If you look in the majority of PGA Tour bags, you’ll most likely find a set of Titleist Vokey wedges.
The popularity of that particular piece of equipment appears to know no bounds. Cam Smith made his professional debut and then won in Hawaii with the newest Titleist offering.
The latest wedges from Titleist Vokey Design SM9 were tested by 14 other players in addition to the Australian champion.
Though it wasn’t until now that we were able to take a more in-depth look and list all of the specifications.
In terms of design, they are not significantly different from the SM8s, but the SM9s are equipped with new technology. So what’s all the fuss about, anyway?
According to Bob Vokey, it takes a lot of hard work to achieve success. He stated that it takes them, on average, two years to put a product into production.
With each iteration, they gain new knowledge and experience. It’s difficult to know what to improve until you put the game into the hands of the players.
One thing that is crystal clear is that if something isn’t broken, there isn’t any reason to fix it. It is important to maintain the same profile for a while.
The tech
The SM9 promises even more innovation with the progressive centre of gravity (CG) design originally introduced with the SM8.
- The new SM9 maintains the innovative forward CG – a position that actually hovers in front of the wedge face to produce a solid feeling that squares up at impaact for more consistent results
- The CG has been raised vertically – by adding weight to the topline desing, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position
- Progessive hosel lengths are also used to help raise the CG in the higher lofts, particularly the 58 degree and 62 degree
Refined sole options
SM9 continues to feature the most complete lineup of grind, bounce and loft options, allowing for more creativity and consistency, and giving players of any level the ability to create multiple shots into and around the green.
The grinds are in F, S, M, K, L and D.
What the players said
Justin Thomas told the PGA Tour website:
“When I was testing SM9, it was nice to see the low controlled flight. For me, for someone who likes to flight my wedges and control my spin a lot, I need to be able to see that ball hit the windows. And I’m looking both low and high, but especially low. Because for me, it’s nice to be able to feel like I hit it and I don’t look up and it’s coming high and floaty. It’s hitting the flight that I want, the spin that I want and reacting how I want.”
Shafts
The SM9s come with True Temper Dynamic Golf S200 shafts. The grips are Tour Velvet 360 in white.
Pricing
Vokey Design SM9 wedges are available for pre-order from 17 February.
They arrive in store on 11 March.
RRP: $227
