Vokey Jet Black Durability/Patina

[MattC555]

I'm planning on ordering a set of SM9 wedges and I really like the Jet Black finish.  I searched around and couldn't find many pics of heavily worn wedges in this color.  I'd like to see how they patina.  Anybody have some they could share?

[Patnachts]

I've had probably 4/5 sets of black wedges over the years, typically the wear pattern shows on the bounce, leading edge, and the middle of the face. Wedges tend to interact with the ground a lot, so the finish typically comes off quite quickly. 

 

I am at work at the moment, however, this google image is pretty darn accurate to what mine look like after about a season of 50~ rounds and practice.
 

[MattC555]

Thanks Pat.  Any other pics would be greatly appreciated.  I was perusing ebay to see the used ones there, but I didn't find any that were too badly worn. 

[larryd3]

Here’s a couple pics of my black SM8. Almost 2 years old now.   not sure what the specs are showing on the face picture cause I don't see them looking at the club.  Overalll I think they've held up really well.  This is my go-to club anywhere near the green and out of bunkers.  I think the google image above looks like mine.

Edited January 25, 2022 by larryd3

[MattC555]

Thanks Larry, that does look good for two seasons.. 

[over7par]

I preordered 3 Jet Black SM9s just based off of the experiences I had with a couple SM8s I had that were jet black. I sold them a few weeks back because they were different lofts than what I needed, but after I purchased them used and then used them myself a couple months, they hardly wore at all. I felt totally comfortable pulling the trigger on these SM9s.

[Flip4000]

I have some black SM7s I have used for about a season and a half and really only the soles and part of the face have worn to more of gunmetal grey than black. 

 

I can take some picks after work of my 50-54- 58 most used/ sand club. To be honest they have worn a lot better than I thought they would when I bought them. 

Edited January 25, 2022 by Flip4000

[larryd3]

I’m planning on going with a black SM9 58 to replace my 2 year old one. Just assume it’s time for a new one. 

[MattC555]

It sounds like these wear much better than the Mizuno copper and blue finishes.  Great to hear. 

[redbird59]

Ive used this finish since SM6 and found they hold up surprisingly well. It does get grey in the area w wear, but oddly blends well. Not as stark of a contrast as you would think and it takes some time/use to get there. A durable PVD finish. 
 

Look up Cam Smiths witb and you’ll find some good pics of the worn black. 
 

All that said, for my Black SM8s I used CLR and went for a raw look. Turned out really well. Ill do this on all my future Vokey’s w Jet Black finish. 

[Flip4000]

50 is on the bottom, 54 in the middle and 58 on top. Turned out to be much harder to get the light right for the shot I was looking for haha. You can see on the bottom pic where the face looks silver is where the black has worn off but it has not worn back to silver. This is most easily seen on the 58's toe section and 50 degree. You can see the wear line based on how deep my divots have been.

 

58 is my most used wedge and is my sand club, which is why it has the most wear and more erratic impact marks. 50 is second, and the 54 in the middle is in the best shape. All and all I think they look excellent and I am happy with the wear this is about a season and a half maybe 2 of wear. 

 

I have more pics so just let me know what you wanna see and I’ll do my best to capture it

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Flip4000

[Flip4000]

Here is the photo rotated with the 50 degree on top and 58 on the bottom

[MattC555]

Awesome, that's exactly what I was after.  Thanks!

[Flip4000]

2 hours ago, MattC555 said:

Awesome, that's exactly what I was after.  Thanks!

Glad I could help.

The last pic is a perfect look. The hosel is the original black, the overall face and back of the head from the first pic is that patina gun metal grey and then the wear on the face is a lighter grey. But it's holding up way better than expected. 

[HonoJone]

Thanks for the pics, fellas. Those really tell the tale. It seems to match my experience. The only wedges I’ve seen that have withstood the wear and tear of time and bad swings are the old Cleveland 588s in gun metal. After 20+yrs, they are still gun metal through and through. No silver showing at all.
 

Successive models however, not so much. I tried to upgrade in 2016 with the RTX2 and after 1 season of light practice and playing, they all looked bad. Black had completely worn off on the sole’s leading edge and first two grooves. 

 

I had a chat with a PGA Superstore GM this past December and he advised manufacturing has changed to churn out yearly profit gains over material performance and longevity. Started 15yrs ago with the big names needing to stoke sales.  Sadly, I’m now old enough to honestly say they don’t make them like they used to. 

Edited April 8, 2023 by HonoJone
Correct narrative.

[CTG77]

I bought my SM9s in jet black knowing they'd wear out and did so happily because I was saving the $30 or so extra over getting them raw from the factory.  Instead, I let them wear out a bit after a lot of use after 6 months of heavy practice and play and stripped them...some people hate the look...I like it.  They do have a nice, muted, sound now and aren't as "clicky" as they were before.  Maybe it's just me wanting to think that?  Not sure, but at any rate, they spin at least as well, if not better, and feel great, so I'm happy.

[DooZ]

2 hours ago, CTG77 said:

I bought my SM9s in jet black knowing they'd wear out and did so happily because I was saving the $30 or so extra over getting them raw from the factory.  Instead, I let them wear out a bit after a lot of use after 6 months of heavy practice and play and stripped them...some people hate the look...I like it.  They do have a nice, muted, sound now and aren't as "clicky" as they were before.  Maybe it's just me wanting to think that?  Not sure, but at any rate, they spin at least as well, if not better, and feel great, so I'm happy.

From the sole wear, it looks like you may want to get those adjusted a little upright from the current lie. 

[CTG77]

That was where they were sitting in the bucket of solvent of "Scumbuster" cleaner.  I meant to have them suspended and didn't pay close enough attention to that part when setting up the spray station.  Total operator error moment there...