The new Titleist SM9 Lightweight wedges are here to provide the ultimate choice in options with their most complete lineup of loft, grind and bounce combinations all in an updated, lighter weight package. According to Master Craftsman Bob Vokey, the three keys to great wedge play are shot versatility, distance and trajectory control, and maximum spin. That’s why we created his most complete line of wedges yet for Titleist. TGW’s review team takes you inside the technology and shows you how they perform in our exclusive video.
Titleist SM9 Lightweight Wedges Review by TGW
Technology
Titleist’s SM9 wedges start with their signature progressive center of gravity. This concept, pioneered by Titleist and Vokey, aligns the center of gravity with the impact position specific to each loft for precise distance and trajectory control. In the SM9 wedges, the center of gravity is more forward than ever before for more consistent, better-feeling shots. They even elongated the hosels to help fine-tune the center of gravity location and increase forgiveness.
A new groove cutting process produces consistently sharper grooves on every wedge with additional micro-grooves between the grooves for maximum spin on partial shots. Every groove on every wedge is inspected at Titleist’s facility. This guarantees each wedge is made to their strict tolerances. Each wedge is also specially heat-treated to provide longer-lasting spin for the life of the club.
Bounce and sole grinds allow golfers to be fit into the best performance for their swing type and course conditions. SM9 wedges have six options.
- The F Grind is an all-purpose grind with a traditional full sole, designed to be used primarily on full swings and square face shots.
- The S Grind is designed for stability on full shots, best used for square-faced shots with a touch more versatility, based on feedback from Tour pro Steve Stricker.
- The M Grind, Bob Vokey’s favorite, is made for players who like to rotate the face open and shut for serious versatility around the greens.
- The D Grind is the “player’s high bounce wedge”. It features the same crescent shape of the M with a higher effective bounce for golfers with a steep angle of attack.
- The K Grind is the highest bounce grind in the lineup, designed to be the most forgiving for play out of bunkers.
- The L Grind has a narrow crescent shape for maximum versatility around the greens, but it’s also the least forgiving.
Performance
We tested the Titleist SM9 wedges with the help of Rick Hatfield, TGW’s Master Fitter and our resident product expert. He hit these wedges from a variety of lies and distances, putting himself into many of the everyday situations a golfer may find themselves using each different type of wedge.
Starting with a 56° and hitting about a 45-yard shot, Rick was averaging a high spin rate of 7,000 rpm. One a full swing for about an 85-yard shot, Rick was averaging 10,000 rpm. That is a ton of spin to hold any green from either distance.
Who It’s For
The Titleist SM9 lightweight wedges are made for every golfer to find the right tools for their short game. With their most versatile, accurate, and forgiving design yet, a total of 23 different models with 6 different grinds offer something for every player.
Appearance
The Titleist SM9 wedges feature a traditional blade wedge shape. There are no full-face grooves or high toe on these golf clubs, just a traditional wedge shape available in three different finishes to fit the eye of every golfer.
Feel & Sound
Titleist’s SM9 wedges sound and feel like a Vokey design wedge. Golfers who have hit any prior SM models will be familiar with the soft feel and pleasing sound when you impact the ball. In fact, with the more forward center of gravity better aligned with where you make contact with the golf ball, the SM9 wedges feel even better than ever before.
Titleist SM9 Lighweight Wedges Specs
Titleist SM9 Lightweight Wedges
