Who’s It For?
SM7 wedges are carrying on a long legacy of success that Titleist has enjoyed with its Vokey Design franchise, which is, of course, the brainchild of famed wedge designer Bob Vokey. Where Vokey wedges have excelled through the years is in the different tour-proven sole grinds that are available to suit the needs of any golfer, and that is certainly the case when it comes to the SM7 lineup. What’s most important, however, is that players understand what types of wedges will work best for their game, which can typically be determined based on their swing type and the course conditions where they usually play. With the SM7 line, there are six different grinds to choose from: the L, M, S, F, and K grinds, along with the brand new D Grind. The D Grind is a high-bounce wedge that offers a crescent-shaped sole that will promote versatility. It will be a great option for players who have steeper angles of attack but who require more shot-making ability than many high-bounce wedges offer. The L Grind was designed as a low-bounce wedge with material removed from the toe, heel, and trailing edge to help players hit different types of shots, especially when using an open face. It will work best from firmer turf and sand conditions and for players with shallow angles of attack. The M Grind would best be described as a mid-to-low bounce wedge that will provide enhanced versatility for short game shots. It will best suit players with neutral or shallow angles of attack and be effective from all but the softest turf and sand conditions. The S Grind is a full-sole wedge that features a relieved trailing edge. As a mid-bounce wedge, it will suit golfers with a neutral angle of attack and most course conditions, and it was designed for golfers who like to play shots around the green with a square face. The F Grind is a full-sole, mid-to-high bounce wedge that features a moderate camber and radius. It will be a great option on full shots for players with steeper angles of attack and from a wide variety of turf conditions. And finally, the K Grind features a wide sole and high bounce, as well as enhanced camber, which makes it a great option from bunkers as well as softer turf conditions. It will work best for players with angles of attack that range from neutral to steep.
The Tech Story
The most compelling technology component when it comes to the new Vokey SM7 wedges is progressive CG positioning, which was introduced in the SM6 models and further refined with SM7. More specifically, in an effort to provide optimal performance with every wedge, designer Bob Vokey moves the center of gravity based on loft to better align the CG with a player’s ideal impact location. For lower-lofted wedges (46-52 degrees), the CG is positioned lower in the clubhead. For traditional sand wedges (54-56 degrees), the center of gravity is placed more in the center of the clubhead. And for lob wedges (58-62 degrees), the CG is positioned higher in the head. The result is more precise distances, the ability to better control trajectory, and improved shot dispersion. It’s also a design feature that dramatically improves feel at impact. Also key when it comes to the performance of SM7 wedges is their Spin Milled grooves, which have been designed to optimize spin on any given shot, be it a full shot from the fairway or a shot played from around the green from any lie condition. To accomplish that goal, wedges with lofts between 46 and 54 degrees have narrow, deeper grooves to create ideal spin on full shots, while wedges with lofts ranging from 56 to 62 degrees have wider grooves to maximize spin on shots played from closer to the green. Also of note, tighter groove cutting tolerances have been incorporated into the manufacturing process of the SM7 wedges, which is leading to upwards of 100 RPM more spin when compared to SM6. Additionally, a specialized heat treatment has been applied to the clubface to help the grooves of the SM7 wedges retain maximum spin for longer. And finally, SM7 wedges are available in three unique finishes for players to choose from based on their personal preference: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, and Jet Black.
Facts and Figures
Available Lofts: 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62 degreesConstruction: CastFinishes: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet BlackLie Angle: 64 degreesPW Stock Length: 35.75 inchesGW Stock Length: 35.5 inchesSW Stock Length: 35.25 inchesLW Stock Length: 35 inchesL Grind: Low BounceM Grind: Low-to Mid BounceS Grind: Mid BounceF Grind: Mid-to-High BounceK Grind: High BounceD Grind High BouncePitching/Gap Wedge Swing Weight (46-52 degrees) : D3Sand/Lob Wedge Swing Weight (54-62 degrees) : D5Stock Grip: Golf Pride Tour VelvetStock Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 (low launch, mid spin)Available in right- and left-handed modelsCustom shafts availableQuotable
“One thing I know from working with tour players the last 20-plus years is that they won’t put a new wedge in play unless it’s better. Every time we come out with a new one, we have to prove it. I can’t tell you how many times over the last couple years players asked me and Aaron (Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill) how we were going to make something better than SM6. Based on how quickly guys are switching to SM7, we know we’ve done it.” -- Bob Vokey
Get Fit
2nd Swing Golf offers professional, tour-level club fitting at all of its retail locations, as well as a knowledgeable customer service staff that can help answer questions related to fitting. For fitting questions, please call 612-216-4152, and for more information about 2nd Swing’s custom fitting services, locations, and staff, visit here (http://fitting.2ndswing.info/).
| | MODEL | LOFT | LIE
| SOLE GRIND | LENGTH | SWING WEIGHT |
|---|
| PITCHING | 46.10 | 46° | 64° | F | 35.75" | D3 |
|---|
| 48.10 | 48° | 64° | F | 35.75" | D3 |
|---|
| GAP | 50.08 | 50° | 64° | F | 35.50" | D3 |
|---|
| 50.12 | 50° | 64° | F | 35.50" | D3 |
|---|
| 52.08 | 52° | 64° | F | 35.50" | D3 |
|---|
| 52.12 | 52° | 64° | F | 35.50" | D3 |
|---|
| SAND | 54.08 | 54° | 64° | M | 35.25" | D5 |
|---|
| 54.10 | 54° | 64° | S | 35.25" | D5 |
|---|
| 54.14 | 54° | 64° | F | 35.25" | D5 |
|---|
| 56.08 | 56° | 64° | M | 35.25" | D5 |
|---|
| 56.10 | 56° | 64° | S | 35.25" | D5 |
|---|
| 56.14 | 56° | 64° | F | 35.25" | D5 |
|---|
| LOB | 58.04 | 58° | 64° | L | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 58.08 | 58° | 64° | M | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 58.10 | 58° | 64° | S | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 58.12 | 58° | 64° | D | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 58.14 | 58° | 64° | K | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 60.04 | 60° | 64° | L | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 60.08 | 60° | 64° | M | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 60.10 | 60° | 64° | S | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 60.12 | 60° | 64° | D | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 60.14 | 60° | 64° | K | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
| 62.08 | 62° | 64° | M | 35.00" | D5 |
|---|
