The new Titleist Vokey Spin Milled 6 (SM6) wedges combine Bob Vokey’s unmatched craftsmanship and state-of-the-art CAD design to set a new bar in wedge play, with improved distance gapping, shot versatility and maximum spin. According to Vokey, these are the best wedges he’s ever made.
The Vokey Design SM6 wedges (MSRP: $169 (steel), $195 (graphite)) feature a progressive center of gravity design that lines up the CG with the ideal impact area of each loft. Basically, it is a weighting strategy that positions each wedge’s CG in a distinct location, depending on loft. This was achieved by altering the shaping of the back of the new wedges. The result is more precise control of distance and trajectory as well as improved feel at impact.
The low loft models have a low CG that increases ball speed and distance and feature a thinner topline and raised area in the lower portion of the clubhead. The mid loft models have a mid CG location for improved distance gapping while the high loft models have a high CG location for improved trajectory control.
The Vokey Design SM6 wedges also include new TX4 machine-milled grooves with parallel face texture that improves spin consistency. Lower lofted models (46*-54*) feature a narrower, deeper version of the groove while the mid and higher lofted models (56*-62*) feature a wider, shallower groove design. Five unique sole grinds (L, M, S, F, K) will be offered to precisely fit player swing types to turf conditions. The SM6 wedges will be available at retail on March 11 in Tour chrome, steel gray, and jet black (raw) finishes.
The new Scotty Cameron Select putters ($379, standard, $399, Dual Balance), available at retail on April 8, feature three multi-material constructions aimed at optimizing performance for each putter style. Each Select putter is built with a face inlay technology – which wraps around the sole and disappear from the player’s view at address, as opposed to a traditional face insert that occupies only a specific center section of the face – for a soft, solid feel and improved feedback at impact.
“We’ve extended the methodology of our proven multi-material technology to include new stainless steel inlays for blades, as well as aluminum inlays for the mid-mallet models,” Cameron says. “The result is a better look, a better sound, a better feel and a better product.”
The Select Newport, Newport 2, and Newport 2.5 models are modern heel-and-toe weighted blades designed to support flowing strokes. Each model features a sole-to-topline 303 stainless steel inlay that is precision mid-milled and hand-buffed to a brilliant, metallic finish, then bonded to the stainless steel body using high-tech vibration dampening material. This fusion of materials provides golfers with responsive feel and feedback at impact.
“While performance is always the end goal, I first design for aesthetics. Initially, a design has to appeal to the eye. But, when you examine the components, you can appreciate the technology that goes into creating these amazing new putters,” Cameron said. “I’ve worked with insert ideas for years. This is the culmination of my research, the various inlays we’ve developed for this new line.”
The Select Newport 2 Notchback is a slightly larger, angular modern blade with a notched flange. It features a sole-to-topline 6061 aircraft grade aluminum inlay anodized in gunmetal gray. The inlay is bonded to the stainless steel body with vibration dampening material to enhance sound and feel while moving more weight from the stainless steel to the perimeter for improved MOI and stability.
A Select Newport 2 Notchback Dual Balance model is also available for those who want maximum stability in their stroke. The Dual Balance features a 50-gram heavier head (400 grams total) than the standard models and 50-gram counterweight in the butt of the shaft. This configuration helps many players make a proper stroke where the butt of the shaft remains pointed at the midsection.
The Select Newport M1 and Newport M2 combine a 6061 aircraft grade aluminum inlay with Scotty’s face-sole pop-through technology. The face-sole is a single piece of lightweight aluminum that comprises the face inlay, wraps down and around to create the midsection of the sole and pops through the flange to create the sightline field. This construction concentrates weight on the perimeter to produce higher MOI and stability for “straight back/straight through” strokes. The lightweight aluminum face-sole is fine tuned for sound and feel through vibration dampening material attached to the stainless steel core.
Source: Titleist, Scotty Cameron
