We’ve got a lot of new wedges in for testing and I wanted to start with Tatsuro’s new favorite of the bunch the 2011 Yamaha V Forged Wedge. It’s Forged by Endo from premium S20C steel, and features a straight neck, tear drop shape and higher center of gravity for a stable lower trajectory producing more spin and stopping power. The new 2011 Yamaha Inpres X – V Forged wedge is designed with a thicker mid section and top blade combine that with it’s higher CG placement and one should expect more control and accuracy as well as pure feel at impact. The sole design allows for the face to be opened up.
Forgiveness: This new Yamaha has excellent forgiveness. It’s got a pretty decent amount of lower back mass behind the entire impact zone especially the center that extends higher than most other wedges. Another factor is it’s well hidden size. It’s for sure able to fit a wide variety of golfers from mid handicappers to the professional level. It’s top line isn’t razor thin and not what I would call thick by any means. It’s just right.
Feel: Superb! It’s got a soft spongy yet solid feel to it that reminds me of the Epon AF-302. It’s a feeling that for me was an unexpected bonus that I really wasn’t expecting. Both Tatsuro and I could feel a sensation of the ball compressing on the club face. Better than most raw wedges and so far the best feeling plated wedge I have hit to date.
Trajectory: This wedge doesn’t fly as high as others which equalled to more distance and a tighter dispersion. I would say it has a mid-high ball flight that is perfect for someone who is interested in a more controlled wedge shot.
Spin: Above average, I know im starting to sound like a broken record but the V-Forged is in my opinion built to perform. It didn’t spin as much as say the Yururi Raw or new Akira H2 series but it did out perform them all most other area’s. It doesn’t have any new or fancy groove technology but the higher center of gravity is what in my opinion had it stand out in the spin department.
Overall Design: Love it, It’s edgy and looks modern, the finish is flat and sexy in sunlight kinda like a bronze version of the Yonex Ezone wedge which for those wondering ranked a tops tied for 1st place with this wedge. From it’s slightly larger than compact size to it’s uniquely high bounce plus thin sole Yamaha has managed to produce a wedge that is very different than what’s available on the market and in my opinion an improvement over most. The sole can lay open quite easily straight back but isn’t designed to open heel or toe up.
Ok so specs and info, The TSG Proshop has these on sale ready to ship from Japan. It’s only available in 3 lofts 52/8, 56/12, 58/12. The great news is you can get them a variety of nice shafts like the NS 1050 and Tour AD-75 graphite. The finish is actually made of a thin Chromium plating so over time it may rust but nearly as much as PVD or Raw wedges do. It’s new rule conforming of course and the 58* is special order only which may add some time to the order.
I’ve been waiting for this review for forever! Glad to know that I wasn’t disappointed. :)
It’s going to be hard to decide between the Yamahas, RC DBs & Sky Dream Jumps.
well i was confused so i purchased the kenmochis now i am back to square 1 and more confised than ever.
i rank this #1 in looks but also love the simple lines of the yonex! so i may get both.
my worry is that it is conforming and may produce less spin , i was traumatized with the conforming 210 epon wedges.
hopefully these spin more!
Very nice looking wedge. I will definitely get this by the looks alone and yet it shines in other categories…
I was chatting with Gocchin about these and he brought up some great points that I fail to mention in the blog post.
1. The lack of available lofts
2. the flatter sole being suited to a more firm course condition
Being that the testing was done in Las Vegas I could see how a flatter more narrow sole would excel.
I love Yamaha. Just wish they made this with non-conforming grooves. I need all the spin I can get.
Thanks C for bringing that up. Certainly I can’t figure out why Yamaha did not offer more lofts as these days people carry such a wide variety of wedge setups. Other brands offer lofts now anywhere from 48 to 62 even. That said there is no denying the Yamaha has great feel as they always do. I think the flat sole is very evident in the first picture of the post. Certainly great for firmer courses and the more sweeping kind of player.
As always great work on the video and pictures. Keep up it up! (^_^)
Your Message@shacco:
tell me about it, would have sealed the deal if they were non conforming. still love em and may end up getting a set