Titleist Introduces New Vokey Design SM9 Wedges
- Details
- Category: Inside Golf
- Published: 2022-01-26
CARLSBAD, California — According to Master Craftsman Bob Vokey, the three keys to great wedge play are shot versatility, distance and trajectory control, and maximum spin. With the introduction of the new Vokey Design SM9 wedges, Bob has developed the “ultimate in optionality” across all three categories with his most complete lineup of loft, grind and bounce combinations. Vokey Design has been the most played wedge on the PGA TOUR every year since 2004.
“It sounds simple, but having the correct wedge and knowing when to use it has a direct impact on scoring performance,” said Vokey. “The most important thing for golfers at every level is to know when and where to use the variety of wedges in their bag. That can be achieved by being properly fit based on swing and style of play, and understanding the roles for each.”
The new SM9 wedges are Vokey’s most versatile, accurate and forgiving yet, offering six grind options and a total of 23 different models ranging in lofts from 46* to 62* for precision fitting. The wedges are available in three finishes – Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black – with Raw as a custom option.
FINDING THE CORRECT GRIND FOR BEST CONTACT
Through years of research and design, Vokey has determined that the optimum strike position on a Vokey Design wedge is between grooves 2 and 5. This produces a lower, more consistent flight with higher spin. Shots struck above this area tend to launch higher and fly shorter with less spin.
“It is important to fit your wedges to your swing type, style of play and course conditions,” added Vokey. “That selection process should begin by determining the proper grind for the shots you hit most. The correct grind provides the best turf interaction, contact and shot performance.”
FORWARD CENTER OF GRAVITY PROGRESSION
Improving upon the groundbreaking Progressive Center of Gravity (CG) design concept originally introduced with the Vokey Design SM8, the new SM9 pushes the envelope again - with even more innovation.
- The new SM9 maintains the innovative forward CG – a position that actually hovers in front of the wedge face - to produce a solid feeling wedge that squares up at impact for more consistent results.
- The CG has been raised vertically by adding weight to the topline design, where a tapered pad at the back of the toe helps align the CG properly without being visible from the playing position.
- Progressive hosel lengths are also used to help raise the CG in the higher lofts, particularly 58°-62°.
REFINED SOLE GRIND OPTIONS
The ultimate in optionality, 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.
- Developed through decades of work with the best shot makers in the game, Vokey’s six Tour-proven sole grinds – F, S, M, K, L and D – allow golfers of all skill levels to be precisely fit for their swing type (steep, neutral, shallow), shot making style (sweeper, digger) and course conditions (firm, neutral, soft).
NEW PATENTED SPIN MILLED PROCESS FOR MAXIMUM SPIN
A new Spin Milled cutting process in the SM9 models – which includes tightening our allowable tolerances - produces consistently sharper grooves wedge after wedge, resulting in higher, more consistent spin.
- Spin Milled Grooves are the Gold Standard in groove cutting precision - meticulously engineered and cut to the edge to maximize spin and shot control. Each groove on every head is 100% inspected for conformity to the rules of golf.
- Micro-grooves are individually cut in between grooves, which maximizes spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the impact area to double the durability of the groove without impacting feel – making it the most durable groove in golf.
- Each groove is individually cut based on loft and finish with the Lower lofts (46°-54°) designed with narrower, deeper grooves and Higher lofts (56°-62°) with wider, shallower grooves.
VOKEY WEDGE SELECTOR
The Vokey Wedge Selector tool on Vokey.com helps golfers select the proper loft, bounce and grind options for their swing and course conditions. Vokey recommends that golfers visit their local Titleist fitter to confirm the results. Experience the Vokey Wedge Selector tool at: https://www.vokey.com/tools/wedge-selector-tool.aspx.
ADVANCED PERSONALIZATION AND CUSTOM OPTIONS
Vokey Design SM9 wedges feature a modern, clean look, which provides a canvas for customization. The WedgeWorks custom options include:
- Six unique toe engravings
- Stamping options | 10-character Straight/Freestyle stamping; 15 characters around the toe; and two lines of 10 characters each
- Custom paint-filled | Loft, Bounce and Grind markings and BV Wings logo
- SM9 wedges can also be custom ordered with an industry-leading selection of shafts, grips, shaft bands and ferrules. For a complete list of options, visit www.Vokey.com
STOCK SHAFT & GRIP
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 | Grip: Tour Velvet 360 White
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
Vokey Design SM9 wedges are available for pre-order through golf shops worldwide and Vokey.com beginning Feb. 17 | They arrive in golf shops on March 11, 2022 | MAP $179