One word, Vokey.
Immediately every single golfer out there knows what you are talking about, just with a single word. If that doesn’t achieve Mt. Rushmore of golf club design status, then I don’t know what will.
Here in 2024 though, Vokey has returned to debut their all new SM10 wedges, and aside from immediate Tour adoption showing clear positive feedback of their performance, THP also got them in hand to put through their paces.
Quick Take – Vokey SM10 Review
While there may not be any seismic changes in technology, it is still safe to say that the SM10 is an even more complete wedge than its predecessor. The refined CG progression combined with an improved aesthetics are worth showing up for, but you will stay for the top-shelf spin and seemingly infinite combinations of lofts and grinds.
2024 Titleist Vokey SM10 Review – Tech Talk
If you want the full rundown of what is going on with the new SM10 wedges from Vokey as well as further info on how they got to this design via Tour feedback and testing, then be sure to check out our release article here (Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedges – The Hackers Paradise). That said, I do still want to break down some of the internals that make the SM10 different.
The big story this year is CG. Now, before you remark something about that being part of the previous releases, you aren’t wrong, but this time they have taken it to another level. If you had a chance to listen to our very own Dan Edwards recent Off Course episode with Aaron Dill and Kevin Tassistro of Vokey here (Vokey SM10 Wedges Go Off Course – The Hackers Paradise) then you know they like to take things to extremes when designing, but are alwaysattentive to not mess up the foundation to what is the most successful wedge in golf.
The CG in the SM10’s are the perfect case study of that, there is a level of refinement which sought to push things beyond what we have known in the SM9. Every loft still has an optimized CG based not only on the loft, but also the use of each wedge. Within the lower lofts (46-52 degrees) it is now lower to help blend those wedges more seamlessly into and out of the irons. Then, in the higher lofts (54-62 degrees) it is raised in order to help flatten out the flight and thus offer more accuracy into greens.
Naturally, the Spin Milled grooves are present with the TX9’s being cut with the lower lofts being narrower and deeper while the upper options wider and shallower to optimize how each wedge is used. It also goes without saying that there is a plethora of “Tour Proven” grind options, in fact there are six (F, S, M, K, T, D) with twenty-five different loft, bounce, and grind combinations. Add in the Tour Chrome, Jet Black, and new Nickel finish and you have possibly the cleanest Vokey Wedge release yet from Titleist.
Performance Breakdown – Vokey SM10 Review
The SM10’s are visually everything you expect a Vokey to be. In hand the eyes immediately go to the engraving and new badging on the rear flange, a modern yet elegant look overall. It is when you get past that initial eye candy that you notice a shaping that has undergone a subtle evolution. Make no mistake, these are Vokey wedges at setup, but I could notice a more rounded nature both in shape as well as leading edge in the 60.04T as compared to the 50.08F which is another nod to the progressive nature of the SM10. That said, they remain as compact and traditional as always.
For this review, I received three wedges to put through their paces, the 50.08F, 54.08M, as well as 60.04T. With so many grind and loft options, it was exciting to get the full breadth to test turf interactions and overall versatility. What stood out above all else in that regard is just how well thought each and every grind really is. With the F grind in the 50, full swings were a non-issue with my steeper move while in the 54 the M grind showed why it is Bob Vokey’s favorite grind. Whether it was a full swing, partial swing, or even a greenside shot from thicker grass where the wedge needed to be manipulated, the response was true.
The biggest surprise for me personally was with the 60. The T grind, as aggressive as it is, truly uses its wide but low bounce sole to offer anything a creative shotmaker around the greens could ever want. Although it might not be my choice as someone who plays almost exclusively in bermuda grass and enjoys more bounce, I absolutely had a blast hitting all sorts of manufactured shots from all sorts of situations, even when I didn’t need to.
What I wanted to look at the most, however, had to be done via launch monitor. As you will see in the various data sets throughout, information was recorded for each wedge in three different sets, 50-Yard, 80-Yard, and Full Swings. Historically, spin has always been a cornerstone of what Vokey wedges are known for, the SM10 continue in those footsteps. Of course, I was dealing with new grooves, but the numbers across the variety of shots still provided the levels which I would expect from a Titleist wedge.
For me, the standout was the previously discussed progressive CG. If you look at the full swing data set, you will see that the vertical CG progression did exactly what it intended. The best part was this was seen on the course as well. While I am not anywhere in the realm of what I would call a high-caliber wedge player, I do battle losing some control and consistency when swinging my higher lofted wedges into greens. I hesitate to use the catch all “ballooning” term because it is overused in my opinion, but you could apply it if you want.
Being that this was some of the story in the SM9’s, and I played them for an extended period without feeling like I was benefitting from the CG all that much, I was a little pessimistic here. However, from the first shots with the 54.08M and 60.04T on the course I could see the flight a bit flatter that worked to the apex rather than simply launching to it. For me, that translates to having a lot more confidence into greens via added control in the Oklahoma wind. I will add though, the 50.08F kept a higher launch and quicker apex than the others which let it blend into my irons smoothly.
The bow on top for the Vokey SM10’s from Titleist is that they feel like Vokey’s. They keep that same head heavy feel that they have always had in hand, which for me makes them feel like a precision instrument as you can locate them at all times in the swing. On center strikes, it is a thumpy feedback which Vokey does impeccably well. I will say, when you get off center, the feedback does get a little quicker and sharper letting you know what has just occurred, and where.
Parting Thoughts Vokey SM10 Review
By now there is an understanding that when Titleist and Bob Vokey unleash their latest iteration of the most played wedge in golf, it is going to deliver. The SM10 keeps that train rolling in a manner which is both exciting and subtle. With the CG progression and seemingly limitless loft and grind combinations, there is something for everyone. Although, don’t forget, if it isn’t offered standard, there is a good chance you can find what you want via WedgeWorks.
The new Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges hit full retail on 3/8/24 and are offered in lofts from 48 to 62 as well as six different grinds. They will be priced at $189.99. For more information, check out their website at www.vokey.com.
Thinking I might track down a 58 M.
[USER=782]@ddec[/USER] what grind should lean towards in a 58?
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12189745, member: 1579″]
[USER=782]@ddec[/USER] what grind should lean towards in a 58?
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Man I was D in the 54 and M in the 58/60. Hard to pass on that one as it plays so damn well.
[QUOTE=”ddec, post: 12189747, member: 782″]
Man I was D in the 54 and M in the 58/60. Hard to pass on that one as it plays so damn well.
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Truth. I do love a HIGH bounce LW too though, the Cally X was badass last year for me, so maybe D for the 58….
I have the 54M and 58T, so far nickel finish is holding up very well to desert golf.
[QUOTE=”MSEASU, post: 12190395, member: 46570″]
I have the 54M and 58T, so far nickel finish is holding up very well to desert golf.
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That finish is killer.
58 D grind with flight lines has my attention.
The SM9 60t appeared in my bag mid way through last season and eventually worked its way to being used 95% of the time a wedge is in play, it really does it all. Seriously upped my short game, along with a lot of practice learning about 15 ways to hit it. My favorite, … until gaming an SM10 60t the last two rounds. Also about 700 plastic shots at home.
I read comments like subtle this and subtle that. The two most notable changes, the cg movement slightly more towards center eliminating the draw bias, and the lower trajectory, while maintaining spin; are in no way subtle. They are significant improvements that are noticeable immediately upon the first couple of swings. The cg movement makes hitting your draw more precise, and your straight shot straight on landing.
On course, when those two improvements meet, the 10 is noticeably more accurate. It will bring a lot of smiles to a lot of faces this year.
The leading edge is straighter than the 9. No concrete opinion on that, but I could see how it might help with lie deviations altering the club path. No complaints or observations of note.
Please, please do yourself a favor and ditch the s200 wedge shaft that comes with the club. That one aspect is such a limiting factor in what these wedges are capable of. The 8 iron spinner shaft is a great place to start, or end.
Darn you Bob, got to see a sm10 in person. I now own a 58m in black. Will go good with my wedge works 54k I’ve had forever. Been a long while since Vokeys been in the bag.
[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12204968, member: 33657″]
Darn you Bob, got to see a sm10 in person. I now own a 58m in black. Will go good with my wedge works 54k I’ve had forever. Been a long while since Vokeys been in the bag.
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They’re excellent. As good as ever.
I’m still tempted to swap the 60T for a 58D
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12205003, member: 1579″]
They’re excellent. As good as ever.
I’m still tempted to swap the 60T for a 58D
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As much as I would love a T, the T wouldn’t love me back lol
[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12205008, member: 33657″]
As much as I would love a T, the T wouldn’t love me back lol
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Same. On course and in our Bermuda, I need more bounce haha
Just got my SM10 wedges, hoping to get them out to the range/short game area later today to compare against the MG4 wedges I’m using at the moment.
These new SM10 are so beautiful in person (now that I’ve seen them live). The nickel finish is absolutely perfect to me and is definitely the way I will lean. Need to spend more time looking at the grinds and loft combinations, but very excited to try these next month.
[QUOTE=”adwillingham, post: 12205831, member: 259″]
These new SM10 are so beautiful in person (now that I’ve seen them live). The nickel finish is absolutely perfect to me and is definitely the way I will lean. Need to spend more time looking at the grinds and loft combinations, but very excited to try these next month.
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The nickel finish is awesome!
[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12205839, member: 33657″]
The nickel finish is awesome!
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Like they said on the Off Course episode, kind of perfectly between chrome and black…they nailed it.
[QUOTE=”adwillingham, post: 12205848, member: 259″]
Like they said on the Off Course episode, kind of perfectly between chrome and black…they nailed it.
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Yeah that was a great episode [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] gets all questions answered
These are still holding up nicely after 3 weeks of hitting balls.
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Fitting confirmed on April 2 for a set of the SM 10’s. Really love the look of that Nickel finish. Cant wait to see what the fitter is able to do for me!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12205086, member: 1579″]
Same. On course and in our Bermuda, I need more bounce haha
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Use a draw stroke. Shallows the attack and engages the bounce.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12189711, member: 1579″]
Thinking I might track down a 58 M.
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You can never go wrong with an M grind. One of my favorites
[QUOTE=”Wb3, post: 12199197, member: 75188″]
The SM9 60t appeared in my bag mid way through last season and eventually worked its way to being used 95% of the time a wedge is in play, it really does it all. Seriously upped my short game, along with a lot of practice learning about 15 ways to hit it. My favorite, … until gaming an SM10 60t the last two rounds. Also about 700 plastic shots at home.
I read comments like subtle this and subtle that. The two most notable changes, the cg movement slightly more towards center eliminating the draw bias, and the lower trajectory, while maintaining spin; are in no way subtle. They are significant improvements that are noticeable immediately upon the first couple of swings. The cg movement makes hitting your draw more precise, and your straight shot straight on landing.
On course, when those two improvements meet, the 10 is noticeably more accurate. It will bring a lot of smiles to a lot of faces this year.
The leading edge is straighter than the 9. No concrete opinion on that, but I could see how it might help with lie deviations altering the club path. No complaints or observations of note.
Please, please do yourself a favor and ditch the s200 wedge shaft that comes with the club. That one aspect is such a limiting factor in what these wedges are capable of. The 8 iron spinner shaft is a great place to start, or end.
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With that in mind, if one had a natural fade and occasionally fought a slice, and liked to use wedges for full swing shots, would they be better served finding some SM9s?
[QUOTE=”amarkabove, post: 12218732, member: 75272″]
With that in mind, if one had a natural fade and occasionally fought a slice, and liked to use wedges for full swing shots, would they be better served finding some SM9s?
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I don’t think it will make much difference on promoting or reducing a given swing path. The sm9 does promote an overall slight right to left ball spin. In most instances it lands and has slight left side spin.
Drawing wedges allows for more roll, hopefully towards the hole. Fade is pretty much soft landing stop. Both have their purpose.
[QUOTE=”Wb3, post: 12218618, member: 75188″]
Use a draw stroke. Shallows the attack and engages the bounce.
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I know how to play on Bermuda, haha
The issue is on the T, there isn’t enough bounce to engage.
I love the T grind on tight Bermuda myself.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12219113, member: 1579″]
I know how to play on Bermuda, haha
The issue is on the T, there isn’t enough bounce to engage.
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Or use an s or d. 🙂
[QUOTE=”Wb3, post: 12219692, member: 75188″]
Or use an s or d. 🙂
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That’s been my convo in here after my review was published in the first post ?
I am really looking forward to seeing which grind serves me best. I have been having quite a bit of success with a 58* C grind. Would that translate most closely to the M grind in the Vockeys?
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12220660, member: 42964″]
I am really looking forward to seeing which grind serves me best. I have been having quite a bit of success with a 58* C grind. Would that translate most closely to the M grind in the Vockeys?
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Could be the M or even the T in the lob wedge.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 12220737, member: 20124″]
Could be the M or even the T in the lob wedge.
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Bounce has to be taken into account though, of what Craig is coming from. I do agree, those are the two with similar relief, although the M grind destroys the traditional C imo.
Between the 54M and the 58T I feel like I’m equipped for pretty much any lie and any bunker. I just couldn’t ask for anything more and have been so happy with these.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12220762, member: 1579″]
Bounce has to be taken into account though, of what Craig is coming from. I do agree, those are the two with similar relief, although the M grind destroys the traditional C imo.
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I love the M grind.
Based on the turf here I could see either the M or T working well for him in that spot. Very firm and doesn’t grab the club head the way Bermuda does.
[QUOTE=”JetSpeed, post: 12220768, member: 78465″]
Between the 54M and the 58T I feel like I’m equipped for pretty much any lie and any bunker. I just couldn’t ask for anything more and have been so happy with these.
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Those are the grinds I am playing.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 12220786, member: 20124″]
I love the M grind.
Based on the turf here I could see either the M or T working well for him in that spot. Very firm and doesn’t grab the club head the way Bermuda does.
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I use a 58* and it really needs to be a work horse. I don‘t tend to do as well out of bunkers with extremely low bounce, which is why I was thinking M, or even D. It will be interesting and fun to see what I am fit into for the Vokey experience. I haven’t played Vokey wedges for quite a few years.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12220898, member: 42964″]
I use a 58* and it really needs to be a work horse. I don‘t tend to do as well out of bunkers with extremely low bounce, which is why I was thinking M, or even D. It will be interesting and fun to see what I am fit into for the Vokey experience. I haven’t played Vokey wedges for quite a few years.
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M-Grind will win.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12220898, member: 42964″]
I use a 58* and it really needs to be a work horse. I don‘t tend to do as well out of bunkers with extremely low bounce, which is why I was thinking M, or even D. It will be interesting and fun to see what I am fit into for the Vokey experience. I haven’t played Vokey wedges for quite a few years.
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I think M then if you are hitting the 58° out of bunkers. It’s pretty versatile
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12220762, member: 1579″]
Bounce has to be taken into account though, of what Craig is coming from. I do agree, those are the two with similar relief, although the M grind destroys the traditional C imo.
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M = greatest grind ever
[QUOTE=”LSMO, post: 12221545, member: 33657″]
M = greatest grind ever
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What is it that makes you like the M grind so much?
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12221560, member: 42964″]
What is it that makes you like the M grind so much?
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For me it’s always been just the right amount of effective bounce. Still let’s you manipulate the club face. Good for me in all conditions and does well out of the sand. I have a ton of confidence with that grind. Not afraid to be aggressive with it.
Probably going to pick up a 58 M grind because I have no business hitting my 60. The question is do I also get a 54 S to go with it, or would I be better served having more of a difference in bounce between the two clubs. I could go M in the 54, but then which direction do I go in the 58. (I know the answer here is get fit, but I don’t see that being able to happen for a while)
[QUOTE=”amarkabove, post: 12222795, member: 75272″]
Probably going to pick up a 58 M grind because I have no business hitting my 60. The question is do I also get a 54 S to go with it, or would I be better served having more of a difference in bounce between the two clubs. I could go M in the 54, but then which direction do I go in the 58. (I know the answer here is get fit, but I don’t see that being able to happen for a while)
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I am contemplating the same types of things. Have you tried using the wedge selector tool on the Titleist website? I tried it and it suggested M grind for 58 (similar to what was suggested by others in this thread) and S grind for 54. I am looking forward to seeing if that is what I actually get fit into for the Vokey experience, but your logic seems solid, based on my own research for myself.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12222803, member: 42964″]
I am contemplating the same types of things. Have you tried using the wedge selector tool on the Titleist website? I tried it and it suggested M grind for 58 (similar to what was suggested by others in this thread) and S grind for 54. I am looking forward to seeing if that is what I actually get fit into for the Vokey experience, but your logic seems solid, based on my own research for myself.
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I have. 50F, 54S, 58M is what is spits out for me most times, I think by virtue of me being a sweeper.
Maybe I should wait until y’all go to Ballyhack…
[QUOTE=”amarkabove, post: 12222814, member: 75272″]
I have. 50F, 54S, 58M is what is spits out for me most times, I think by virtue of me being a sweeper.
Maybe I should wait until y’all go to Ballyhack…
[/QUOTE]
I’m a big sweeper also and it sounds like from the reviews the M grind would be best. Especially with the firmer conditions I tend to play in. Yet when I did the online selector I’m in the 50F, 54S, 60D area. Really curious to see what I’m fix into next week. Getting excited!
I spent some time looking at the SM10s yesterday at my local PGA Superstore. I definitely like the nickel and black finishes better than the chrome. I think that I am leaning towards black.
[QUOTE=”Trmpt98, post: 12222822, member: 22205″]
I’m a big sweeper also and it sounds like from the reviews the M grind would be best. Especially with the firmer conditions I tend to play in. Yet when I did the online selector I’m in the 50F, 54S, 60D area. Really curious to see what I’m fix into next week. Getting excited!
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I am intrigued regarding why it put you into a 54* and 60*. I presume that you indicated while answering out the selector tool questions that 60* was the most lofted wedge you wanted to use. I used to always have a 60* wedge in the bag, but since the pw lofts have gotten stronger (44* for the T150s), I went to a 48*, 54* (bent to 53*) and 58* progression. I use all of those wedges for full swings and normally need 4 to 5 degree gaps to make it work.
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12225147, member: 42964″]
I am intrigued regarding why it put you into a 54* and 60*. I presume that you indicated while answering out the selector tool questions that 60* was the most lofted wedge you wanted to use. I used to always have a 60* wedge in the bag, but since the pw lofts have gotten stronger (44* for the T150s), I went to a 48*, 54* (bent to 53*) and 58* progression. I use all of those wedges for full swings and normally need 4 to 5 degree gaps to make it work.
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Gapping wise I definitely need something different. Currently I have a 44 PW, then I have a 48/50/54/58. I know I have that 2* difference but has helped when I’m in the 110-120 range for full swings. My poor fitter is going to be up for a challenge :ROFLMAO:. I’m sure the online just said and based it on what I had at PW and then the highest loft comfortable with. I do much prefer the 54/58 combo but then I have 10* of loft difference between my SW and PW…..
[QUOTE=”Tenputt, post: 12225135, member: 42964″]
I spent some time looking at the SM10s yesterday at my local PGA Superstore. I definitely like the nickel and black finishes better than the chrome. I think that I am leaning towards black.
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Right, I’m loving those darker finishes. Hoping to stop by the PGA SS on the way home from work tomorrow and get a close up view of them. I like a darker finish, play alot of afternoon leagues and the sun setting gives alot of blinding glare on a couple holes with chrome wedges.
My tee game is a mess right now, but the Vokey wedges love to bail me out. Hitting and sticking from 50yds is so nice. And those testy greenside back spinners…
First round today with the SM10s, I guess I’ll keep ’em. ?
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Had a great fitting experience today for SM10 and worked through some fun discussion on grind options and bounce options based on the swings I was producing.
Surprised me to hear that I am not as steep as most fitters claim me to be. Maybe it’s a wedge thing as I tend to be a bit less aggressive with how easy it is to cut through the turf by comparison to irons – hard to say, but a nice takeaway to think about as the scar tissue of other fittings weighs on me.
I’ve always been a firm believer in wedge shafts playing a particular role in the swing, and go back and forth on whether or not the shafts I select for my irons should bleed into my wedges. We landed on going iron shaft in the 50 degree since I almost always full swing it, and then utilizing the benefits of the stock wedge shaft (which I believe is S200) for my 54 and 58.
I’ve played my wedges bent one strong and typically bent one upright for years. I do that because of my dynamic loft, and it’s the same thing I do with my irons. Where it could be problematic for some, my peak height and descent angles are exactly where they need to be with that setup, and it’s going to continue to work very well for me. What I did shift from, is that I’ll be playing the 58 stock based on the idea that around the green, having that toe elevated could have a negative impact on leading edge location – I’m going to give it a shot at stock and if it needs to be changed, it’s an easy tweak.
50F and 54S is what I played in my SM9, and that will continue with SM10. The subtle versatility of the 54 is nice, but I want more of an iron experience out of my 50 and the F does a nice job.
The 58 was a wildcard. I really enjoyed my time with the M, but I am going to give the T a shot this time around based on experimenting with flops and open faced shots during the fitting. Apparently it is a massively popular grind on tour, and I’ll look forward to seeing how it plays for me.
Long winded, very wordy, my bad. Mike was awesome, and I hope anyone looking to get a solid education on SM10 seek him out in KY and the surrounding States. His shared affinity for left dot ProV1 and perspective on shaft fitting made me feel like I was talking into a mirror for a bit haha – although i think he works out more than I do.
GO GET FIT!!!!
Im loving the combo of 54m and 58t. Great for pitching and chipping options. I can hit the flighted low spinners with both .