Cleveland CBZ Wedge

The CBZ is Cleveland’s cavity-back wedge for golfers who play cavity-back or hollow irons, with a sweet spot placed slightly toward the toe, where most amateur wedge shots land.

Why it made the list

Many golfers play forgiving irons and then switch to a small blade-style wedge. The CBZ keeps the forgiveness going. Cleveland’s research found that about 80% of wedge shots by mid and high handicappers land slightly toward the toe of center, so the CBZ moves its sweet spot there. A cavity back, a polymer insert and a light heel piece spread the weight out to keep mishits steady.

Golf Digest gave the CBZ a 4.0 score and a Silver medal on its 2026 Hot List, with a top 5 performance result from sand among mid handicappers.

What it does well

• Places the sweet spot slightly toward the toe to match where most amateur strikes land
• Uses Z-Alloy, which Golf Digest says is 25% softer than the 431 stainless steel in past CBX models
• Fills the cavity with a gelback polymer that controls unwanted vibration and sound
• Adds UltiZip grooves and HydraZip face blasting for spin from rough, sand and wet lies

In the heel and hosel, a lightweight aluminum silicate piece replaces steel that is about four times heavier. The saved weight moves the center of gravity toward the center of the face, which helps feel and stability.

Who it’s for

Buy it if you’re a mid or high handicapper whose irons have a cavity back, and you want wedges that look and feel like the rest of your set. It also suits golfers who tend to strike wedges toward the toe and want help from the club.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you like to open the face wide and hit creative shots. There are only three sole grinds, each tied to a loft range. Skip it too if you prefer a small, traditional head, since a cavity-back wedge looks bulkier at address. The Cleveland RTZ 2 suits that golfer better.

Key specs, explained

Lofts run from 44° to 60°, with 15 options. The grinds change with the loft. The V-shaped sole covers 44° to 52° with 12° of bounce, for full shots. The S-shaped sole is used on the 54° and 56° sand wedges with 14° of bounce, which helps in bunkers. The C-shaped sole on the 58° and 60° has 12° of bounce. The stock steel shaft is the KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115, with a KBS Hi-Rev G 80 graphite option. The grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.

How it compares

The Callaway CB Wedge (2025) is the closest rival, a cavity-back wedge at the same $179.99 price. The Cobra KING Wedge (2025) costs less but has a traditional head. Choose the CBZ if forgiveness matters more to you than shot-making.

Good to know

Cleveland also sells a CBZ Full Face version with grooves that run across the whole face, for open-faced shots. A women’s CBZ is sold as well. Golf Discount lists the standard CBZ at $179.99 in right and left hand, with standard or +1 inch lengths.

Questions about the Cleveland CBZ

Is the Cleveland CBZ good for high handicappers?

Yes, the CBZ is built for mid and high handicappers. Its sweet spot sits where those players tend to strike the ball, and the cavity back adds forgiveness.

What replaced the Cleveland CBX?

The CBZ is the follow-up to the CBX line. Its main change is Z-Alloy, which is softer than the 431 stainless steel used in past CBX wedges.

Which CBZ loft should I buy as a sand wedge?

The 54° or 56° is the sand wedge loft, and both use the S-shaped sole with 14° of bounce. That high bounce helps the club glide through sand.