Essential Golf: A passion for the Game

Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedges Review

Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedges Review image courtesy Titleist
Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedges Review image courtesy Titleist

Titleist’s Vokey wedges are among the most popular of any on the market, and the leading manufacturer has recently launched the latest version—the SM7.

An improvement on the Vokey SM6, Titleist are attempting to take things to an even greater level with the Titleist Vokey SM7 as they further develop the wedge to seek out even more performance gains when it comes to short game play. What they have come up with is sure to enable golfers to go in search of more pins and ultimately make more birdies and pars than ever before.

As you might expect, there is a lot of technological development that has gone in to advancing the already impressive wedges in the Vokey range. And the SM7 feels like a real premium option of wedge to add to your bag. In fact, it is no surprise that these wedges are the go-to option for many PGA and European Tour stars.

Optimised wedge

For starters, the center of gravity (CG) of the wedges has been improved and is more progressive than ever before thanks to the varying bounce and grinds on offer with the Vokey SM7s. Whatever loft and grind you opt for, the wedge will be optimised to provide you with better distance control and feel. You will notice instantly that the CG helps create precise distance gaps to give you confidence standing over your short game shots.

The Spin Milled Grooves, tailored for each loft of wedge courtesy of the Parallel Face Texture technology, also help add consistency to your game with much more control over shots and maximum spin gains. The groove designs are noticeably different as you move through the loft options (they range from 46 degrees to 62 degrees), a narrower and deeper design for lower lofts and wider grooves for the higher lofts.

Yet the Titleist Vokey SM7 wedges remain incredibly versatile, whether you’re seeking the pin from 100-yards out or face a tricky chip from the fringe around the green.

Improved design

The design of the SM7 wedges, which are available in three finishes—Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black, has aimed to fulfil the promise of master craftsman Bob Vokey, whose name is invoked into the Titleist product. He says: “Wedges need to be versatile and every player is different. It’s never one size fits all for wedges. That’s why we have so many grind options.”

There are six grind options to choose from, and it is here where you realise just why Titleist have come up with the slogan “Know Your Letter. Hit Your Number”. You can choose from the F Grind; a full sole design for full swings and square face shots; the S Grind, designed by Steve Stricker for square face shots; the M Grind, for players who manufacture shots around the green; the D Grind, a high bounce option similar in shape to the M Grind; the K Grind, which is the ideal bunker club with the highest bounce of any option; and the L Grind, the least forgiving of all, although it provides impressive versatility around the green.

Available from early March 2018, the Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedges are undoubtedly game-changers, but it is important to have the right combination of clubs in your bag. So it’s definitely advisable to try out the various options available to ensure your short game has the right equipment it requires to maximise performance from 100-yards in and around the greens.

See also: PING Vault 2.0 Putters Released