Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges review: Why getting custom fit is vital
OVERVIEW | LINE-UP | TECHNOLOGY | SPECS & PRICES | REVIEW
Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges: Line-up
Shot versatility is delivered via a huge line-up of loft, grind, and bounce combinations. When it comes to picking the best for your game, custom fitting is crucial.
Grind options
“It is important to fit your wedges to your swing type, style of play and course conditions,” says the master himself, Bob 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.”
F Grind
Who it suits: This is the most popular grind on the PGA Tour which you can use in all different types of conditions. It is best used for full pitch shots into the green.
Lofts: 46.10, 48.10, 50.12, 50.08 52.12, 52.08, 54.14, 56.14
S Grind
Who it suits: A neutral bounce option. It is best for standard shots around the green played with a square face without much face manipulation. It’s best from firm to medium turf but can also be used in soft conditions.
Lofts: 54.10, 56.10, 58.10, 60.10
M Grind
Who it suits: It’s made for medium to firm conditions but you can use it in soft conditions too. I would say it’s for more of a slider. It’s designed for players who like to rotate the club face open and closed around the green to manufacture shots.
Lofts: 56.08, 58.08, 60.08, 62.08
K Grind
Who it suits: The highest bounce option and also the most forgiving making it great for mid-high handicappers. If your bunkers have really fluffy sand, or you’re a “digger” this is a great option. Having said that is is also used by some of the world’s best players. It also works well in very soft conditions.
Lofts: 58.14, 60.14
L Grind
Who it suits: Designed for firmer conditions. It is the lowest bounce option available and great for players who want to be able to open the face up and hit a wide variety of shots around the green.
Lofts: 60.04
D Grind
Who it suits: A relatively new addition to the Vokey line-up. It is a high bounce option which is generally better on softer golf courses. If you have a steep angle of attack this will help you generate more spin.
Lofts: 54.12, 56.12, 58.12, 60.12
- RELATED: What is wedge grind?
Still not sure which Grind is right for you? Take a look at the Vokey Wedge Selector for more information.
Bounce options
Bounce is a great way to control your contact and in turn minimise your shot dispersion. When we are pitching the aim is to strike your shots between groove two and five on the face, having the correct bounce will help you do this more consistently.
Lots of golfers don’t realise that more bounce is generally your friend and will help you out if you don’t quite strike each shot perfectly.
You can also use different amounts of bounce to influence the trajectory of your shots. For example, higher bounce can be a great option in your lower-lofted wedges to bring down the ball flight if you hit them a bit too high.
High Bounce
This is any wedge with more than 10° of bounce. These are best from soft turf and fluffy lies in bunkers. They help prevent the leading edge of the club from digging too much so can be very beneficial for golfers with a steep angle of attack who take deep divots.
Lofts: 50.12 F, 52.12 F, 54.12 D, 56.12 D, 58.12 D, 60.12 D, 54.15 F, 56.14 F, 58.14 K, 60.14 K
Mid Bounce
This covers 7-10° of bounce. It is best for normal to firm turf. They are helpful for creating shots around the green as it helps enable consistent trajectory control. This is versatile for most players and playing conditions but suit a neutral swing and moderate attack angle most.
Lofts: 50.08 F, 52.08 F, 56.08 M 58.08M, 60.08M, 62.08 M, 46.10 F, 48.10 F, 54.10 S, 56.10 S, 58.10 S, 60.10 S
Low Bounce
These typically have 4-6° of bounce. They are best on firm turf or in bunkers with hard sand. They are designed for precise clean ball contact. They are also great for hitting high flop shots off tight lies around the green. Lower bounce suit players with shallower attack angles who take small divots and have a sweeping style swing.
Lofts: 60.04 L
- RELATED: What is bounce on a wedge?
OVERVIEW | LINE-UP | TECHNOLOGY | SPECS & PRICES | REVIEW
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Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
