Conforming Groove Wedge vs Non-Conforming Groove Wedge

Is there really that much difference between the two. I've been using non-conforming groove vokey SM wedges from 2009/2010 and i just switched over to SM5 wedges. Biggest difference between the two that i can see is the amount of damage it causes on golf balls. SM5 is much much gentler on the ball. I've only played one round of golf with the SM5 so i can't comment fully on their performance but the spin seems comparable with the old SM wedges other than that i was seeing good signs of spin performance (one hole spun back 15+ft after hitting the slope)

Any thoughts?

I have 2 SM5s (50,54) and a SM (58). The SM spins crazy agree with you that it will mess a ball up before the SM5. However I have knicked up pro v1x a few times, but it is not as common for me.

If you aren't a pro or top amateur than there isn't a groove rule that applies.....guessing that applies to 99% of us here....play whatever you like

[quote name='dunn' timestamp='1439955167' post='12166996']
If you aren't a pro or top amateur than there isn't a groove rule that applies.....guessing that applies to 99% of us here....play whatever you like
[/quote] Well that's the thing. Being a non-paid amateur, less damage on the ball means less amount of money spent on balls overall. I usually end of using the whole sleeve by the end of the round

But does a little knick or scratch honestly do that much? If I was getting free balls, yeah I'd change it out, but I'm not getting free balls..

I'm getting the same spin between 2009 SM and SM5. But I wonder if you would see a difference in shots out of the rough (haven't paid attention enough to notice). The rationale for the change in groove rules was to limit spin out of rough.

Particularly on half shots.
There is a significant difference.

I think on full shots, some the newer better wedges are running 11-12k rpm with a correct downward strike, proper loft angle and enough swing speed.

[quote name='smilly4' timestamp='1439963337' post='12167446']
But does a little knick or scratch honestly do that much? If I was getting free balls, yeah I'd change it out, but I'm not getting free balls..
[/quote]

Well on the old groove wedges, it wasn't a little scratch. It always look like it went through the car path at very high speed.

I haven't measure the new stick vs old scientifically to spit out figures nor did i play enough rounds with the SM5 to give an honest opinion about spin other than a handful of shots that I hit on the course. From what i can see between so far is the damage on the balls and it's a big gap