original 588 wedges

Anyone out there still using the original 588 wedges?? I noticed on clevelands web site... where about 50% of their pros are still using these wedges... my question would be .. if you were going to get one would you still get in chrome or gunmetal.. I think a lot of the cleveland guys believe it or not are still using mostly the chrome versions

I found my set of 588 wedges at a store closeout sale on the used rack at 60% off so I might've went a little crazy and got 3. My gap (49*) and lob (60*) wedges are chrome but my sand (54*) is the unfinished Raw Tour Grind.

There's no difference in performance or feel to me. I love all of them but the RTG with the rusty finish looks the coolest. It just stands out in my bag (which makes a little faster to find too when playing ready golf).

I made my selections based on the condition of the clubs available, but if I was buying new I would go with the RTG or gunmetal simply based on looks.

I found this article to be helpful: http://thesandtrap.com/bag_drop/is_rust_a_must/

The 588 is one of my favorite wedge designs, I believe a lot of clevelands competitors base their designs off of the 588 but that is just an opinion of mine. As far as the tour guys and gals that Cleveland has that play this design many of them do not need the aid of the gunmetal finish to increase their spin espically with the way ball manufacturers are able to make the balls create such high ammounts of spin. If you look I would say that the percentage of women players playing RTG or Gunmetal would be slightly higher than the percentage of the male players that they have on staff. Though this may not be true due to the fact that the greens women hit to on the LPGA tour are not quite as firm and a little slower on the stemp than those on the PGA Tour.

Zebra

I play the 588 GM in 51 and 56 deg. I've always played the 588 since started (Chrome) then got the RTG..but just liked the finish on the GM the best. I agree that the 588 is a fantastic wedge and still hard to beat. I was looking at the CMM/CG10 but the 588 is just so perfect. A timeless, clean and perfect design.

I would highly recommend these wedges...but, things to think about...

1 - The gunmetal (my choice) will have better/softer feel, but won't last as long due to the finish wearing

2 - You never know how long they will keep making these...so if you decide to go with them and fall in love with say, the gunmetal, you may have trouble finding them in the future.

3 - The CG10 is a solid wedge, the black pearl gives the same feel as the 588...that would be what I would go for if I were you.

I actually use the 588 56 and 60 degree tour action in gun metal. Looks really nice. Plays very good good too. got the 56 as a gift and bought the 60 for next to nothing. changed the grip and was good to go.

I play the 53 and 60 588's in Gunmetal and from I can tell so far, they'll last as long as you allow them to based on how well you take care of them. I've always made a point of cleaning all of the clubs after every round, but these clubs specifically need to be washed and then dried throuroughly . For me this has kept them in great shape and while rust is cool and all, it's really not neccesary with these wedges as the finish itself frames the ball with a dark bakground and there's virtually no glare at all.

Just for some comparison, I had CG11's earlier last season, the CMM material wears substancially faster than what's used in the 588. While I did notice a slight difference in feel, it wasn't anything that would have me leaning one way versus the other. Also, I'd be suprised if they were to stop making these wedges, they still get tons of play on akll the tours as well as out on the public and private courses. I'm not completely convinced this CMM platform they've been marketing at Cleveland is going to be overly successful (certainly hasn't been so far) and you may see another change in the near future; the only constant has been the classic wedges like the 588 and 900 series.

-Mike

i have been playing 588's for close to a dozen years, the 53 in chrome (rtg was not available yet), and 60* in rtg. i love these wedges, they are definitely "go to" clubs. i have looked at other wedges, vokey, callaway and other cleveland models, but the 588's are the classic wedge as far as i am concerned. just a note on a previous post, callaway's new wedges look and perform so well because they are being designed by roger cleveland, in case you were wondering.

Need help determining the degree of loft.
I have come across a Cleveland SandWedge. The only words say. REG. 588 Tour Action. It does not have anywhere a loft number. So I will assume it is 56* Any ideas?
No the number is not rubbed off. It is not there. The club is old, has that copper rust look. What do you guys think?

I still own and use my Gun Metal 588 wedges in 53, 56 and 60 degrees. I love the soft feel and the reliability and consistincy in each of my shots. I hesitate to look at new irons but as the grooves get worn down...I'm thinking of new wedges in the next few seasons. I will although probably go with a wedge that looks and feels like the 588 if I change models.

i just bought a 64* gunmetal wedge the other day used for 35 bucks and i love it. i'm sure a brand new one may offer more spin but for 35 bucks its in excellent condition and has improved my chipping.

I hate them. I think they feel 'hollow' and I highly doubt the pro's use the same wedge we pay $50 for or whatever it is. I also think the 588's have way too much bounce on them.

You get what you pay for and although I never thought I could tell the difference between cast and forged wedges, the 588 made that possible for me.

588 has scared me enough against cast wedges that I am worried I may not even like the vokey's which are cast...Can anyone compare vokey's vs. 588? Who knows? Maybe I got a bad 588 I just HATE the feel.

I've got a 588 DSG RTG+ 60 degree and love it. My first wedge not included in a set.