Replacement options for worn out Vokey SM5 K Grind 60-11

[Habitual Flipper]

I've been using my SM5 60 degree K grind with 11 degrees bounce way past it's expiration date, simply because I haven't been able to find a suitable replacement for it.

 

Here's what I've tried to kick it out of the bag with:

 

1. SM7 60-14 K grind two years ago but could not get use to it. 14 degrees of bounce was too much. 
2. MD4 C grind with 8 degrees of bounce. Could never get used to it, didn't last long.
3. Ping Glide 3 with 10 degree of bounce (SS). I thought this might have been the ticket but the wedge feels light and I'm just not comfortable with it. Also feel off the face doesn't compare to a Vokey IMO.

 

Any ideas from you guys on what will most feel like my beloved K grind 60-11? I'm wondering if my best bet is to buy a SM8 K grind 60-14 and have a club tech grind off 3 degrees of bounce.

Edited July 27, 2021 by Habitual Flipper

[brutus27]

I went from SM5 S grind 60*, 10* bounce to TM MG 2 60 raw face and don’t miss my Volkey at all. I only used the SM5 for sand shots. Also for chipping/pitching around the green when I had a decent lie (not tight). Never used the Volkey for full shots unless I had a great lie. The TM I can use from any lie and for full shots. Bottom line, the S grind Volkey was a digger and required precise contact. The grind on the TM is more versatile and forgiving for me. It has elevated my wedge game. YMMV

[Jeff58]

https://www.vokey.com/product/WM119.html

[Habitual Flipper]

5 minutes ago, Jeff58 said:

https://www.vokey.com/product/WM119.html

Have you tried this?

 

I have considered it, but at 6 degrees of bounce, that is pretty far the other direction from the 11 degree bounce SM5.

[Jeff58]

Yes. Please read Vokey’s description of the intended playing conditions, “firm fast fairways and soft bunkers”. Superb in firm fairway and chip/pitch conditions and soft sand. Their Achilles heel is hard/wet/no sand bunkers where the wide sole will bounce. Nature of the beast there though, regardless of the measured bounce.

 

A less condition-specific alternative is the Zipcore medium grind. Sort of a cross between a Vokey K and an M.

Edited July 27, 2021 by Jeff58
Sp

[thezinfan]

1 hour ago, Habitual Flipper said:

Have you considered the SM8 60 with either D or S grind. That's 12 or 10 degrees of bounce. I switched from F grind to D in my 56 vokey and have liked it.

 

[Habitual Flipper]

4 minutes ago, thezinfan said:

Have you considered the SM8 60 with either D or S grind. That's 12 or 10 degrees of bounce. I switched from F grind to D in my 56 vokey and have liked it.

 

I'm going to try and grab a few tonight to play around with. Have never tried D, S or M grinds. Hopefully a few in the pro shop to mess around with. I avoided these because the D and M both look a lot like the Callaway C grind that I tried, and hated.

[Jeff58]

7 minutes ago, Habitual Flipper said:

 

I'm going to try and grab a few tonight to play around with. Have never tried D, S or M grinds. Hopefully a few in the pro shop to mess around with. I avoided these because the D and M both look a lot like the Callaway C grind that I tried, and hated.

Let us know how it goes 👍

[76mpg]

Callaway W grind would be pretty close regarding the sole and bounce. I am using an MD3 W grind 60.11 I migrated to from a Vokey K grind...

[manima1]

Can't say enough good things about my 60.12 D grind.  Even with 12 degrees of bounce, it is extremely versatile and I feel like I can use it in all be the firmest of hardpan conditions (which I rarely see).  

 

It is automatic out of the bunkers and has been a get-out-of jail free card for me around the greens.  Never use it for full shots, but very good on pitches <80 yards into the green where I need the height and stopping power of a 60

[Habitual Flipper]

19 hours ago, Jeff58 said:

Let us know how it goes 👍

 

They had terrible selection, only LH demos available.

 

18 hours ago, 76mpg said:

Callaway W grind would be pretty close regarding the sole and bounce. I am using an MD3 W grind 60.11 I migrated to from a Vokey K grind...

 

They did however have a brand new MD5 W grind in 12 bounce. It looks nearly identical to my old SM5 K grind. This has piqued my curiosity.

 

I was also able to find a used SM5 k grind 60 on ebay that I scooped up yesterday. It's well used but miles better than my current one. Might just stick with that for now.

Edited July 28, 2021 by Habitual Flipper

[76mpg]

10 hours ago, Habitual Flipper said:

 

They had terrible selection, only LH demos available.

 

 

They did however have a brand new MD5 W grind in 12 bounce. It looks nearly identical to my old SM5 K grind. This has piqued my curiosity.

 

I was also able to find a used SM5 k grind 60 on ebay that I scooped up yesterday. It's well used but miles better than my current one. Might just stick with that for now.

Yep, I find the W and the K pretty interchangeable, might like the callaway feel a touch more and seem to get a bit more spin. I think it is a really overlooked grind, it is very forgiving overall. Good luck with it!

[iknowbagu]

On 7/27/2021 at 6:45 PM, manima1 said:

Can't say enough good things about my 60.12 D grind.  Even with 12 degrees of bounce, it is extremely versatile and I feel like I can use it in all be the firmest of hardpan conditions (which I rarely see).  

 

It is automatic out of the bunkers and has been a get-out-of jail free card for me around the greens.  Never use it for full shots, but very good on pitches <80 yards into the green where I need the height and stopping power of a 60

 

 

LOVE the D grinds.  I think it's a perfect blend of F, M and K.  Obviously, everyone has different AoA and plays different conditions, but I've been hitting my wedges better than I have in a very, very long time.