Cleveland RTX 4 vs Vokey SM7 Review & Specs 2023

Cleveland RTX 4 vs Vokey SM7 Review & Specs 2023

Your wedges are your keys to the green. They shape how you close out holes and have a direct impact on how you score.

Some would argue that your wedges are the most important clubs in your bag. However you feel about them, it’s important to have wedges that match your game.

That’s why it can be very difficult to choose wedges that actually work for you. The myriad of grind options and face milling methods create a sometimes intimidating array of options.

So today we are going to be reviewing 2 popular wedges side by side to help you make the right choice.

Vokey Vs RTX Overview

Titleist has had the enviable luxury of having master craftsman Bob Vokey on staff for a very long time now.

The their Vokey designed wedges have become popular with pros and casual players alike. The SM7’s feature Vokey’s spin milled faces that allow for incredible feel and spin control.

On the  other side, the RTX 4 wedges are the fourth generation of Cleveland wedges to feature the multi-layered rotex face technology.

These are very versatile wedges that work with you whether you are square at impact or like to open your wedge up.

Cleveland RTX 4 Key Features

The Cleveland RTX 4 wedges feature progressive CG that gets deeper according to loft. They also feature tour validated grinds and face milling. The Tour Zip grooves are sharp and deep so they allow for acute spin control.

The laser milled face is also very durable. Cleveland made sure that their grooves would last a long time with these wedges. These wedges were developed for tour pros but they would fit well in your bag if you prefer a high degree of workability around the green.

Vokey SM7 Key Features

The Vokey SM7’s are crafted for custom play. They also feature progressive CG depending on the loft but they take it a step further.

The SM7’s are spin milled uniquely depending on the finish and the loft. They offer a high degree of customization.

No matter what grind you choose though, expect a ton of spin. The SM7’s would be a great wedge choice for anyone who likes to manufacture their shots on the green.

Cleveland RTX 4:

• 46°
• 48°
• 50°
• 52°
• 54°
• 56°
• 58°
• 60°

Vokey SM7:

• 46°
• 48°
• 50°
• 52°
• 54°
• 56°
• 58°
• 60°
• 62°

Workability Comparison

Before we start picking these wedges apart, it should be noted that both the SM7’s and the RTX 4’s are very workable. That being said, we were getting consistently higher spin with the SM7’s than the RTX 4’s.

No matter how each tester in our group liked to swing, everyone was able to work their shots very accurately. The SM7’s have more options in terms of grinds though, so some players may find certain SM7 grinds more congenial to their swing and therefore, more workable.

Forgiveness Comparison

The progressive CG common in both these wedges make them both pretty forgiving. They both feel great on the downswing no matter which loft you’re playing. So in terms of forgiveness, you’re essentially splitting hairs between the SM7’s and the RTX 4’s.

What the SM7’s do have on the RTX 4’s though, is that they look better at point of address. The clean, almost muscle-backed design of the SM7’s look better and sometimes that is enough to help a player swing with ore confidence.

Performance Comparison

While more spin may not be every players priority, for us, it made the SM7’s perform a little bit better around the green. The SM7’s had a lot of bite to them. They felt more comfortable and they allowed for more precise shot positioning.

Whether you prefer to back or forward spin the ball, the SM7’s will give you the ability to do both. The distance consistency was also better with the SM7’s. As long as you take the time to get used to your SM7’s you will be able to accurately predict the distance each on gives you.

Price Comparison

The finish you choose for either of these wedges will affect the final cost. In general though, you can pick up an SM7 wedge for $175 to $200.

The RTX 4 wedges will run you between $140 and $170.

Cleveland RTX 4 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The faces play a bit faster
• Beefier feel
• Very durable grooves
• Deep grooves
• Golf Pride Tour Velvet stock grips
• Easy to hit on flop shots

Cons:

• Less overall spin
• A bit heavy
• Fewer grind options
• Turf interaction isn’t great

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Vokey SM7 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• More spin control
• 6 grind options
• Available in right and left-handed
• Lightweight
• Spin milled
• Looks better at point of address

Cons:

• More expensive
• They don’t play as long
• Low launch
• Cheaper stock grips

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Other Wedges To Consider

 

Titleist Vokey SM8

The SM8’s feature perimeter tungsten weighting  which, increases MOI and forgiveness.

Overall Score: 97/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Callaway Mack Daddy 4

The Mack Daddy 4 wedges feature a carbon steel design which, softens up the feel and enhances turf interaction.

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Wilson Harmonized Golf Wedges

Wilson’s Harmonized wedges feature a sole grind that allows players to open the club up more on impact. They also produce exceptionally high lofts.

Overall Score: 92/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Final Assessment

While we liked the heftier, sturdier feel of the Cleveland RTX 4 wedges, it wasn’t enough to beat out the superior spin control and workability SM7’s. The Vokey SM7 wedges were slightly better when we had to manufacture good shots on the green.

They will generally be more expensive than the Cleveland RTX 4 wedges, but in the end we think it’s worth it to invest a little more. You really can’t go wrong with either of these wedges but if you want better overall performance, check out the Vokey SM7’s.