I' m a 4 hcp. I try to make golf as easy as possible; I don't care if people think the club looks funny if it works. I have used the smart sole for three years and its great, the rest of my wedges are more traditional. I play on municipal courses where areas on the fringe of the green are either dirt or can be soggy. I use the club, quite successfully in theses instances. Where it permits, I use a lower lofted club and do a bump and run. Its almost a specialty club for me. I would encourage anyone to give it a try, you'll probably like it.
I’m a 6hcp and I still play with my Cleveland chipper. Golf is hard enough and I still struggle with thinning easy chips, so that is a comfort club for me.
My official hcp is 11 but when I tell people that they always say I'm a sandbagger. My drives are long and straight. I can work the approach shot any shape and like tiger learned I'm pin high and hit the greens with high percentage. Everyone says I'm a single hcp but wait till I miss the green. I chilli dip, skull, chunk, you name a bad chipping shot I do it frequently. I blow up alot of holes just being 5-15 yards from the flagstick. You sold me in getting one. Thanks.
@@petertamburro6578 it was ok at the beginning but notice my full shots with it were sky high. Can’t really open up the club in the sand so it’s just a stock shot out. Loses your creativity. I found this online and taught me how to chip like the pros do. Works. Check it out. But the club is not in my bag anymore ruclips.net/video/bYCk3SGLB_k/видео.html
As a senior playing off 24, I returned from lockdown suddenly unable to exit bunkers, (never previously a problem). As confidence decreased, the problem got worse. I bought one of these and the issue instantly vanished. Well worth the money. I am also saving three or four shots a round in un-duffed chips!
I bought the 58* because I struggle a bit out of bunkers, but I was shocked at how well it works off thin lies. Much more versatile than I would have imagined.
Tried at least four different wedge series in the last four years just trying to understand what was causing all the fails - blade over the green or duffed short with the rare good shot. For the last year I've been using a smart sole gap and sand wedge, with a 56 degree 588 for special bunker shots. Net result has been a vast improvement - and I rarely use the 588 specialist sand wedge. It took a while to use the centre placed ball and vertical shaft. But now that's what I have verified gives the most reliable and consistent result for me. BUT I always use the club with the face square to the line - really becomes very difficult if you try to open the club face for a flop shot. Really skilled players may not like the ease of use. But if you're having issues with chipping, this club will really give you a more consistent and reliable result. For me, gap and sand smart sole wedges have given me so much more confidence. Not 100% perfect, but I'm no longer worried about the card crushing bad shots.
I think Cleveland is one of the largest under-rated manufacturers out there! Of course, their wedges are highly recognized, but their drivers and irons are not as highly marked. I love em’…It shows that marketing is a huge cost to most! Cleveland is priced VERY well for their performance!
Cleveland was recognized for their irons at one point back with the CG series and 588 series. However with Srixon taking a lot of their better players irons they have lost some of that attention to that side of the company
Cleveland wedges are fantastic I have put the CBX 2 into my bag before the summer and they have transformed my short game been cavity backed as opposed to blade, much easier to hit.
I game all 3 of them. Have for over a year. The chipper (42 degree) I especially like. With the right ball you can fly it in low and get some nice check. I play the same straight on bunker shot Mark does in the video. You can flop the S wedge but you better have some fluff under it. They are all 3 point and shoot fun clubs for sure.
Something interesting, is that according to the spec chart, that Smart Sole "S" actually has a loft of 58º, which is one of traditional lofts of a LOB wedge (58,60). That is what actually "sold" me (bought one yesterday), since I can still carry my 54º SW and replace the LW, not the SW.
How does the S workout for you? Do you use it for more than bunkers i.e. greenside chipping? Interested in getting the "S" for all around but all the reviews I see is focused on bunkers
@@hilife5013 I only used it sparingly for chipping because I have NOT historically used a lob wedge for chipping. Not even a Sand Wedge much either. I've been bad with high lofted clubs for that kind of work, which is why I like the hybrid for short shots from tighter lies. I'm sure I'll take the Cleveland to the practice short game area and practice. Twi weeks ago I bought the Chipper as well.
Amazing very detailed review!! Love all of the different lie/situation shots one could face and by one I mean the average 90s golfer. Just picked up Cleveland XL iron set with their D wedge and also a smart (S) wedge identical to this one you are reviewing. So excited for them to arrive!! It is next to impossible to find fitted cleveland hats like the one you are wearing btw haha. Thanks so much for this amazing detailed review! Here’s to me checking 1 off my bucket list and breaking 80 this year, hopefully these new cleveland irons will help me do that!! -Jmoe from Dayton, Ohio
I have a CBX2 46, 50, 54 and this Smart Sole 4 S (which is 58 degrees). It’s marketed as a sand club that can also be your lob wedge. I don’t mess around with opening the face on this club. Basically try to only use it out of the sand where it does the job and if I’m in some thick grass near the green. Ok, a 60-75 yard shot is also part of it’s calling if I need to fly it over any bad news. Tie lies I’m using the 54 instead. This Smart Sole 4 wedge line does have a 42 degree chipper and 50 gap wedge. I toyed with the chipper for a bit before returning it. Smaller club head than the G and S wedge of this wedge line, but there are those who happily can bump and run the ball from 100 yards and in with the chipper. In theory any golfer could use the chipper, this model’s gap and the sand wedge featured here as their wedges to simplify the chip/pitch/sand/lob game.
Played a round with one of those yesterday. Course was very squishy. It was my favorite club of the day. It does roll out a little more than the RTX Zipcore as one might expect, just took one shot to get used to that.
Only just seen your review but you covered the areas that I need help on ( wet sand , muddy bare lies) &!I think this club will help me on this part of my game . I don’t care if the purists don’t like its looks , if it works I will try it & keep it . Great review Mark , concise & to the point as usual . 👍
I have the chipper. It's great for punching out of the woods, 80-100yds if you want also. Bought the gap. Though it would be my 80yd in club, but its a 100yd full swing for me.(i hit my g400 wedge 100 yds) looks like the sand was that club according to Mark on this video. They are definitely great clubs. Thanks Mark for the best golf videos on RUclips.
Reminds me of my old Alien wedge from the late nineties. Was lovely for a straightforward chip shot out of a bunker, but did nothing to help improve your game for all the different shots you have to manufacture around the green. Ended up being redundant the majority of the time and I found it more useful to drop it for a three iron that could bend it low around trees, and rely on a manipulating a more standard wedge from the bunkers. I try not to have clubs for only one shot nowadays, but sometimes you just need one…
Been playing for 10yrs since age 40, got down to 16 on a good day .. I’ve been shanking my wedges lately .. it’s a curse! Anything from 70-10yds is going all over the place usually off at a 60degree angle or chunking it short. Bunkers also proving to be a problem I just can’t get my head around opening the face .. just ordered one of these so will let you know if it works .. fingers crossed
I have the latest version of the Odyssey chipper which has a lower loft (37 degrees). It comes out quite low with some backspin, checks on the first or second bounce and rolls out time after time. It is uncannily accurate. I am often left with a single putt, and chip in way more often than with a wedge. You can use it a bit like a putter or hit a conventional wedge shot. You can chop down out of the rough and hit a long way from under trees. It's almost impossible to completely mess it up. It does require some practice to get good distance control. You would require significant expertise with your wedges to replicate this accuracy and consistency. For the average player it is a great club and I'm sure the Cleveland C would be at least as good. By the way chippers are fully legal provided they have a single striking face and a rounded grip. You cannot use a flat faced putter grip.
I struggle with all shots from 80 yards in. I have been using and loving the chipper in recent weeks and have just ordered the gap and sand wedge because i need clubs which give me short game confidence and I just don't have the luxury of spending hours and hours on the practice ground.
"Swang" :) I'll be looking at one of these because here in Ireland many inland courses are very very wet most of the time. The big sole looks useful. Thanks !
Got 2 C3I wedges 59 & 65d Wide soles....the bounce on them on bare lies is a killer but out of bunkers with normal sand they are great. Am currently waiting to buy a 58d Cutter wedge.....also i have 2 Cleveland CBX2's....i would have bought the Wide sole Cleveland instead of the C3I's. But they weren't about when i was buying them.
I’m a 16 handicap and just started using a Taylormade Big Foot 58 deg wedge. I’m still not great, but already my short game has improved. Just having the confidence to play almost a slight difference and know the club will save you… totally changes your mindset
After talking Mark's advice and trying the Smart Sole 4 Chipper, I decided to get the Smart Sole 50 Degree Gap Wedge too. If it's anything like the chipper when it comes to turf interaction and overall versatility, it will help to fill a gap in my bag.
For duffers like myself, I want these. I try every fat soled wedge that comes along. I play to have fun. I play woods down to 11W. Why? Easy to hit well. Easier than irons. Thinking of a set of the Elen hybrids. Use anything that helps.
Love it, got the S for bunker play, just added the G. Don't need the C, I have the P from my new Cleveland Launcher XL iron set (which I bought based on Mark's review).
My main wedge is a 52 Cleveland CBX which I prefer to use for most shots within say 80 or 90 yards but I do have the 58 Smart Sole sand wedge for bunkers.
Cleveland Wedges are the best. I'm a terrible golfer (bogey/double-bogey type golfer) but the CBX2 wedges make me look good at times. I've sunk 2 pitches from around 50 yards out and also a handful of chip ins this past season. The wedges feel like they just swing themselves.
As an earlier posting noted these do remind me of my Pat Simmons Sand Wedge, which became the Alien. Cleveland does make nice gear, I am playing some of their clubs.
From way back - when Walter Hagen first introduced the large flange wedge. Moe Norman used something similar to the "Golf eez Pro" round bottom wedge. I've used a Ben Hogan "Sure Out" for 10 years or more. They all work perfectly well with practice. Now be honest - when did you last see an amateur practicing getting out of bunkers.
Based almost completely on this video, I just went out and bought the Cleveland Smart Sole 4 GW, SW and chipper today. Over the past 2 years or so, I've been having a lot of trouble with pitching from tight lies w/n 100 yards and chipping from tight lies alongside the greens. Hoping the larger sole will help out from these lies. Can't wait to try them out in the next few days..
@@ktimmreck Highly recommended. Never chunked or thinned one of the new wedges. I was a little worried if the chipper would be worth the money, but, after a few weeks, I can see a dramatic improvement in my chipping as well. Now if I could just hit my driver I'd have this game licked!!! 😆
I’ve had the G for about a year and it’s pretty bullet proof. Just ordered a chipper - so tired of double chips and muffing shots from just off the green. Thought about getting the S but quite like my old 56 for bunker shots and like opening the face for them.
Hi there thanks for demonstration with the new Cleveland wedge, I fully intend to try , has my own game generally happy with being straight off the tee also fairway shots but, drop almost all my shots are from bunkers has the years have gone on I have got worse and worse out of the bunkers
My ego will never let me put it in my bag, but my wife loves it more than her lovely husband … her bunker game went from zero to getting out every single time. I don’t think you should play with the face to much, but bunker and lob shots are very easy to hit with a square face. Anyone struggling with bunkers, should give it a try
I have the sand and the gap and love what they’ve done to help my short game. Maybe it’s in my head but it’s working. Agree with your comment sometimes “it feels like cheating.” 🤫
I have the Tour Edge equivalent; you really notice the benefit of the sole out of lighter, deep (beach) sand-filled bunkers. My out-of-bunker-in-one attempt figures have certainly improved.
I think callaway did a version of this and a Friend of mine had it. Definitely helped him as short game and bunkers were a struggle for him. Personally I’d stick with the traditional. If you filled the back with some ‘speed foam’ it could be a 56 degree hybrid 😂
At my age I need the help of game improvement clubs around the green, I want to take all the money I can from the younger guys and I need to do it with the short game. PS I don't need their money, I just want it, I sleep better at night with a pocket full of their quarters in my trousers folded up on my bedside chair. Love the golf tech videos, good stuff Mark.
Great in long grass and soft conditions. Lousy on firm conditions tho. Not enough spin for stopping power. Wife loves it tho, she uses that club for every shot within 60
Interesting. I would have thought that the very wide sole would be a *problem* in firm, wet sand, especially opening the face. Here in the southeastern USA, in Winter, the fairways in front of the green all the way to about 50 yards back tends to be wet and soggy, so I started using a 4-Hybrid for fairway clipping when close to the green. That extra-wide sole is impressive. When I retired and left New York, perhaps I shouldn't have left my Alien Wedge in the basement of the apartment building for whoever wanted it. 😂
I have never tried the Smart Sole, but I do game a CBX2 50* for more forgiveness on fuller shots. I considered going with CBX2 for 54* and 58*, but after trying them I decided to go with RTX Zipcore 54* standard and 58* full face because I liked them better for more traditional greenside shots.
I need new wedges, so this is food for thought. Back in the day, I carried a Hogan Sure Out, which had a similar flange. It was really heavy, probably not on the swing weight scale. Good for maybe 50 yards, but almost always used out of the bunkers. I once hurt myself trying to swing it hard and had to walk in.
I do struggle with chipping and pitch shots, if I were to get one which one would make the most sense, I can get out of most bunker shots with my 56 degree normal wedge.
Good review as always Mark. I tried the RTX a few years ago, then moved onto Ping Glide 2’s. But have never got on with the 56? Looks as though one of these may rebuild my confidence? I think changing Wedges certainly around the 54/56 can only help, if you struggle? Why continue with something if you have not got the time to devote the practice to? Having said that I won’t be changing my Vockey 60 anytime soon.👍
Chipping is best part of my game. My arcoss says I gain 4 strokes on a scratch golfer on the strokes gained metric but I'd give it a like the saying goes I'll try anything things I like I'll try em twice😁
Been after this review for a while. I definitely struggle with the odd duff and knee twitch. I’ll certainly be trying it this winter when the ground is a bit sloppy.
I do believe this is something a player like me could do with. I'm a bit like ygt rory, happier in a bunker than fiddly chipping. I can get very twitchy. Anything that helps the human element keep it as simple as possible has to be worth a look at doesn't it ??
I don't really struggle with my "short play"... except my "very short, rolling play". Like my flatstick is constantly varying from ice cold to "warmish" but wedges, generally are fine (not PGA tour level, though). I can't really see myself playing a thing with a sole that wide. Even on normal irons, the wider the sole the less "crisp" my shots are, so for wedges that really would scare me.
Looks like this could help those that struggle with chip shots and bunkers, however, not sure I could use that around B&B as a SW, there are some serious pot bunkers and I could see myself thinning it as I would need to open it up and don’t have the skill set as you or the better players and I do like to lob the ball, I’ll stick to my vokey & macdaddy I think. I did like your disclaimer at the start, that will keep Top Bloke happy😂😂😂
You owe me £65 Mark! Saw your video and bought a 45 degree Mazel chipper. Practised a few times and used it on the course - great club. Wife not impressed though!
Smart Sole 4 is due for an update to smart sole 5. lets hope cleveland gets higher spin and better groves this time. It must match RTX.. SM8... etc If they do this will become their best selling wedges.
I talked to a pro about these as I was interested in getting one. He said they're good out of soft sand but not so good if its hard or wet sand. Interested to hear any thoughts on that observation...
I have the Sure Out 2 by Callaway. It’s very reliable for me. Through trial and error, I’ve found that you have to hit close to the ball, not 2 or 3 inches behind. Set up square, with the face square to target…just like a standard shot…..I rarely fail to get out of a trap by this method…simply glides through the sand regardless of the consistency. Mine is a 60*. I use a standard lob wedge for shots off grass. Greetings from Down-Under. Peter
For a person who gets in a wet bunker - high anxiety. It's 50/50 that I will get out or not or go ever the green. I would probably try this until I had more experience.
I have the SMART SOLE 1 CHIPPER, & use it a LOT. It is great at popping the ball onto the green from fairly close situations. I started playing at 58 and 2nd year in, I actually used it on the first par 5 at my local 9 hole course. I hit a straight, but short drive ( MY BIGGEST PROBLEM, NO DRIVER CARRY ) happened to paste my 2nd shot, Mizuno 3 Wood, about 200 yards, and thought I put it in the left bunker. BUT, as I approached the green, saw my yellow AVX sitting in the short grass in front of the green. Ball was probably 60 feet from pin, took out the smart sole & popped it up onto the green. The shot was right by about 4 feet, but I knew pace was pretty good. So I'm thinking MY FIRST BIRDY EVER? But NO, as the ball got closer to hole started moving left. This was when those stupid swim noodles in the hole. Long story short, I dropped in & didn't bounce out. That was very honestly a VERY LUCKY SHOT, and could very well be the ONLY EAGLE I WILL EVER CARD, but it felt really good! I then proceeded to hack my way thru the last 7 holes, as usual... 😏
I have just picked up a set of Cleveland irons and PW. I think I'll go the smart sole sand wedge but go a regular gap wedge and lob wedge to complete the set.
The Cleveland RTX full face wedges have changed my short game for the better. If only I could hit my driver and irons consistently and putt well and I’d actually be good at golf… I’m almost better off laying up (not that I have a choice) and trying to chip in on par 4’s. Better than three putting…
Bought the Callaway Sure out 2 wedges months ago Mark. Think Cleveland copied them in this "smartwages. wedge your testing for us mortals. Guess what, they now reside in my garage, and have so for quite awhile. They just don't measure up to my Vokey's. It's like when I bought a chipper, due to issues I was having with chipping around the green. It's also in the garage, but in It's case, the chipper helped me confidence wise, after a short period of time in using a regular wedge around greens. So I guess you can say their both tools to use in the short term, helping you to gain confidence in chipping with regular weges.
@@johnmagnell8902 Your right, forgot about the Alien sand wedge and I even had one for years. Would still have it if I hadn't left it out on the course and no one turned it in when I realized wasn't in my bag the next time I played.
Thank god my short game is the best part of my game otherwise I would be tempted just because. Still, while I don't mind chunky all that much but there are limits. Things are huge.
Used to use the cleveland niblick 42* in winter took my 9i and pw out as i carry brillant club around the green and 100yrds and in very easy to use. Also used the 1st and 2nd smart sole’s so easy to use anyone who struggles around the green should give these a go, i use a normal wedge these days but wouldn’t bother me using these.
I' m a 4 hcp. I try to make golf as easy as possible; I don't care if people think the club looks funny if it works. I have used the smart sole for three years and its great, the rest of my wedges are more traditional. I play on municipal courses where areas on the fringe of the green are either dirt or can be soggy. I use the club, quite successfully in theses instances. Where it permits, I use a lower lofted club and do a bump and run. Its almost a specialty club for me. I would encourage anyone to give it a try, you'll probably like it.
I’m a 6hcp and I still play with my Cleveland chipper. Golf is hard enough and I still struggle with thinning easy chips, so that is a comfort club for me.
My official hcp is 11 but when I tell people that they always say I'm a sandbagger. My drives are long and straight. I can work the approach shot any shape and like tiger learned I'm pin high and hit the greens with high percentage. Everyone says I'm a single hcp but wait till I miss the green. I chilli dip, skull, chunk, you name a bad chipping shot I do it frequently. I blow up alot of holes just being 5-15 yards from the flagstick. You sold me in getting one. Thanks.
@@hilife5013 I’m a similar handicap. The worst short game ever. Lol ! Did it work for you
@@petertamburro6578 it was ok at the beginning but notice my full shots with it were sky high. Can’t really open up the club in the sand so it’s just a stock shot out. Loses your creativity. I found this online and taught me how to chip like the pros do. Works. Check it out. But the club is not in my bag anymore
ruclips.net/video/bYCk3SGLB_k/видео.html
As a senior playing off 24, I returned from lockdown suddenly unable to exit bunkers, (never previously a problem).
As confidence decreased, the problem got worse. I bought one of these and the issue instantly vanished. Well worth the money.
I am also saving three or four shots a round in un-duffed chips!
I bought the 58* because I struggle a bit out of bunkers, but I was shocked at how well it works off thin lies. Much more versatile than I would have imagined.
Tried at least four different wedge series in the last four years just trying to understand what was causing all the fails - blade over the green or duffed short with the rare good shot. For the last year I've been using a smart sole gap and sand wedge, with a 56 degree 588 for special bunker shots. Net result has been a vast improvement - and I rarely use the 588 specialist sand wedge. It took a while to use the centre placed ball and vertical shaft. But now that's what I have verified gives the most reliable and consistent result for me.
BUT I always use the club with the face square to the line - really becomes very difficult if you try to open the club face for a flop shot.
Really skilled players may not like the ease of use. But if you're having issues with chipping, this club will really give you a more consistent and reliable result. For me, gap and sand smart sole wedges have given me so much more confidence. Not 100% perfect, but I'm no longer worried about the card crushing bad shots.
I think Cleveland is one of the largest under-rated manufacturers out there! Of course, their wedges are highly recognized, but their drivers and irons are not as highly marked. I love em’…It shows that marketing is a huge cost to most! Cleveland is priced VERY well for their performance!
Cleveland was recognized for their irons at one point back with the CG series and 588 series. However with Srixon taking a lot of their better players irons they have lost some of that attention to that side of the company
I think their new DRIVERS, with a "LITE" version available, may generate more interest. Is JAMIE SADOWSKI still sponsored by them?
I carry one of these just for Sand. I've always had trouble in bunkers. This wedge makes them simple. And it's great from about 60 yards as well.
Cleveland wedges are fantastic I have put the CBX 2 into my bag before the summer and they have transformed my short game been cavity backed as opposed to blade, much easier to hit.
I game all 3 of them. Have for over a year. The chipper (42 degree) I especially like. With the right ball you can fly it in low and get some nice check. I play the same straight on bunker shot Mark does in the video. You can flop the S wedge but you better have some fluff under it. They are all 3 point and shoot fun clubs for sure.
Dang it Mark, you telling me I'm the problem with my high scores. Love your videos. One thing I can always count on is your honesty and humor.
Something interesting, is that according to the spec chart, that Smart Sole "S" actually has a loft of 58º, which is one of traditional lofts of a LOB wedge (58,60). That is what actually "sold" me (bought one yesterday), since I can still carry my 54º SW and replace the LW, not the SW.
How does the S workout for you? Do you use it for more than bunkers i.e. greenside chipping? Interested in getting the "S" for all around but all the reviews I see is focused on bunkers
@@hilife5013 I only used it sparingly for chipping because I have NOT historically used a lob wedge for chipping. Not even a Sand Wedge much either. I've been bad with high lofted clubs for that kind of work, which is why I like the hybrid for short shots from tighter lies. I'm sure I'll take the Cleveland to the practice short game area and practice. Twi weeks ago I bought the Chipper as well.
Amazing very detailed review!! Love all of the different lie/situation shots one could face and by one I mean the average 90s golfer. Just picked up Cleveland XL iron set with their D wedge and also a smart (S) wedge identical to this one you are reviewing. So excited for them to arrive!! It is next to impossible to find fitted cleveland hats like the one you are wearing btw haha. Thanks so much for this amazing detailed review! Here’s to me checking 1 off my bucket list and breaking 80 this year, hopefully these new cleveland irons will help me do that!! -Jmoe from Dayton, Ohio
I have a CBX2 46, 50, 54 and this Smart Sole 4 S (which is 58 degrees). It’s marketed as a sand club that can also be your lob wedge. I don’t mess around with opening the face on this club. Basically try to only use it out of the sand where it does the job and if I’m in some thick grass near the green. Ok, a 60-75 yard shot is also part of it’s calling if I need to fly it over any bad news. Tie lies I’m using the 54 instead.
This Smart Sole 4 wedge line does have a 42 degree chipper and 50 gap wedge. I toyed with the chipper for a bit before returning it. Smaller club head than the G and S wedge of this wedge line, but there are those who happily can bump and run the ball from 100 yards and in with the chipper.
In theory any golfer could use the chipper, this model’s gap and the sand wedge featured here as their wedges to simplify the chip/pitch/sand/lob game.
Played a round with one of those yesterday. Course was very squishy. It was my favorite club of the day. It does roll out a little more than the RTX Zipcore as one might expect, just took one shot to get used to that.
Only just seen your review but you covered the areas that I need help on ( wet sand , muddy bare lies) &!I think this club will help me on this part of my game . I don’t care if the purists don’t like its looks , if it works I will try it & keep it . Great review Mark , concise & to the point as usual . 👍
I have the chipper. It's great for punching out of the woods, 80-100yds if you want also. Bought the gap. Though it would be my 80yd in club, but its a 100yd full swing for me.(i hit my g400 wedge 100 yds) looks like the sand was that club according to Mark on this video. They are definitely great clubs. Thanks Mark for the best golf videos on RUclips.
Glad your reviewed these I asked a few years back, I enjoyed mine... For a long time but just felt a sm8 in pros and cons offered a bit more.....
I have the Smart Sole 2. It's nothing fancy. It comes out in the winter when the funky lies are the norm. It works.
Reminds me of my old Alien wedge from the late nineties. Was lovely for a straightforward chip shot out of a bunker, but did nothing to help improve your game for all the different shots you have to manufacture around the green. Ended up being redundant the majority of the time and I found it more useful to drop it for a three iron that could bend it low around trees, and rely on a manipulating a more standard wedge from the bunkers. I try not to have clubs for only one shot nowadays, but sometimes you just need one…
Been playing for 10yrs since age 40, got down to 16 on a good day .. I’ve been shanking my wedges lately .. it’s a curse! Anything from 70-10yds is going all over the place usually off at a 60degree angle or chunking it short. Bunkers also proving to be a problem I just can’t get my head around opening the face .. just ordered one of these so will let you know if it works .. fingers crossed
I have the latest version of the Odyssey chipper which has a lower loft (37 degrees). It comes out quite low with some backspin, checks on the first or second bounce and rolls out time after time. It is uncannily accurate. I am often left with a single putt, and chip in way more often than with a wedge. You can use it a bit like a putter or hit a conventional wedge shot. You can chop down out of the rough and hit a long way from under trees. It's almost impossible to completely mess it up. It does require some practice to get good distance control. You would require significant expertise with your wedges to replicate this accuracy and consistency. For the average player it is a great club and I'm sure the Cleveland C would be at least as good. By the way chippers are fully legal provided they have a single striking face and a rounded grip. You cannot use a flat faced putter grip.
Loved this video so much I bought the chipper!! Any plans on an update with the new 64 degree??
Thanks for a great video I got the sand wedge and my bunker shots have really improved
I struggle with all shots from 80 yards in. I have been using and loving the chipper in recent weeks and have just ordered the gap and sand wedge because i need clubs which give me short game confidence and I just don't have the luxury of spending hours and hours on the practice ground.
"Swang" :)
I'll be looking at one of these because here in Ireland many inland courses are very very wet most of the time. The big sole looks useful. Thanks !
I am a struggler 😂 definitely going to try ! Thanks for the review it was really helpful! 😊👍
You are welcome
Got 2 C3I wedges 59 & 65d Wide soles....the bounce on them on bare lies is a killer but out of bunkers with normal sand they are great.
Am currently waiting to buy a 58d Cutter wedge.....also i have 2 Cleveland CBX2's....i would have bought the Wide sole Cleveland instead of the C3I's.
But they weren't about when i was buying them.
I’m a 16 handicap and just started using a Taylormade Big Foot 58 deg wedge. I’m still not great, but already my short game has improved. Just having the confidence to play almost a slight difference and know the club will save you… totally changes your mindset
That is the question ? Head to head with cbx & md cbs would be nice to see next.
After talking Mark's advice and trying the Smart Sole 4 Chipper, I decided to get the Smart Sole 50 Degree Gap Wedge too. If it's anything like the chipper when it comes to turf interaction and overall versatility, it will help to fill a gap in my bag.
For duffers like myself, I want these. I try every fat soled wedge that comes along. I play to have fun. I play woods down to 11W. Why? Easy to hit well. Easier than irons. Thinking of a set of the Elen hybrids. Use anything that helps.
Really helpful! Thanks Mark!
Love it, got the S for bunker play, just added the G. Don't need the C, I have the P from my new Cleveland Launcher XL iron set (which I bought based on Mark's review).
Are the xl irons good are they like a set of chippers
I have one as a gap wedge in my ZX5 set. Love it!!
I use the SmartSole 58 sand wedge and I love it
My main wedge is a 52 Cleveland CBX which I prefer to use for most shots within say 80 or 90 yards but I do have the 58 Smart Sole sand wedge for bunkers.
Cleveland Wedges are the best. I'm a terrible golfer (bogey/double-bogey type golfer) but the CBX2 wedges make me look good at times. I've sunk 2 pitches from around 50 yards out and also a handful of chip ins this past season. The wedges feel like they just swing themselves.
I have had mine for about 5 months. Absolutely love it, I actually enjoy going in the sand now
I’m new to golf and need to get some wedges. I want to get the Cleveland cbx 2 54 and 58 degree. What bounce do I need to get??
I have the 42 degree chipper and its wonderful. Its a terrific weapon. I ordered the sand wedge.
How much difference between Sand and Chipper? Can I just get one and use it universally around greens AND sand?
You gave me the incentive to try this club as soon as I can.
As an earlier posting noted these do remind me of my Pat Simmons Sand Wedge, which became the Alien. Cleveland does make nice gear, I am playing some of their clubs.
From way back - when Walter Hagen first introduced the large flange wedge. Moe Norman used something similar to the "Golf eez Pro" round bottom wedge. I've used a Ben Hogan "Sure Out" for 10 years or more. They all work perfectly well with practice. Now be honest - when did you last see an amateur practicing getting out of bunkers.
Based almost completely on this video, I just went out and bought the Cleveland Smart Sole 4 GW, SW and chipper today. Over the past 2 years or so, I've been having a lot of trouble with pitching from tight lies w/n 100 yards and chipping from tight lies alongside the greens. Hoping the larger sole will help out from these lies. Can't wait to try them out in the next few days..
how are they working out for you?
@@ktimmreck Highly recommended. Never chunked or thinned one of the new wedges. I was a little worried if the chipper would be worth the money, but, after a few weeks, I can see a dramatic improvement in my chipping as well. Now if I could just hit my driver I'd have this game licked!!! 😆
I’ve had the G for about a year and it’s pretty bullet proof. Just ordered a chipper - so tired of double chips and muffing shots from just off the green.
Thought about getting the S but quite like my old 56 for bunker shots and like opening the face for them.
I bag the chipping wedge, very nice
See my above story.
Hi there thanks for demonstration with the new Cleveland wedge, I fully intend to try , has my own game generally happy with being straight off the tee also fairway shots but, drop almost all my shots are from bunkers has the years have gone on I have got worse and worse out of the bunkers
My ego will never let me put it in my bag, but my wife loves it more than her lovely husband … her bunker game went from zero to getting out every single time. I don’t think you should play with the face to much, but bunker and lob shots are very easy to hit with a square face. Anyone struggling with bunkers, should give it a try
I have the S and G smartsole 4 wedges. As forgiving as it gets. The G wedge is 50 degrees and (for me) is the perfect chipping wedge
Tremendous video. What mid-handicap golfer doesn't struggle around the green???
I use the 58deg S wedge and it is brilliant- gets the ball up quickly and has good feel and control
I have the sand and the gap and love what they’ve done to help my short game. Maybe it’s in my head but it’s working. Agree with your comment sometimes “it feels like cheating.” 🤫
I have the Tour Edge equivalent; you really notice the benefit of the sole out of lighter, deep (beach) sand-filled bunkers. My out-of-bunker-in-one attempt figures have certainly improved.
What degree is this Smart Sole 4 wedge S. Or is it not rated. I like this club . Mid handy cap.
I think callaway did a version of this and a Friend of mine had it. Definitely helped him as short game and bunkers were a struggle for him. Personally I’d stick with the traditional.
If you filled the back with some ‘speed foam’ it could be a 56 degree hybrid 😂
They have it’s the Mack daddy CB
Sorry meant sure out
Making the bunker shots look easy.
Loved this review. Have you tried the callaway version?
Had the big foot for quite a while 👌 decent for bunkers but found the other parts of chipping harder..tight lies were harder 👍
At my age I need the help of game improvement clubs around the green, I want to take all the money I can from the younger guys and I need to do it with the short game. PS I don't need their money, I just want it, I sleep better at night with a pocket full of their quarters in my trousers folded up on my bedside chair. Love the golf tech videos, good stuff Mark.
Cleveland makes golf enjoyable. Highly underrated brand.
I had something similar years back, i think it was Ted Moore wedges .. loved them
Reminds me a bit of the MD Seve Continuous Bounce wedge from some years back. Think it can only benefit us average wedge players
Great in long grass and soft conditions. Lousy on firm conditions tho. Not enough spin for stopping power. Wife loves it tho, she uses that club for every shot within 60
Interesting. I would have thought that the very wide sole would be a *problem* in firm, wet sand, especially opening the face. Here in the southeastern USA, in Winter, the fairways in front of the green all the way to about 50 yards back tends to be wet and soggy, so I started using a 4-Hybrid for fairway clipping when close to the green. That extra-wide sole is impressive.
When I retired and left New York, perhaps I shouldn't have left my Alien Wedge in the basement of the apartment building for whoever wanted it. 😂
I have never tried the Smart Sole, but I do game a CBX2 50* for more forgiveness on fuller shots. I considered going with CBX2 for 54* and 58*, but after trying them I decided to go with RTX Zipcore 54* standard and 58* full face because I liked them better for more traditional greenside shots.
I wear blue underwear and today I ate pizza for lunch.
It’s very Callaway Sureout, the main difference is the sureout 2 also has full face grooves.
I need new wedges, so this is food for thought. Back in the day, I carried a Hogan Sure Out, which had a similar flange. It was really heavy, probably not on the swing weight scale. Good for maybe 50 yards, but almost always used out of the bunkers. I once hurt myself trying to swing it hard and had to walk in.
I have a 58 and 52 RTX3 and a 48 degree CBX and would happily play that club
I do struggle with chipping and pitch shots, if I were to get one which one would make the most sense, I can get out of most bunker shots with my 56 degree normal wedge.
Good review as always Mark. I tried the RTX a few years ago, then moved onto Ping Glide 2’s. But have never got on with the 56? Looks as though one of these may rebuild my confidence? I think changing Wedges certainly around the 54/56 can only help, if you struggle? Why continue with something if you have not got the time to devote the practice to? Having said that I won’t be changing my Vockey 60 anytime soon.👍
one hell of a pitch mark there
Chipping is best part of my game. My arcoss says I gain 4 strokes on a scratch golfer on the strokes gained metric but I'd give it a like the saying goes I'll try anything things I like I'll try em twice😁
I have the gap wedge. Very difficult to hit a bad shot with this club.
Been after this review for a while. I definitely struggle with the odd duff and knee twitch. I’ll certainly be trying it this winter when the ground is a bit sloppy.
Reminds me of the old i-brids but extreme wedge version. A lot to like as I definitely would feel less likely to blade shots..
I do believe this is something a player like me could do with. I'm a bit like ygt rory, happier in a bunker than fiddly chipping. I can get very twitchy. Anything that helps the human element keep it as simple as possible has to be worth a look at doesn't it ??
I don't really struggle with my "short play"... except my "very short, rolling play". Like my flatstick is constantly varying from ice cold to "warmish" but wedges, generally are fine (not PGA tour level, though). I can't really see myself playing a thing with a sole that wide. Even on normal irons, the wider the sole the less "crisp" my shots are, so for wedges that really would scare me.
Question for Mark.. where on earth do I buy Asics Golf Shoes?????
Looks like this could help those that struggle with chip shots and bunkers, however, not sure I could use that around B&B as a SW, there are some serious pot bunkers and I could see myself thinning it as I would need to open it up and don’t have the skill set as you or the better players and I do like to lob the ball, I’ll stick to my vokey & macdaddy I think. I did like your disclaimer at the start, that will keep Top Bloke happy😂😂😂
You owe me £65 Mark! Saw your video and bought a 45 degree Mazel chipper. Practised a few times and used it on the course - great club. Wife not impressed though!
I have the 58degree, it works very well out of the bunkers.
Excellent
Smart Sole 4 is due for an update to smart sole 5.
lets hope cleveland gets higher spin and better groves this time. It must match RTX.. SM8... etc
If they do this will become their best selling wedges.
I talked to a pro about these as I was interested in getting one. He said they're good out of soft sand but not so good if its hard or wet sand. Interested to hear any thoughts on that observation...
I have the Sure Out 2 by Callaway. It’s very reliable for me. Through trial and error, I’ve found that you have to hit close to the ball, not 2 or 3 inches behind. Set up square, with the face square to target…just like a standard shot…..I rarely fail to get out of a trap by this method…simply glides through the sand regardless of the consistency. Mine is a 60*. I use a standard lob wedge for shots off grass. Greetings from Down-Under. Peter
I game Cleveland CBX's 50 / 54 / 58 and could not recommend them more. Super forgiving.
I also game and recommend the CBX line. Very forgiving in its own right but more versatile than the Smart Sole.
For a person who gets in a wet bunker - high anxiety. It's 50/50 that I will get out or not or go ever the green. I would probably try this until I had more experience.
fair an honest review!
I definitely could use this, straight down to the golf shop tomorrow 👍🏌️
How well does the sand wedge work from say like 60 yard shot, or is it one trick pony just sand?
I holed the very first sand shot I ever hit with mine. Been in the bag since.
I have the SMART SOLE 1 CHIPPER, & use it a LOT. It is great at popping the ball onto the green from fairly close situations.
I started playing at 58 and 2nd year in, I actually used it on the first par 5 at my local 9 hole course. I hit a straight, but short drive ( MY BIGGEST PROBLEM, NO DRIVER CARRY ) happened to paste my 2nd shot, Mizuno 3 Wood, about 200 yards, and thought I put it in the left bunker. BUT, as I approached the green, saw my yellow AVX sitting in the short grass in front of the green. Ball was probably 60 feet from pin, took out the smart sole & popped it up onto the green. The shot was right by about 4 feet, but I knew pace was pretty good. So I'm thinking MY FIRST BIRDY EVER?
But NO, as the ball got closer to hole started moving left. This was when those stupid swim noodles in the hole. Long story short, I dropped in & didn't bounce out.
That was very honestly a VERY LUCKY SHOT, and could very well be the ONLY EAGLE I WILL EVER CARD, but it felt really good!
I then proceeded to hack my way thru the last 7 holes, as usual... 😏
I have just picked up a set of Cleveland irons and PW. I think I'll go the smart sole sand wedge but go a regular gap wedge and lob wedge to complete the set.
Swang 😂
Another proper vid 👍top wedge review
Dry, softer sand - lay the face open. Harder or wet sand - keep the face square and the wide sole will keep the club from burying.
These smart sole wedges have been around for years. Alien, Ray Cook, Tom Wishon... 30 or 35 years ago.
The Cleveland RTX full face wedges have changed my short game for the better. If only I could hit my driver and irons consistently and putt well and I’d actually be good at golf… I’m almost better off laying up (not that I have a choice) and trying to chip in on par 4’s. Better than three putting…
Bought the Callaway Sure out 2 wedges months ago Mark. Think Cleveland copied them in this "smartwages. wedge your testing for us mortals. Guess what, they now reside in my garage, and have so for quite awhile. They just don't measure up to my Vokey's. It's like when I bought a chipper, due to issues I was having with chipping around the green. It's also in the garage, but in It's case, the chipper helped me confidence wise, after a short period of time in using a regular wedge around greens. So I guess you can say their both tools to use in the short term, helping you to gain confidence in chipping with regular weges.
It’s hard to say who copied who, but Cleveland had those wedges for years. Way before callaway. The Alien wedge before that…
@@johnmagnell8902 Your right, forgot about the Alien sand wedge and I even had one for years. Would still have it if I hadn't left it out on the course and no one turned it in when I realized wasn't in my bag the next time I played.
I have all three of thee clubs... I used early in my return to golf... not as much now...
I’m just too automatic out of bunkers with my normal SWs. That chipper though 😎
Thank god my short game is the best part of my game otherwise I would be tempted just because. Still, while I don't mind chunky all that much but there are limits. Things are huge.
has this not been done before with the callaway smart sole
Used to use the cleveland niblick 42* in winter took my 9i and pw out as i carry brillant club around the green and 100yrds and in very easy to use. Also used the 1st and 2nd smart sole’s so easy to use anyone who struggles around the green should give these a go, i use a normal wedge these days but wouldn’t bother me using these.