Before I undertake the huge task of snapping photos and doing writeups on Yamaha’s new Inpres X line for 2012, I thought I’d tackle something easier but equally as hot, the new Titleist Japan Vokey Forged wedge! We’ve been lucky enough here in Japan to always get a Japan only retail model Vokey like the TVD, TVD-CC and TVD-R in the last 3 years. In Japan, and with many golf enthusiasts around the world, there is always an obsession with forged clubs.  Titleist fans have always wondered, why no forged wedge? Well Titleist Japan has finally decided to come out with the Vokey Forged wedge for 2012.

HUGE Demand for the Vokey Forged ….

Tourspecgolf.com had the Vokey Forged pre order up a few weeks in advance of the Japan wide launch which took place on October 21st.  Even with pre orders in place, the demand for the new Vokey Forged was so huge that Titleist Japan had a problem meeting demand at launch.  This shortage is expected to last for a few months as they catch up to orders made all across Japan. Currently the wait for standard spec models is around 1 to 2 weeks and custom orders 2-4 weeks depending what is ordered.  So does the new Vokey Forged live up to the hype and demand? We received a 58* (and 56*) wedge for testing so I headed out today in the light rain to snap pictures, eagerly anticipating how good a forged Vokey would feel.

Great looking wedge with a lot of loft choices…

The new Vokey Forged visually looks great. A satin finish with simple graphics on the back, its your typical Vokey fare. Lofts ranging from 46* t0 62* in 2* increments are available making for very versatile wedge combinations in everyone’s bag. Bounce ranges from 8-10* on all the wedges meaning, its not really a low bounce wedge nor is it a high bounce wedge.  The design of the Vokey’s grind and sole make it versatile so with its medium bounce numbers it can actually perform well in a variety of conditions and with different swing types.

Versatile Grind…

The new Vokey Forged features a combination R and M Grind (on the 54 56 58 60 and 62*) with a pre worn leading edge. The M grind results in trailing edge relief as well as heel relief allowing for more control type shots and deft touch around the greens when opening up the face of the wedge. The leading and trailing edge also produce clean entry and exit through a variety of turf conditions and in fact create a thinner sole area for usage in tighter lies. The 46 48 50 and 52* also feature a pre worn leading edge but the sole is flatter and in turn a bit wider to allow for full shots and less digging.

Tighter Grooves – Milled Face…

The new Vokey Forged Wedges do possess  USGA Conforming grooves with 17 double pressed score lines more tightly bunched together for more spin. A spin milled face adds more bite and spin control across the entire face and helps keep spin up even on partial swings.

Nice flowing lines and balance…

Vokey’s are rarely ever considered compact wedges however their designs seem to always work. Credit Bob Vokey for knowing how to visually make the lines of his wedges flow creating a head shape that is always pleasing to the eyes. The Vokey Forged has a very consistent top line and upper cavity thickness which enhances the overall soft feel of the forged head and its shape. As I said this wedge is by no means small, it could actually be considered mid sized but, the balance is done so well that you would never think the wedge is large in any way. In fact the TVD models Japan has had have very much the same visual idea.

Cast Vokey Soft… Forged Vokey Even Softer!

So now to the important part, how does it feel and perform? Vokey wedges have always been pretty soft feeling even though they were cast. They probably are one of the softest feeling cast irons around. The new Vokey Forged improves on the feel and purely hit shots are very very satisfying with the ball compressing on the face of the wedge. Even shots hit low on the face create little vibration. Titleist does not state what kind of steel they are using for the new Vokey (though I will try and find out this week) but regardless of what grade steel it is, it feels as soft as any of the top forged wedges on the Japanese market now.  I don’t need to tell you how well the grind on this works since many are familiar with the similar grinds on other Vokeys, but I will any way. For the 58* tester, the M and R grind allowed me to make a variety of shots at different distances around the green all resulting in clean impact which ultimately provides that pure feel we all want from a club. Spin control is superb and head sets up really well at address, not only providing confidence but a sense that you can control the ball as you please. Opening up the face is easily done with the grind and working the ball across the milled face produces very good spin control and direction.

TSG’s 58* tester has a 950GH Stiff in it and I also have a 56* tester with S200.  The overall club weight of a 950 shafted wedge is about 30g lighter than the DG S200.  While the 950 is an easier shaft to load than the S200, that doesn’t really play into affect as much with a wedge, especially a higher lofted wedge where a lot of partial and controlled shots are being made. I actually liked the feel of the heavier S200 as the additional weight creates stability and controls swing tempo. For me personally a heavier wedge results in less thin shots and more pure contact. I used to own a set of the original retail TVD’s from about 3 years ago and I’m glad to say these are an improvement in looks and feel and touch around the greens. The versatility of the wedge allowed me to hit shots high and low and use the milled face to its full extent. I have to admit, I am itching to bag a 50 56 62 combo…. there are just too many good wedges out there to consider!

The new Titleist Japan Vokey Forged wedge is now available for order in the Tourspecgolf.com pro shop. Expect to wait a few weeks to get your wedges due to the huge demand, but in our opinion a wait well worth it as the Vokey Forged is a great addition to a long line of tour worth higher performance wedges from Titleist and perhaps the best feeling Vokey ever.

Check out more photos here!

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