During Day 1 of the PGA Show last week, we got a closer look at the Titleist Vokey Spin Milled (SM) 5 wedges. The SM5 wedges have been created with consultation with tour players like Adam Scott, Steve Stricker and Jason Dufner – forged from 8620 carbon steel for soft feel at impact, the SM5 wedges offer a very clean look and will be available in 21 different loft/bounce/grind combinations, six “tour inspired” sole grinds and in three finish options: tour chrome, gold nickel and raw black. They will be available March 14, 2014 with a suggested retail price of $145 each. Hear from Bob Vokey himself in the video below!
The Vokey SM5 wedges incorporates the new Spin Milled TX3 grooves to maximize spin and improve trajectory and distance control. The TX3 grooves are cut deeper, and with seven percent larger volume than previous models, to better channel away grass, sand and debris for cleaner ball contact and increased spin out of rough. It helps to significantly reduce the chance of “flyers.” Each groove is individually cut using spin milled technology to maximize the dimensions allowed by the Rules of golf.
100% Groove Inspection is also something that will give you piece of mind when on the golf course. Each new TX3 groove is evaluated using computer-guided plotting technology to measure the groove’s total volume and edge radius and enables the manufacturing team to machine the grooves right up against the edge of the maximum allowable conforming limits. This provides players the highest possible spin and trajectory control without fear of non-compliance as well as the consistency between wedges that is expected from Titleist and Bob Vokey.
Like the SM4 wedges, Spin Milled technology is used to manufacture the SM5 wedges. This process enables effective trajectory and distance control through precisely-milled grooves and machined face texture. Each groove is milled and individually cut to the maximum allowable dimensions and limits allowed by the Rules of Golf. A high-frequency heat treatment completes the SM5 manufacturing process to provide increased durability for longer spin retention and wedge lifespan.
Below is the list of the different “tour inspired” grinds available for Vokey SM5 wedges as well as all the different loft/bounce/grind combinations:
L Grind: Narrow crescent sole with small forward bounce surface and minimal camber. Swing type: Slider. Condition type: Firm.
T Grind: Dual bounce sole with wide trailing bounce surface. Swing type: Slider/Neutral. Condition type: Firm/Medium.
S Grind: Full sole with straight trailing edge ribbon and moderate heel relief. Swing type: Slider/Neutral. Condition type: Firm/Medium/Soft.
M Grind: Crescent sole with narrow forward bounce surface and moderate camber. Swing type: Slider/Neutral. Condition type: Firm/Medium.
F Grind: Full sole with moderate camber and small trailing edge ribbon. Swing type: Slider/Neutral/Digger. Condition type: Firm/Medium/Soft.
K Grind: Wide sole with increased bounce and enhanced camber. Swing type: Neutral/Digger. Condition type: Medium/Soft.
Source: Titleist