Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges review: Why getting custom fit is vital
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Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges: The technology
The design of the SM9 aims to optimise ball flight and add more spin.
Throughout the range we see progressive centre of gravity technology to help you get the optimal trajectory with each wedge.
As with the SM8 the aim is to have a forward centre of gravity near the club face and also move this slightly higher up the club face. This is because if the centre of gravity gets too far back you will hit the shot with too much dynamic loft. This can cause the ball to slide up the face and not carry as far as you intended.
The lower lofts have lower centres of gravity to help increase trajectory. In the higher lofts the centre of gravity is raised significantly to help promote a lower ball flight.
This is achieved by having varying hosel lengths by loft and adding weight to the toe using a tapered pad which helps realign the CG yet isn’t visible from the playing position.
Elsewhere, on the club face a new patented spin milled process has been used to create more consistent grooves for higher and more consistent spin. The new cutting technique makes manufacturing tolerances significantly tighter so Titleist can produce consistently sharp grooves on every wedge.
If you weren’t aware the grooves are also individually cut based on the loft and finish of the club. This means it doesn’t matter which of the three finishes you opt for as they will all have optimised grooves.
The lower lofted wedges have narrower, deeper grooves as we typically use these for full shots when the face is squarer, while deeper grooves cut into the ball more to create extra spin.
In contrast on the higher lofts we see wider, shallower grooves. When the ball rolls up the face of these higher lofted clubs these wider grooves will grip the ball and create more spin.
In addition to the main grooves, there is also a micro-texture cut in between each groove, which helps maximise spin on half shots.
To help make your wedges last longer, the impact zone has been heat treated to double the groove durability.
Keeping your wedges in good condition for longer and replacing your wedges when required is really important as fresh grooves provide more spin, a lower ball flight and more control.
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.
