Edel SMS Pro Irons Review
The new Edel SMS Pro irons feature a sleek, traditional design combined with adjustable weighting that allow golfers to fine-tune their launch conditions and ball flight per each individual iron. Edel Golf bills these as “the most technologically advanced players irons ever,” but can they live up to the hype?
I had the opportunity to test them out recently and must admit: these are truly fantastic irons for a certain category of golfer.
Edel SMS Pro Irons Technology
The main highlight of the Edel SMS Pro irons is the ability to swap out and adjust three individual weights on the back of each club. These are the engine behind Edel’s Swing Match Weighting system. As the brand explains, SMS weighting gives golfers the ability to control their clubface throughout their swing to create the most efficient impact for them.
As we all know, efficient impact leads to some pretty great stuff like increased distance, decreased shot dispersion, and optimal control on approach shots. Altogether this can contribute to lower scores and more enjoyment of the game. Who wouldn’t love that?
Each iron also features a CNC-milled “tri-step sole” that is comprised of lower grinds on the leading and back edges of each iron’s sole. This helps with turf interaction at impact, effectively altering the bounce of each club to resist digging into the turf. A feature seen in other brands in this iron category, different sole grinds improve the feel of a club while allowing a more forgiving head shape without appearing too bulky overall.
Finally, each iron is milled via Edel’s precision grain forging process, which shapes 1025 carbon steel into the final product. This material promotes a soft feel that is hard to replicate in competing irons.
Performance and Feel
Longtime readers of GU know that I prefer irons that feel soft and/or muted at impact while maintaining the ability to “feel” where I made contact on the clubface. From the very first swing of the Edel SMS Pro irons, I can safely say these are some of the best-feeling irons I’ve tried.
Equipped with KBS Tour 120 shafts, ball flight was mid-to-high on good contact and in relation to where the adjustable weights were positioned. I found launch to still be responsive to good contact no matter where these weights were orientated. For example, when the heaviest weight was in the middle port or the port nearest the toe, center strikes still had optimal launch and spin.
Shot shape was altered slightly by moving the weights around. This is helpful for clubfitters to dial-in each individual iron for the player based on that golfer’s swing tendencies and preferences. I’m not sure I have ever seen a set of irons that can be individually calibrated to a golfer like what Edel Golf offers.
In terms of distance, the Edel SMS Pro irons were consistent with other irons in this category. These are not irons to play if you’re looking for a significant boost in yardage. Instead, the Edel SMS Pro irons are designed to provide repeatable and predictable precision on every shot. Look elsewhere if you’re chasing obscene distance, because you won’t find it here.
Overall Impression
The Edel SMS Pro irons — and the SMS standard model also offered by the brand — are a clubfitter’s dream. In turn, having the ability to adjust each individual iron to a player will only benefit that golfer in the long run. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another company that can offer anything similar.
In terms of look and design, the SMS Pro irons are a cross between a traditional blade with obvious modern advancements. Traditionalists might not love the weight ports on the back, but keeping an open mind is easy to do when you see and feel how these irons perform.
I was extremely impressed with the Edel SMS Pro irons and will be spending more time with them this golf season. To learn more, including current pricing and availability, visit the Edel Golf website here.
