Cleveland RTZ 2 vs CBZ: Choosing an Approach-and-Bunker Wedge in the UK

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Compare RTZ 2 and CBZ for one defined approach-and-bunker slot. Trial a suitable sole from each, keeping traditional CBZ and Full-Face variants separate, before choosing the complete wedge.

Research-based buying guide, checked 13 September 2026. We have not carried out hands-on testing. Product details come from the linked official sources; the comparison and trial suggestions are our editorial advice.

Illustration of a wedge set behind a ball on short grass.
General editorial illustration; it does not depict the exact products discussed.

Choose a pitching or bunker role before the head

For a wedge that must bridge full approaches and bunker shots, RTZ 2 and CBZ offer different routes. Cleveland’s RTZ 2 announcement describes a blade-wedge family with five sole grinds. The CBZ product information describes a cavity-back design with soles allocated by loft. Start with the shot mix, then compare a suitable configuration from each.

The traditional CBZ 54° and 56° specifications list an S-shaped sole with 14° stated bounce. Full-Face versions have different specifications, so retain that distinction in the quote. Do not copy an earlier RTZ grind table into an RTZ 2 purchase.

A trial for the wedge between approaches and bunkers
Shot What to learn
Ordinary full approach Typical carry and the short miss
Controlled pitch Landing distance and predictable release
Square-faced chip Whether normal contact is comfortable
Usual bunker shot Entry, exit and the result of ordinary errors
Open-faced shot, if used Whether the selected sole still suits the setup

Make the full approach comparison realistic

Bring the iron-set pitching wedge and the next lofted wedge. Identify the distance the purchase must cover, then ask the fitter for appropriate lofts in both candidates. Compare useful carry with your normal ball. If the lofts differ, record that fact instead of turning the result into a claim about one head being longer.

Include ordinary strikes rather than filtering to the best contact. A cavity-back design is a reason to investigate how the short misses behave, not a guarantee that every golfer will gain the same protection. The complete shaft and length can also affect contact, so keep their specifications visible.

Take the comparison onto grass and sand

A monitor session can help define the gap but does not answer every sole question. Use representative turf where available, then a supervised bunker trial if the club will do that job. Tell the fitter about the lies you actually encounter rather than describing all UK conditions as soft.

Separate a sole that feels comfortable square-faced from one you can use when opened. You may not need the same level of versatility for every wedge. If most shots are straightforward approaches and basic bunker escapes, judge those first before buying for a specialised shot you rarely attempt.

Do not let the existing range guide make the decision twice

Our Cleveland wedge family guide identifies the ranges. This comparison narrows the purchase to a wedge that must handle both approaches and sand. The bounce guide explains terminology to use with the fitter, rather than prescribing a single bounce number for everyone.

If your current wedge already handles one role well, keep it as a reference. A new candidate should improve the troublesome task without making the dependable task noticeably worse. That trade-off is more useful than deciding that blade or cavity-back construction is inherently appropriate for your handicap.

Write a complete UK wedge order

Record RTZ 2 or CBZ, traditional or Full-Face where applicable, loft, grind, bounce, finish, shaft, length and grip. Ask whether the specific configuration is available in your hand and what the delivered total includes. A manufacturer range page does not establish current stock at the selected retailer.

Choose after the combined approach and bunker trial. If neither candidate gives a comfortable compromise, discuss changing the wedge roles or loft gaps rather than accepting a poor fit. Search results may include earlier RTZ models or other CBZ variants, so inspect the full description.

Sources and how to use this guide

Read the linked manufacturer or service information alongside the exact item offered to you. Specifications describe the named model; an individual build, package or previously owned item may differ. Confirm the complete order before paying. We have not verified a universal performance winner or promised stock availability.

Scroll to Top