Equipment Review:
Maruman Golf M-Sole Fairway Wood, KS Wedge
by Jeffrey Reed

One of the most exciting events of this year’s golf season is the return of the internationally-acclaimed Maruman Golf line to North America.

Founded in 1971, the Japan-headquartered Maruman company, quite simply, makes some of the finest clubs in the game. It’s an innovative company, too. In 1994, Maruman introduced the Power Titan – the first high COR driver. Maruman was also the first golf manufacturer to use nanotechnology. With more than 100 PGA Tour victories world-wide, Maruman re-enters the North American market with a complete line of some of golf’s best performers.

M-Sole Fairway Wood

Here’s my top find of the off-season thus far: Maruman’s Shuttle M-Sole Fairway Wood. In fact, this club doubles as a rescue club, thanks to its innovative design.

Powered by a thin titanium crown, a strong maraging metal face, plus its M-Sole design, the Shuttle M-Sole club is a classic-looking club with modern-day performance. The M-Sole is just that: An “M”-designed sole which helps get the ball airborne in no time flat, plus helps the clubhead glide through even the thickest of rough off the fairway. I even tested this club as a greenside chipper, and it performed admirably. 

The real secret, I think, to the Shuttle M-Sole club is its sole shape. It’s long and flat – not bulbous and fat – and thus enhances workability and trajectory. This is a real player’s club, but because of its diversity, the Shuttle M-Sole club can also benefit the mid-handicap player, too.

The Shuttle M-Sole Fairway Wood is available in models 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 wood, plus utility. I tested the 15-degree 3-wood and found it to be strong – a good thing for my low-handicap game. I absolutely love the Type-F03 Carbon Nano Tube shaft, a carbon graphite shaft designed by – who else? – Maruman.

Carrying a suggested retail price of $249 US, this is no ordinary fairway metal. Rather, it’s a player’s weapon that has flagsticks buckling at the knees.

KS Wedge

In fact, no club designed and manufactured by Maruman is ordinary. This certainly applies to the KS Wedge, a double-forged wedge designed by renowned Maruman club designer, Kenzo Sugiyama.

The KS Wedge features a Microspin finish, with texture enhancement between grooves at the leading edge of the club. This improves spin control, and assists in this unique club’s controlled torque. Shaft depth is increased from a standard of 31 mm to 40 mm, for a higher MOI. It offers great stability and solid feel. The double forging with soft S25C metal provides outstanding feedback for maximum creativity around the greens.

I tested the 60 degree lob wedge with 8 degree bounce, a True Temper S200 Dynamic Gold shaft, and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip – a winning combination. Maruman is right: This is no ordinary wedge. Rather, it’s a precision instrument best used by a skilled golfer. The KS Wedge retails for $125 US.

Look for Maruman to start making big waves on the North American golf scene. With innovative design, quality craftsmanship and proven performance, it’s only a matter of time before Maruman grabs a big piece of the highly-competitive North American golf equipment market.