Fourteen Golf RM-12 Wedges

As courses seem to be getting more difficult thanks to those players who hit the ball 350+ yards off the tee, a good short game is becoming more important. They are seeking short game irons that offer high spin performance and consistency, both of which are a staple of a good short game.

Fourteen Golf is a Japanese company that offers high quality golf equipment. Their irons have caught on with tour player Arjun Atwal who uses both their irons and wedges. One of the company's most popular products on tour is the RM-12 wedge which debuted in 2013.

Although the RM-12 resembles its predecessor the RM-11, there are substantial differences. The new sole was designed entirely on feedback from tour players who wanted a versatile club that could be used on a wider variety of shots. In an effort to accommodate them, Fourteen Golf's engineers rounded the heel and toe area and removed a back portion of the sole creating Fourteen's "H-Sole," which is available on 48Ú to 58Ú models. By implementing these changes golfers could now open and close the face and add more shots to their repertoire.

Touring pros also appreciated the company's original reverse taper design so once again the engineers were eager to please and incorporated it into the RM-12. They increased the weight distribution on the upper blade, distributing the weight more evenly throughout the club head, thus creating more consistent balls speed and added stability at impact on all shots.

The mirror face milled trapezoidal grooves add 15 percent more spin than Fourteen Golf's previous models. According to Fourteen Golf, this process takes twice as long as traditional milling procedures, but adds consistency in both wet and dry conditions, adding a little more zip to shots from the rough as well as partial shots.

When it comes to feel, not many wedges can compete with the RM-12. This is due in part to the quality control during the forging process. It's the QC that creates the tight tolerances and soft feel tour players have come to expect from Fourteen Golf. The feedback provided by these wedges leads to more exacting and precise shots.
The RM-12 wedge is available in even lofts from 48 Ú to 60Ú with various degrees of bounce. They are available in two different finishes - satin and "half-matte" black. The satin finish on the RM-12 is very appealing and, with Fourteen Golf's forged nickel chrome molybdenum bronze finish, it will keep its good look for years to come. The club is available in a half-matte black finish as well. Golfers have a choice of either a True Temper's Dynamic Gold Wedge shaft or Nippon's N.S. Pro 950 GH HT shaft.

You'll find the RM-12 wedges at Golfsmith as well as custom fitters and online e-stores. A single wedge will set you back around $185, which is a little steep. But, just as it is with other high end Japanese club manufacturers such as Miura and HOMNA, what you're paying for is world-class workmanship and quality. If a premium forged wedge is on you're shopping list, you need to give these a try.
For more information on the RM-12 wedges or any other Fourteen Golf product, be sure to visit www.FourteenGolf.com.