When it comes to wedges in the golf industry, few brands carry as much weight as Cleveland. They have a rich history of crafting timeless designs that are widely recognized. One aspect that sets Cleveland apart is that they design wedges for golfers of all skill levels, perhaps more than any other major golf company. They offer an extensive range suitable for everyone, from professional golfers on the PGA Tour to those who play only a few times a year. The RTX 6 and the new RTX Full Face 2 are excellent choices for the advanced player, while the mid-handicap player might gravitate toward the newly introduced CBX 4. Cleveland’s Smart Sole lineup targets the casual golfer who gets to practice or play sparingly. Today, we focus on the latter as the Smart Sole lineup receives an update, including a new model in the Smart Sole Full-Face collection.
These new Smart Sole Full-Face wedges are said to be Cleveland’s largest and most forgiving wedges ever introduced to the market. With some improved shaping and the inclusion of a full-face design, the hitting areas on these wedges are 46% larger than the Smart Sole 4 wedges. Cleveland also incorporated several top-shelf technologies into this new Smart Sole line so that Smart Sole players can see the same benefits as an RTX 6 player.
It’s undeniable that the best technology that has been introduced in Cleveland wedges in the past year is the HydraZip face technology. HydraZip is a unique combination of laser-milled lines and a dynamic face blast, proven to help retain spin regardless of whether one is playing in wet or dry conditions. With the help of UltiZip grooves, each club gains deeper, sharper, and tighter grooves for more control and consistency. During Cleveland’s testing, Smart Sole Full-Face with HydraZip produced 17% more spin during dry toe contact and 484% more spin-on-toe contact in wet conditions versus the previous generation.
Wedges are designed to offer versatility, allowing golfers to play shots with the face slightly open or shut. However, with the Smart Sole line, most shots are intended to be taken with a neutral or square face. Cleveland has added white paint fill to the bottom two grooves of each club to aid in this regard. The bottom groove is slightly wider than a golf ball, making it easier to line up with the ball centered. Meanwhile, the top groove has a more extended reach and serves as a visual cue to determine if the face is square behind the ball or altered in any direction.
Every club has been upgraded with a three-tiered sole design, offering more bounce at the leading edge. This additional bounce helps prevent the clubs from digging, making the strike more stable and increasing forgiveness. Nobody wants to fear that dreaded chunked shot around the green; with this sole design, you won’t have to.
There are four models in the Smart Sole Full-Face club series by Cleveland, each designed to suit a specific short-game shot encountered by golfers during their rounds. Below is a brief description of each model and its intended use.
Chipper
A signature club in the Smart Sole lineup, this club comes in 42° of loft and is made for those chips and longer bump and run shots. In the past, some golfers have even tackled long pitch shots with Cleveland’s chipper model.
Gap Wedge
The gap wedge was a new update in the previous generation and again found its way into the lineup. With a wide sole and 50° of loft, it’s an excellent option for full and partial swings.
Sand Wedge
Bunker shots often give players fits, but with this 58° wedge, they got a bit easier. Once again, the wide three-tiered sole sets this wedge up to play with a straighter face, helping to create sand shots that come out high and land soft.
Lob Wedge
Introducing the latest addition to the Smart Sole family, designed to tackle the challenging lob shots that golfers often encounter. The L model combines 64° of loft with full-face grooves and a wide tri-level sole, making it easier for golfers to execute this tricky shot.
Cleveland Smart Sole Full-Face wedges launch today with a price tag of $139.99. Every club in the lineup is available for both right and left-handed golfers. More information on all of Cleveland’s new wedges is available at www.us.dunlopsports.com/cleveland-golf.
Special order C is already on the way.
The Chipper is my favorite club in my bag.
[QUOTE=”pinger_72, post: 12098893, member: 76242″]
Can you use your normal putting stroke and setup with the chipper? Thats what I’ve been looking for. I watched a Utube video and the guy was using it from 50 feet off the green and getting it airborne. I dont see that as a chip. I’ve used fairway woods to chip from just off the green but there is so much mass in the head distance control is tricky
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I have used the Smart Sole C 4.0 from clear back as far as 70 yds from off the green. but really like it when the pin is in the back or if I am say 10-30 yds off with no trouble in front. I just make a putting style stroke and let the club do the work. For greenside work and really short chips I still use my 56 pr 60 because I feel I have more control but on those chip with maybe a wonky lie or shots I mentioned above I really like the Smart Sole C.
[USER=782]@ddec[/USER] Nice write up !!
My buddy asked me my thoughts on these knowing I have gamed them in the past and also after getting to see them in the store.
First off, the size kind of took me aback a bit. They are large. I have played the other generations in all 3 models (G, S and C) and this iteration looks to have the largest head. I didn’t measure but they looked swole. 🙂
The color choice is pretty neat. Its not as dark as the previous generation which was about as dark of a gray without being black. But its not a light satin like the CBXs. It reminded me of an older Ping iron colors (think G20, G25 etc. Sort of a medium gray. Which I kinda liked it when seeing them in the store.
Also its cool they added the 64* for this edition. Makes alot of sense. Especially with Callaway having the 64* in the Sure Out and alot of the informercial clubs (Alien, etc) come with a 64* offering. I used the Sure Out 64* for several years. I am not saying this one would make it into the bag as I don’t have room after adding the Smart Sole C, but would love to try it at the demo shop.
I also like that they dropped the really heavy 130g stock shaft and went with a 106g steel shaft. And if you want graphite a 90g Dart Shaft.
Both of those weights would mesh better with a GI/SGI iron set than a 130g shaft.
Only downside is this time around they made the Smart Sole C 35″ instead of the normal 34″. But I looked at the specs and it seems they must have kept the head weight the same so now it swing weights really heavy in the high D’s to where it could be shortened back to 34″ and keep the same Swing weight as before. So that was nice to see.
I know the Ping ChipR was 35″ so maybe they wanted to match it since the ChipR is kind of the hot chipper over the past year or so.
Some in hand shots.
The one with the 3 wedges from left to right is the CBX4 then Smart Sole then RTX for a size comparison.
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oh and I was messing around and hit 5 chips with the SS C from about 25′ on their putting green and even with the wrapper on I made 2 of them, one ended up a foot away, 1 was 3′ away and one I hit a little too hard and was 8′ away. Might have to upgrade.
Is this the 64?
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[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12102407, member: 1193″]
Is this the 64?
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Yes sir
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 12102451, member: 7797″]
Yes sir
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I like the looks of that quite a bit.
Tried to hit the 64 the other day. GG didnt have it in stock. I am half tempted to just order from Carls and call it a day….. but they don’t have the bounce listed in the specs.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12102407, member: 1193″]
Is this the 64?
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That looks like a ton of fun. I would love to have that for the sand.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 12109378, member: 6727″]
That looks like a ton of fun. I would love to have that for the sand.
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I saw it in person yesterday. Looks much more conventional than I expected it too, especially at address. Honestly, just a really bouncy, wide-soled lob wedge.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12109427, member: 1193″]
I saw it in person yesterday. Looks much more conventional than I expected it too, especially at address. Honestly, just a really bouncy, wide-soled lob wedge.
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really bouncy? Dag nab it. I was hoping it would be low bounce and let the sole width take care of the rest. That would make it better for me off of tight lies.
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12109839, member: 71354″]
really bouncy? Dag nab it. I was hoping it would be low bounce and let the sole width take care of the rest. That would make it better for me off of tight lies.
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I don’t know – that’s just a quick take I had looking at it, but I’d still check for yourself. The pics a few posts above are representative of what I saw.
Received my new “C” today. I really like what they did with the face. It looks/feels like a nice wedge. I think my 70-80 yard punch shots will have a little more zip with this one. Really pleased at what I’m seeing.
Ah hell, I ordered one from Carl’s. I was going to get the 64* RTX and grind a bit of bounce off, but this might work. If not, I am sure I can flip it at a league with minimal pain.
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12110097, member: 71354″]
Ah hell, I ordered one from Carl’s. I was going to get the 64* RTX and grind a bit of bounce off, but this might work. If not, I am sure I can flip it at a league with minimal pain.
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Sweet. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
[QUOTE=”Danimal, post: 12110065, member: 46311″]
Received my new “C” today. I really like what they did with the face. It looks/feels like a nice wedge. I think my 70-80 yard punch shots will have a little more zip with this one. Really pleased at what I’m seeing.
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Let us know how they play. I was surprised how much height I was getting with the new C (indoor GG range), it could easily be used for most short to midrange pitch shots.
It came today. It looks really odd till you sole It, then It looks pretty normal. Bounce Is pretty low, I’d guess in the 6? range, the leading edge Is comfortably low enough to easily hit off hardpan. But it doesn’t seem to want to dig. I only hit a couple 8-9 yard pitches, but dang…. so easy to hit and the ball was getting up 8′ or so without even trying. Even my junk yard balls were spinning hard. I need more time with it but so far I am really impressed, once you don’t look at the bottom. Lol.
The flatland courses around here are such that if you miss the greens to the side or long, you are assured of a pitch to a well elevated green. This could be just the ticket.
[QUOTE=”Carolina Golfer, post: 12110847, member: 44136″]
Let us know how they play. I was surprised how much height I was getting with the new C (indoor GG range), it could easily be used for most short to midrange pitch shots.
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Played today. I like this version of the C a little better. It is an inch longer, so it took me a few chips to adjust. I was hitting 60-70 yards stop and pops onto the green. I could hit it a little higher than the last version but nothing crazy. It’s a fun one. By the end of the round it was old hat .
[ATTACH type=”full”]9240179[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9240180[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full”]9240181[/ATTACH]I love every thing they have done with this line up. Has premium look. The SW has this high toe that reminds me of the PM wedges. I would absolutely game these. The 64° has really piqued my interest.
[QUOTE=”Thrillbilly Jim, post: 12118346, member: 50607″]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_1661.jpeg”]9240179[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_1662.jpeg”]9240180[/ATTACH][ATTACH type=”full” alt=”IMG_1663.jpeg”]9240181[/ATTACH]I love every thing they have done with this line up. Has premium look. The SW has this high toe that reminds me of the PM wedges. I would absolutely game these. The 64° has really piqued my interest.
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I’ve loved my 58 SS so much, the 64 has me seriously intrigued.
[QUOTE=”War Eagle, post: 12118401, member: 6727″]
I’ve loved my 58 SS so much, the 64 has me seriously intrigued.
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I got the 64 to the Sim today. Just amazing how easy lobs are and how much spin you can get on the ball. Can’t wait for outdoor golf.
Between the Lean Lock putter and this lob wedge, I ought to be saving a couple easy strokes per round.
The hydra zip for the chipper has my attention
POINT AND SHOOT! I have the CBX Full Face wedges and love them
My LH 64 degree Smart Sole Full Face Wedge came in today, which was much quicker than expected. I ordered it with the graphite shaft, and have hit a few shots into a simulator so far and am very impressed. Looking forward to giving this club a good workout soon …
Mike
MPM1960
Smart sole lob was simply brilliant today. I missed my fair share of greens, used the lob 5 times, got up and down every time.Furthest from the pin I was on the pitch was 9′
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12124647, member: 71354″]
Smart sole lob was simply brilliant today. I missed my fair share of greens, used the lob 5 times, got up and down every time.Furthest from the pin I was on the pitch was 9′
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Love to hear that.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12124974, member: 1193″]
Love to hear that.
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I’m one of those old school people who will use any of a number of clubs in chipping/pitching 60 yards and in, depending upon pin placement, green elevation and contour, etc etc. The fact that I found myself playing the smart sole for more than just hitting lobs over bunkers to tight pins speaks volumes as to my quickly gaining confidence in it because it is so easy to hit. The spin off the club even on chips is amazing, and predictable. Just what my game needed…….
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12124992, member: 71354″]
I’m one of those old school people who will use any of a number of clubs in chipping/pitching 60 yards and in, depending upon pin placement, green elevation and contour, etc etc. The fact that I found myself playing the smart sole for more than just hitting lobs over bunkers to tight pins speaks volumes as to my quickly gaining confidence in it because it is so easy to hit. The spin off the club even on chips is amazing, and predictable. Just what my game needed…….
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I think I’m going to open up a spot in my bag this year for something like this. Maybe widen a gap that I don’t really need as much precision in.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 12124994, member: 1193″]
I think I’m going to open up a spot in my bag this year for something like this. Maybe widen a gap that I don’t really need as much precision in.
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Whether it is a chipper or this lob wedge, I’m really thinking about doing the same. Do I really need 15 yard gaps past 200 yds when my rate of getting a decent strike isn’t exactly stellar?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12125030, member: 62865″]
Whether it is a chipper or this lob wedge, I’m really thinking about doing the same. Do I really need 15 yard gaps past 200 yds when my rate of getting a decent strike isn’t exactly stellar?
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Yea, I’d go even further and just say anything over 180 I’m just hoping it goes in the right direction. I’m not hitting numbers lol.
I have already made up my mind, I’m all in. I’ll be dropping various clubs at the top depending upon the venue. Most of the time either my driver or Burner Mini will stay home. Carrying them both is a bit of a luxury. I was toying with dropping the 6I /6H spot ( 184carry) and just choking down on the 9 wood, but I just wasn’t getting consistent enough carry plus roll out numbers. As I think of this my best option may be to drop the beloved 17.5? G425 5 wood because my odds of needing it for anything other than laying up on a par 5 are slim. And I can hit the 7 wood out of worse lies than the “5”.
The new “C” is super solid. I have used it for several rounds and have it dialed in for what I want. Hit 2 to tap in range today and sank one from about 30 yards yesterday.
[QUOTE=”Danimal, post: 12132629, member: 46311″]
The new “C” is super solid. I have used it for several rounds and have it dialed in for what I want. Hit 2 to tap in range today and sank one from about 30 yards yesterday.
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That’s awesome. Remind me, did you play the previous version?
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12132664, member: 782″]
That’s awesome. Remind me, did you play the previous version?
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I did. This version is a little more friendly and it definitely has more zip on the ball.
[QUOTE=”Danimal, post: 12132685, member: 46311″]
I did. This version is a little more friendly and it definitely has more zip on the ball.
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Yeah I quite like the shaping of the C. In all honesty I usually have an extra spot in the bag, there are definitely some courses where I could see this coming in handy.
Holed out twice today, once on an under 20 yard pitch and an 11 yard undulating downhill chip with the SS Lob. The chip was awesome because I could carry it the first 20′ and eliminate a double break and only worry about the last break. Ball (BStone RXS) came down with a good, predictable amount of spin and rolled right in. Even of it didnt hit the hole it would have only been a foot or so past.
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12132735, member: 71354″]
Holed out twice today, once on an under 20 yard pitch and an 11 yard undulating downhill chip with the SS Lob. The chip was awesome because I could carry it the first 20′ and eliminate a double break and only worry about the last break. Ball (BStone RXS) came down with a good, predictable amount of spin and rolled right in. Even of it didnt hit the hole it would have only been a foot or so past.
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Twice! Dude that awesome.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12132740, member: 782″]
Twice! Dude that awesome.
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Indeed. Certainly out of character for my game any more.
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12132757, member: 71354″]
Indeed. Certainly out of character for my game any more.
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feels damn good doesn’t it?!
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12132762, member: 782″]
feels damn good doesn’t it?!
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Oh yea. Makes you wanna miss greens on purpose.
Well, maybe not. 😉
[QUOTE=”1860VS, post: 12132766, member: 71354″]
Oh yea. Makes you wanna miss greens on purpose.
Well, maybe not. 😉
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I don’t have to try very hard for that. Some might say I do it on purpose.
Thinking of upgrading my smart sole C dark for the new model this week. The old one must know what I’m up to. I played my first rd of 2024 yesterday 9 holes and lipped out a chip and chipped another to within 2’ with the old one for par saves. Always works like that lol
[QUOTE=”erock9174, post: 12133438, member: 7797″]
Thinking of upgrading my smart sole C dark for the new model this week. The old one must know what I’m up to. I played my first rd of 2024 yesterday 9 holes and lipped out a chip and chipped another to within 2’ with the old one for par saves. Always works like that lol
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I was a little hesitant because I really like the 4 version. I think you will like the full face. Give it a little time to adjust.
[QUOTE=”Danimal, post: 12133466, member: 46311″]
I was a little hesitant because I really like the 4 version. I think you will like the full face. Give it a little time to adjust.
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Oh I know it will work. I tried it at golf galaxy and chipped 2 in and had tap ins on all but 1 ball from about 30’ away lol.
I’m in limbo on what to do with my bag this year so trying to allocate budget lol
Yesterday outdoors I used the SS Lob for the first time on a real course. It was fantastic. I even used it out of a very firm bunker with excellent results. The beauty of it (although I cant find the specs) is that is is lowish bounce and squared up works great out of tight lies, unlike taking a 58/60 lob wedge and opening it up, raising the leading edge into the skull zone. Yet unlike a low bounce lob, because of the wide sole, it still works great on soggy ground such as we had yesterday without chunking or digging. Heck, if they made this in a 58*, I might seriously consider it as well, because there will be very little call to open it up with the 64* in the bag…….
Today at the sim round I was missing a lot of greens but hitting pitches and chips inside the 8′ gimme range one after the other. Went one streak of 5 holes in a row not touching my putter. (not saying a lot for my approach shots LOL) One of my buddies, who is a very good player just had to try it. He was sold…… I bet he has it ordered it already from Carls. LOL
I know some may scoff, but this design is brilliant, and the SS Lob will fit in many, many bags if guys can get past their egos or worrying about appearances and give it a shot.
The S wedge is a 58*
[QUOTE=”Danimal, post: 12132629, member: 46311″]
The new “C” is super solid. I have used it for several rounds and have it dialed in for what I want. Hit 2 to tap in range today and sank one from about 30 yards yesterday.
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I think ultimately this is what is going to get my 14th spot. I don’t need more than 12 or 13 clubs for gaps at the top end. Once I’m over 180 I just hit my heavenwood. If I have a club that I’m comfortable chipping 20-40 yards I think that will be super valuable to my game.
[QUOTE=”sabig27, post: 12135294, member: 16375″]
The S wedge is a 58*
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I need to go hit one……..