs and Availability
Cleveland CBZ Custom Wedge
The Metal That Does More
At the core of the CBZ Wedge is Z-Alloy, a revolutionary new steel formula developed exclusively by Cleveland Golf. Lighter, softer, and built for performance, Z-Alloy provides golfers with an unrivaled feel at impact. In fact, CBZ Wedges are 25% softer than the previous CBX 4 ZipCore models, while maintaining the durability and responsiveness expected from Cleveland Golf’s tour-trusted Wedges.
Greater Forgiveness, Greater Consistency
CBZ Wedges are built with the same performance-driven DNA as the acclaimed RTZ Wedge, incorporating technologies like ZipCore, which repositions the Center of Gravity closer to the impact zone for improved MOI, control, and spin.
To further elevate performance, CBZ Wedges also feature UltiZip grooves for cleaner contact and consistent spin through turf and debris, while HydraZip face technology enhances spin in wet or challenging conditions, both optimized by loft for balanced results across the set. Finally, a redesigned Gelback TPU insert, now 94% larger, helps dampen vibrations and delivers a smoother, more responsive feel, even on mishits.
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Cleveland CBZ Full-Face Custom Wedge
The Metal That Does More
At the core of the CBZ Wedge is Z-Alloy, a revolutionary new steel formula developed exclusively by Cleveland Golf. Lighter, softer, and built for performance, Z-Alloy provides golfers with an unrivaled feel at impact. In fact, CBZ Wedges are 25% softer than the previous CBX 4 ZipCore models, while maintaining the durability and responsiveness expected from Cleveland Golf’s tour-trusted Wedges.
Greater Forgiveness, Greater Consistency
CBZ Wedges are built with the same performance-driven DNA as the acclaimed RTZ Wedge, incorporating technologies like ZipCore, which repositions the Center of Gravity closer to the impact zone for improved MOI, control, and spin.
To further elevate performance, CBZ Wedges also feature UltiZip grooves for cleaner contact and consistent spin through turf and debris, while HydraZip face technology enhances spin in wet or challenging conditions, both optimized by loft for balanced results across the set. Finally, a redesigned Gelback TPU insert, now 94% larger, helps dampen vibrations and delivers a smoother, more responsive feel, even on mishits.
CBZ Versatility
For an added layer of versatility, CBZ Wedges have a Full-Face design option allowing players who make inconsistent contact to receive more spin on off-center shots. For those not afraid of the occasional open-face shot, CBZ’s Full-Face hosel-to-toe grooves and extended high-toe area help maximize contact on more creative shots for more consistent spin, flight, and stopping power.
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Cleveland Golf
Cleveland CBZ and CBZ Full-Face wedges will be available to order starting Friday, September 5. Both groove options will cost $179.99.
The standard CBZ will be available in two-degree loft increments from 44˚ to 60˚, while the full-face option is available from 50˚ to 60˚.
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