Its finally time.
I have seen a lot of golf club releases come and go over my years writing for THP, and the excitement has always been high for me as a self-admitted equipment geek. However, this release from Edel is in elite company where excitement and anticipation to break down a new release for our readership is concerned.
Having seen them, touched them, and hit them, I can tell you with absolute truth that the new Edel SMS Pro irons are bold. If you were someone who enjoyed what they brought to the table with the SMS Irons, but wanted a slimmer profile, you had better buckle up because these are that, and then some.
Edel SMS – Swing Match Weighting
Before I get into the irons, I do want to go over the Swing Match System again, some of you are familiar, while others may not be. I know I’m teasing you a bit here, but trust me, it’s worth it.
When Edel first unveiled their SMS Wedges a couple years ago, the Swing Match System was a revelation. Last year, it made its way to the SMS Irons and though sometimes identified by the company as Swing Match Weighting, the terminology is interchangeable. The entire design premise is centered around the reality that in golf, no matter what, clubface is always King in the end. We all swing our swing, and among that no two golfers will ever deliver the club exactly the same, so Edel asked why we expect a club to work the same for everyone?
SMS uses three weight ports in the rear of the club to allow the user to fine tune the clubhead weighting to provide the best impact situation for their swing. Standard weights in the irons are two 2-gram weights along with a heavier 8-gram one (heavier options are available). By shifting the heaviest weight heel, center, or toe-side Edel has shown through massive data collection that you can make the clubs more complimentary to not just your swing but release as well.
It remains refreshing that the centerpiece of this design concept by Edel is to get golfers into the best clubs for their swing by making real world adjustments to the weighting of irons or wedges as opposed to just relying on shaft, loft, and lie. Sure, it might make some golfers heads spin to think about it, but the science is real, and Edel is on the leading edge of making it usable in a much broader way than most companies would have ever believed possible.
Edel SMS Pro Irons
You say you want a “players iron”? Well, I dare you to find one that isn’t just a straight up MB which fits that categorization better than the SMS Pro irons. I openly admit that I was one who personally wanted a little more svelte look than the SMS Irons provided me, at least in the scoring irons. Well, when I saw these in hand a couple months ago the stream of words which came out of my mouth were a blend of awe and shock, in the best possible way. Confident ball-strikers will be very excited about this one.
Before we get into the size profile though, we first need to discuss that the Edel SMS Pro irons are a true one-piece design and not a hollow-body like the standard SMS. That allows them to be Precision Grain Forged out of 1025 Carbon Steel which Edel believes gives them the best combination of feedback, function, and durability.
For the shape? Easily the truest and most compact players cavity which I have seen, maybe ever. These are pieces of art in hand, the intricacies of the milling stands out from every angle you look at them, and the attention which was paid to getting the hosel to topline transition as clean as possible will make many extremely excited to see. At address you will get minimal offset (and by that, I mean almost none) and an almost triangular look to the upper toe which screams classic club design. If you were to sit these down at address in front of a golfer who grew up playing those elegant players irons of yesteryear, I would bet anything you will see them reveling in nostalgia.
All that said, Edel makes them theirs. Beyond the fact that they have managed to implement the Swing Match System into such a compact head along with the fact that it works as effectively as ever, that isn’t the only design feature. There is also the Tour Inspired Tri-Stepped Sole which has three separately milled surfaces on it. While it looks busy at first glance, the goal is to make these thin soles vastly more playable than other irons of this size.
The leading edge creates bounce which lets the club get through the turf without the initial digging that thinner soled small profile irons can be susceptible to. By then creating a middle tier to the sole, Edel has created bounce which will have the greatest interaction with and through the turf after impact. Finally, the trail relief on the rear reduces the overall sole width to make more efficient divot patterns which let the player feel like they are using a blade, but with the performance of a cavity back.
For those curious, the specifications of the SMS Pro Irons are as follows:
Club | Hand | Loft | Lie | Offset | Top Line | Length | Swing Weight | Raw Head Weight | Weight with 2-8-2 |
3 | RH | 20* | 60 | 2.8mm | 6.0mm | 39.00” | D2 | 226 g | 238 g |
4 | RH | 23* | 60.5 | 2.5mm | 6.0mm | 38.50″ | D2 | 233 g | 245 g |
5 | RH | 26* | 61 | 2.3mm | 6.0mm | 38.00″ | D2 | 240 g | 252 g |
6 | RH | 29* | 61.5 | 2.0mm | 6.0mm | 37.50″ | D2 | 247 g | 259 g |
7 | RH | 32* | 62 | 1.8mm | 6.0mm | 37.00″ | D2 | 254 g | 266 g |
8 | RH | 36* | 62.5 | 1.5mm | 6.0mm | 36.50″ | D2 | 261 g | 273 g |
9 | RH | 40* | 63 | 1.3mm | 6.0mm | 36.00″ | D2 | 268 g | 280 g |
PW | RH | 45* | 63.5 | 1.0mm | 6.0mm | 35.75″ | D2 | 273 g | 285 g |
The Details
Finished in clean brushed chrome, and adorned with their intricately applied branding/milling, the Edel SMS Pro irons are a masterclass visually from a company who truly seems to be feeling the confidence in their products right now. The SMS Pro irons will be available in 3-PW options (variable length only) paired with KBS Tour shafts and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips as standard. Of course, there will be additional no-upcharge options available through Edel as well as fitting locations across the country. The SMS Pro irons will hit retail at $250/club.
When was the last time you saw such a compact iron with so much fitting potential? Does Edel have your attention yet? Tell us just how you are feeling about this release by joining thousands of golfers just like you on the THP Community or the comments below!
Can these be easily blended with the previous release, or would so adjustment’s be needed?
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11250577, member: 59233″]
Can these be easily blended with the previous release, or would so adjustment’s be needed?
[/QUOTE]
They can be easily blended. Mixed sets should be quite common I would imagine.
Those are sharp looking. They look dangerous.
Wow just wow. Do you have any pictures of the soles and how do they differ from the SMS irons
I will fully admit I’m intrigued by what I see in the article. Having experienced the putter fitting and seeing exactly how that process worked for me. I can only imagine what this fitting would be like.
The weights on the back would take some time to get used to looks wise, but knowing it’s science I think helps me get past that. I’m not in the market, I’m not in the market— thanks for the write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] well done.
Man those look great. Not sure I’m a good enough ball striker for them but I’d still love to check them out.
[QUOTE=”Mmaynard11, post: 11250592, member: 19877″]
Wow just wow. Do you have any pictures of the soles and how do they differ from the SMS irons
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This one shows it off pretty well.
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If there was ever an iron made specifically for [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] this would be it :drinks:
Really cool looking at all that technology in such a small iron. Going to be some very happy folks at the Quest this year.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11250597, member: 3″]
This one shows it off pretty well.
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Definitely a noticeable difference.
[QUOTE=”jlew2144, post: 11250594, member: 40346″]
I will fully admit I’m intrigued by what I see in the article. Having experienced the putter fitting and seeing exactly how that process worked for me. I can only imagine what this fitting would be like.
The weights on the back would take some time to get used to looks wise, but knowing it’s science I think helps me get past that. I’m not in the market, I’m not in the market— thanks for the write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] well done.
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I have the SMS irons and I thought the weights (looks) on the back would bother me as well. I honestly forgot they were there by the middle of the round.
So much tech packed into these beautiful clubs.
Plus more shaft options this year.
These look really good. I tested an original SMS 7 iron and didn’t have any issue with the look of those. Then again, I am getting less picky about that type of stuff in my old age.
Wow. These are cool!!
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11250604, member: 1193″]
If there was ever an iron made specifically for [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] this would be it :drinks:
Really cool looking at all that technology in such a small iron. Going to be some very happy folks at the Quest this year.
[/QUOTE]
They check a lot of boxes for me! Hahaha
They’re SUPER compact. Old school compact. A true players profile. And that 4i at address on a tee box will test your fortitude, trust me. Hahaha
[QUOTE=”jlew2144, post: 11250594, member: 40346″]
I will fully admit I’m intrigued by what I see in the article. Having experienced the putter fitting and seeing exactly how that process worked for me. I can only imagine what this fitting would be like.
The weights on the back would take some time to get used to looks wise, but knowing it’s science I think helps me get past that. I’m not in the market, I’m not in the market— thanks for the write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] well done.
[/QUOTE]
Take time because it’s different? The quality with which they’re implemented is absolutely top tier when it comes to blending/finish/ integration.
[QUOTE=”jlew2144, post: 11250594, member: 40346″]
I will fully admit I’m intrigued by what I see in the article. Having experienced the putter fitting and seeing exactly how that process worked for me. I can only imagine what this fitting would be like.
The weights on the back would take some time to get used to looks wise, but knowing it’s science I think helps me get past that. I’m not in the market, I’m not in the market— thanks for the write up [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] well done.
[/QUOTE]
I can personally say that the weights in the back are easy to get used to. Find the location that best fits your swing and release style and forget about them. They actually look really good.
I will have to give them a test at CC someday. Not that there is anything wrong with my SMS irons. Just out of curiosity.
[media=giphy]3o7qDJLhO7aPCdFIIw[/media]
I love to see blended sets available on their website, this is an awesome addition.
[QUOTE=”Pops, post: 11250648, member: 56070″]
I will have to give them a test at CC someday. Not that there is anything wrong with my SMS irons. Just out of curiosity.
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They’re tiny. So gloriously tiny.
These look cool.
[media=giphy]ToMjGpzTm2alvSFQkGk[/media]
didn’t know we were promoting knives on this forum… these are very slim and dangerous for my bag haha … sexy but outside what I need
great article. Really excited to see the sets THPers in Quest Cup choose
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11250641, member: 1579″]
Take time because it’s different? The quality with which they’re implemented is absolutely top tier when it comes to blending/finish/ integration.
[/QUOTE]
No doubt about the quality- only saying the weights on the back are different looks wise. You have three circles staring back at you- again not saying they aren’t top tier only saying they are different.
Good read sir
Can’t wait to see these compared to the standard for the guys in the event. I’ve been really happy with last year’s version, so it will be really cool to see a more players version for those that go that route
Wow those are so small lol! Beautiful irons and I can’t wait to see what the Edel cup guys get!
[QUOTE=”Gman79, post: 11250674, member: 52297″]
[media=giphy]ToMjGpzTm2alvSFQkGk[/media]
didn’t know we were promoting knives on this forum… these are very slim and dangerous for my bag haha … sexy but outside what I need
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We’ve been told with the sole design and ability to dial in with the weights they punch a bit outside their class in terms of playability. I hope to put that to the test a bit.
[QUOTE=”jlew2144, post: 11250677, member: 40346″]
No doubt about the quality- only saying the weights on the back are different looks wise. You have three circles staring back at you- again not saying they aren’t top tier only saying they are different.
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They don’t stare at address though :p;)
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11250711, member: 62865″]
We’ve been told with the sole design and ability to dial in with the weights they punch a bit outside their class in terms of playability. I hope to put that to the test a bit.
[/QUOTE]
They’re compact compact.
[USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and I both had audible reactions when we sat them down at address.
Quest Cuppers are having a day today!
They’re smaller than my T100S, which says a lot.
They are also the iron set with the best chance at taking over my bag in 2023.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11250713, member: 1579″]
They’re compact compact.
[USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and I both had audible reactions when we sat them down at address.
[/QUOTE]
Aim small miss small right ?
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11250720, member: 62865″]
Aim small miss small right ?
[/QUOTE]
In some instances.
I would recommend blending for those who aren’t the most confident of ball strikers.
They’re fun though. As a guy who likes to work the ball with irons, they’re a bit of a dream.
Initial thought is these look like the back of my iPhone. But the more I look at the detail, the more I love the look of these. The script Edel, the logo, the soles….these look really really good.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 11250711, member: 62865″]
We’ve been told with the sole design and ability to dial in with the weights they punch a bit outside their class in terms of playability. I hope to put that to the test a bit.
[/QUOTE]
How does the size look compared to the T100s?
[QUOTE=”Chef23, post: 11250734, member: 48542″]
How does the size look compared to the T100s?
[/QUOTE]
These are smaller than the T100S, which are a super compact iron as is. I say that having held them and hit them side by side.
That’s a ball strikers iron right there. Should be interested to see the blended sets created.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11250727, member: 1579″]
In some instances.
I would recommend blending for those who aren’t the most confident of ball strikers.
They’re fun though. As a guy who likes to work the ball with irons, they’re a bit of a dream.
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I will 100% be blending for the Quest Cup, just not sure where I’m going to break them.
Great stuff [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ! I will have to admit I was surprised how big the original SMS irons were. This makes a lot of sense as I see Edel aimed at a better player.
[QUOTE=”J.B. Cobb III, post: 11250754, member: 50607″]
Great stuff [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ! I will have to admit I was surprised how big the original SMS irons were. This makes a lot of sense as I see Edel aimed at a better player.
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Why do you get that feeling?
[MEDIA=instagram]CnwjTqLsfc-[/MEDIA]
?
Wonder how these would combo with the regular SMS. :unsure:
Yes, these look so pure! One of the issues I had with the SMS was the “chunkiness”, these look like they fixed that and added a little flair with the mill lines. It is going to be hard to find a better iron than these.
Good looking sticks. Would be fun to see some comps between a normal players CB someone is fit into and these to see how much can be gained by the SMS system.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 11250577, member: 59233″]
Can these be easily blended with the previous release, or would so adjustment’s be needed?
[/QUOTE]
If I were to game a set, I would 100% blend them. The pros are killer in the short irons, and the regular heads are perfect in the longer irons.
I think “bold” is a great way to describe these.
While many of the player irons are adding some size and depth to the profile, these have a bit of an old school vibe in their shaping that is quite unique.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11250713, member: 1579″]
They’re compact compact.
[USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and I both had audible reactions when we sat them down at address.
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[USER=62865]@Scooby45[/USER] that’s scary! I need to feel confident before striking my iron no matter which one
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11250712, member: 1579″]
They don’t stare at address though :p;)
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yeah these don’t bother me at all
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 11250776, member: 47057″]
Good looking sticks. Would be fun to see some comps between a normal players CB someone is fit into and these to see how much can be gained by the SMS system.
[/QUOTE]
I will be able to do that between the regular SMS and the pros this year.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11250737, member: 1579″]
These are smaller than the T100S, which are a super compact iron as is. I say that having held them and hit them side by side.
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Have you seen/played miura TC201s? are they similar size and profile to those? That is what I played before the quest cup