The Green Fee A week or so ago I wrote that Cleveland Golf was going to be releasing a wedge soon and it was going to be named the Zipcore. I didnt have many details besides a leaked image of the back of the wedge but I figured it was something important.
Well today Cleveland made it official on their social media and other outlets. The Zipcore is releasing on August 14th. Lets take a look at some of the good and the bad.
The Good
The biggest story out of this wedge is obviously the new low density core that Cleveland has in “the heart of the wedge”. Based on every diagram I have seen that means under the hosel. Cleveland has said this changes the CG (Center of Gravity) moving it to the “sweet spot” Id have ot assume since this is low density material it appears Cleveland has found something structually sound and low weight. This has allowed them to add weight elsewhere and to increase the MOI making it much easier to hit. Wedges have a tendency to have their sweet spot a little on the heel side so being able to take weight from the hosel and move it is HUGE.
The new wedges also feature a new groove pattern. The grooves on the Zipcore will be sharper, narrower, and deeper. Now if youre like me the narrower part gives you pause, but then Cleveland slips in that they will be closer together ensuring more of the grooves make contact with the ball. Grooves help with consistency and the more the grooves touch the better!
One thing that is consistent with Cleveland is the shape of their wedges. Its a great classic shape. Going all the way back to the 588. Most people remember their 588’s with fond memories. Folks loved the shape and the feel. The shape has continued with the Zipcore. They are very round wedges which I love. Cleveland knows what works and they keep it simple.
The Bad
Cleveland is touting a new finishing process that enhances the wedges durability. While that is a great thing I cant help but be a little concerned with the feel of the wedge. If something is more durable in the golf world that typically means harder. I prefer my wedges feel a little softer. If this doesnt bear out I will GLADLY eat crow on this.
The wedge is coming out in 3 finishes. I couldnt be more excited to see a raw finish come out. If I like that why would I list it as a negative. The reason its a negative is really simple. On launch day the Zipcore will only be available in the Satin Chrome. No black or raw finish on launch. Very disappointed in that. I havent seen a reason why but its a matter of time.
I know it sounds very cliche right now but there has to be some disappointment in the fact they are not offering a high toe option. It has tour appeal and consumer appeal. How with a new low density core were they not able to figure that one out?
The other big thing I see is a lack of grinds. Titleist has 9 million loft,grind and bounces to choose from. Callaway does the same. The fact Cleveland who really is a company who focuses primarily on the short game the lack of these options is astounding. The grinds Cleveland puts on their clubs is great but the fact I cant get a C grind is a little disappointing
Final thoughts
Overall I am a fan of the release. I am disappointed in a few things but overall it should be good. Its exciting to see how the Zipcore plays out. I love seeing companies take risks. If the Zipcore works it could change wedges and Cleveland could have a HUGE advantage!
For more information go to Clevelandgolf.com
[…] when Cleveland announced the new Zipcore wedges I wrote that one of the disappointments was the lack of grind options on the club. Well its time for me to take a big ol’ serving of crow because Cleveland is making me eat […]