Vokey SM5 Wedge Photos: shot at the 2013 Shriners

[SC-TX 88]

I recall there was not a 56.08 option so I was curious if there was a 56.10? Otherwise I might just pick up a SM4 or a 200 Series 56 and then a 52.08 and 60.04 SM5.

[SwingBlade]

I played the tour issue heads, custom grinds, and custom stiffer shafts wedge game for years using various manufacturers. Then decided that I was accomplishing little except draining my wallet.

The year before the new rules I went with SM2 oil cans, stuck them in Coke for three days, and stuck with the stock shafts. Just couldn't be happier. The various stock Vokey SM2 grinds were more than meeting my needs and this year I even stepped up (down?) to the SM4's except for keeping my old beloved SM2 64. Only other change was moving to a more forgiving grind/bounce on the 60 with the 60-07.

Looking forward to trying the new 5's, particularly if the finally bring out a black raw version so I don't have to spend all that time coking and scrubbing new wedges. But for me, raw makes the biggest difference of all in terms of feel with non forged wedges. Each to his own!

[jmck]

I hear you on the stock Vokey stuff. Played oil-can-to-raw 252.08 and 258.12 with the stock DG shafts for a loooonnnng time. FWIW, something like [url="http://www.amazon.com/Jelmar-CLR-CL-12-28-Ounce-Cleaner/dp/B00009EFEX"]CLR[/url] is 100 times faster and cleaner than using something like Coke.

[SwingBlade]

[quote name='jmck' timestamp='1384195482' post='8132258']
I hear you on the stock Vokey stuff. Played oil-can-to-raw 252.08 and 258.12 with the stock DG shafts for a loooonnnng time. FWIW, something like [url="http://www.amazon.com/Jelmar-CLR-CL-12-28-Ounce-Cleaner/dp/B00009EFEX"]CLR[/url] is 100 times faster and cleaner than using something like Coke.
[/quote]

Thanks. I've heard that and will keep it in mind next time.

[Walkerdb7]

What's the best resource or is there a chart clearly explaining all the grinds, benefit of the grind, and what type of player is best suited for a given grind?

[jmck]

Here's what they currently have, though it looks like the grind nomenclature is going to change a little with the SM5s ("F" grind added). [url="http://www.vokey.com/vokes-notebook/vokey-tour-grinds.aspx"]http://www.vokey.com...our-grinds.aspx[/url]

[drew1527]

[attachment=1946574:image.jpg]

[mr_divots]

These look really nice. Was seriously considering some of the TVD Vokeys. But if there will be even more grinds...
Such an odd feeling having some '09 Spin Milled in the bag and wondering if each release will be as good as what I have, however.
Can anyone comment of levels of spin between the non-conforming Vokeys and the SM4 and TVG grooves?

(Tried to find this info amongst the S200 rant. Good gawd get over it!)

[shankman92]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384274981' post='8137370']
These look really nice. Was seriously considering some of the TVD Vokeys. But if there will be even more grinds...
Such an odd feeling having some '09 Spin Milled in the bag and wondering if each release will be as good as what I have, however.
Can anyone comment of levels of spin between the non-conforming Vokeys and the SM4 and TVG grooves?

(Tried to find this info amongst the S200 rant. Good gawd get over it!)
[/quote]

The SM4 spun ALMOST as much as the SM2 for me. Not quite but not enough to care and easy to adjust to.
I hope it's all back with the SM5 - My open face 60 to stop the ball is my go to shot around the greens and im looking to upgrade.

[alange_underpar]

I think the direction Vokey was trying to head in was this:
Most Tour players will play the shafts in their wedges one flex softer than their irons (i.e. X100's in Irons and S300 in wedges).
Most Amateurs over estimate the flex they are capable of playing and tend to lean towards a shaft that is too stiff for them.
So by putting the s200's in the wedges stock, most amateurs will end up with the proper flex/feel for their wedges as the majority probably don't special order clubs.

It's just my theory of what they were thinking and I could be wrong, and I understand why it's not so well received by some as the s300's are probably the most widely played shaft on the market. Also, not 100% sure but I believe the "wedge" flex that vokey's come with stock is an S200 anyway.

[mr_divots]

[quote name='shankman92' timestamp='1384275541' post='8137448']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384274981' post='8137370']
These look really nice. Was seriously considering some of the TVD Vokeys. But if there will be even more grinds...
Such an odd feeling having some '09 Spin Milled in the bag and wondering if each release will be as good as what I have, however.
Can anyone comment of levels of spin between the non-conforming Vokeys and the SM4 and TVG grooves?

(Tried to find this info amongst the S200 rant. Good gawd get over it!)
[/quote]

The SM4 spun ALMOST as much as the SM2 for me. Not quite but not enough to care and easy to adjust to.
I hope it's all back with the SM5 - My open face 60 to stop the ball is my go to shot around the greens and im looking to upgrade.
[/quote]
Any comparison to the non-conforming grooves like that of my red '09 Spin Milled? The SM2 were conforming, correct?

[knock it close]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384281544' post='8138072']
[quote name='shankman92' timestamp='1384275541' post='8137448']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384274981' post='8137370']
These look really nice. Was seriously considering some of the TVD Vokeys. But if there will be even more grinds...
Such an odd feeling having some '09 Spin Milled in the bag and wondering if each release will be as good as what I have, however.
Can anyone comment of levels of spin between the non-conforming Vokeys and the SM4 and TVG grooves?

(Tried to find this info amongst the S200 rant. Good gawd get over it!)
[/quote]

The SM4 spun ALMOST as much as the SM2 for me. Not quite but not enough to care and easy to adjust to.
I hope it's all back with the SM5 - My open face 60 to stop the ball is my go to shot around the greens and im looking to upgrade.
[/quote]
Any comparison to the non-conforming grooves like that of my red '09 Spin Milled? The SM2 were conforming, correct?
[/quote]The red wheel vokeys were the sm2's which were non-conforming. The sm4's spin fairly well but not nearly as much as the sm2's especially on low spinning pitches. It isn't so much of a hinderance as much as you just have to rethink your approach slightly and I feel it has made my short game more refined.

[mr_divots]

[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1384282366' post='8138156']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384281544' post='8138072']
[quote name='shankman92' timestamp='1384275541' post='8137448']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384274981' post='8137370']
These look really nice. Was seriously considering some of the TVD Vokeys. But if there will be even more grinds...
Such an odd feeling having some '09 Spin Milled in the bag and wondering if each release will be as good as what I have, however.
Can anyone comment of levels of spin between the non-conforming Vokeys and the SM4 and TVG grooves?

(Tried to find this info amongst the S200 rant. Good gawd get over it!)
[/quote]

The SM4 spun ALMOST as much as the SM2 for me. Not quite but not enough to care and easy to adjust to.
I hope it's all back with the SM5 - My open face 60 to stop the ball is my go to shot around the greens and im looking to upgrade.
[/quote]
Any comparison to the non-conforming grooves like that of my red '09 Spin Milled? The SM2 were conforming, correct?
[/quote]The red wheel vokeys were the sm2's which were non-conforming. The sm4's spin fairly well but not nearly as much as the sm2's especially on low spinning pitches. It isn't so much of a hinderance as much as you just have to rethink your approach slightly and I feel it has made my short game more refined.
[/quote]
I have the Gorge and the RTX wedges, which those grooves are getting "close" to what we once had, but not quite. I agree, little more height and roll out determinations with the conforming grooves. Having recently dropped the non-conforming SM2's back in the bag for fall golf and the firmer turf in the cold, it just made me realize what we used to have and I'd dread dropping coin on the new SM5's or the TVD's only to have them play second fiddle to my beat up Vokeys from years ago. I still have a couple SM1 heads in nice shape, so maybe I'll just sit this one out too. We'll see. Thanks.

[shankman92]

[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384281544' post='8138072']
[quote name='shankman92' timestamp='1384275541' post='8137448']
[quote name='mr_divots' timestamp='1384274981' post='8137370']
These look really nice. Was seriously considering some of the TVD Vokeys. But if there will be even more grinds...
Such an odd feeling having some '09 Spin Milled in the bag and wondering if each release will be as good as what I have, however.
Can anyone comment of levels of spin between the non-conforming Vokeys and the SM4 and TVG grooves?

(Tried to find this info amongst the S200 rant. Good gawd get over it!)
[/quote]

The SM4 spun ALMOST as much as the SM2 for me. Not quite but not enough to care and easy to adjust to.
I hope it's all back with the SM5 - My open face 60 to stop the ball is my go to shot around the greens and im looking to upgrade.
[/quote]
Any comparison to the non-conforming grooves like that of my red '09 Spin Milled? The SM2 were conforming, correct?
[/quote]


Im talking SM2 the old red grooves.

SM4 are great, Im sure SM5 will be perfect

[Walkerdb7]

[quote name='jmck' timestamp='1384272988' post='8137196']
Here's what they currently have, though it looks like the grind nomenclature is going to change a little with the SM5s ("F" grind added). [url="http://www.vokey.com/vokes-notebook/vokey-tour-grinds.aspx"]http://www.vokey.com...our-grinds.aspx[/url]
[/quote]


Do we have an explanation as to what an F grind is?

[knock it close]

[quote name='Walkerdb7' timestamp='1384309359' post='8140630']
[quote name='jmck' timestamp='1384272988' post='8137196']
Here's what they currently have, though it looks like the grind nomenclature is going to change a little with the SM5s ("F" grind added). [url="http://www.vokey.com/vokes-notebook/vokey-tour-grinds.aspx"]http://www.vokey.com...our-grinds.aspx[/url]
[/quote]


Do we have an explanation as to what an F grind is?
[/quote]Full Sole

[Big Ben]

I'm surprised one of the resident experts hasn't answered the question about these grooves, are they modified or improved in anyway vs last years model? Thanks...BB

[Big Ben]

I have stockpiled non-conforming wedges but its boring (sad to say honestly) not HO'ing wedges for years now, who knows I've never experienced modified grooves and I'm sure they would be perfectly fine. I 100% agree the ruling was a huge miss...BB

[shankman92]

[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1384566585' post='8156064']
I have stockpiled non-conforming wedges but its boring (sad to say honestly) not HO'ing wedges for years now, who knows I've never experienced modified grooves and I'm sure they would be perfectly fine. I 100% agree the ruling was a huge miss...BB
[/quote]

I agree the wedge groove rule is stupid but really the SM4 don't spin that much less than SM2 and from the fairway its the same. I just open up the face a bit with the 58 or 60 or whatever Im playing that Day SM4 and it checks up just fine. I love the SM4 short game has been 10x better getting a tiny bit of release

[WilliamTighe]

Ive read that these babies are coming out sometime in the first quarter. Do we have a set release date yet?

thanks,
WT

[station2station]

[quote name='Lesmond' timestamp='1381867835' post='8006259']
[quote name='Isaac_Newton' timestamp='1381867573' post='8006233']
[quote name='PingGuru' timestamp='1381866932' post='8006165']
[quote name='Isaac_Newton' timestamp='1381865729' post='8006049']
Titleist getting a free pass for offering cast wedges baffles me. I think Titleist makes great equipment, just not the wedges. Over priced, cast, and offer S200 as stock shafts. Who plays S200?
[/quote]

Cast wedges are every bit as good as forged wedges. I never understand it, b/c I have never been able to tell a difference in performance. Also, you can get S200, S300, S400, and X100 for no upcharge.
[/quote]

I understand you can get several shafts at no up charge. But when I walk into a golf shop and see 20 vokey wedges with S200 shafts it is rediculous. I would be interested to see how many special orders Cleveland or Callaway get for S200s. Probably near zero.

[b]I think most of us agree that forged irons either sound or feel better than cast.[/b] Why is this different with the wedges? And please don't cite the marketing crap from Vokey.
[/quote]

Sucks they only offer forged wedges in Japan. Every now and then it pops up in the BST. Some on eBay but they go for crazy prices.

SM5 should be at least no more than a $100 considering the stock s200 and cast wedge.

I am assuming it'll retail the same as the SM4? $129?
[/quote]

There is a notion abound on GolfWRX that cast = cheap and inferior. Bob Vokey has spoken about this issue and the soft-cast process. The market demands to $129 price tag and they get it - quality. It's the #1 wedge in golf for a reason. The #1 wedge in golf is not forged.

[ksavy17]

anyone have of more pics of these beauties??

[Bear Trader]

Def the ugliest looking of the SM wedges ever. Awful and truly horrid

[ksavy17]

[quote name='Bear Trader' timestamp='1385673062' post='8222464']
Def the ugliest looking of the SM wedges ever. Awful and truly horrid
[/quote]

I'm surprised by this, these are the best looking vokey's IMO

[dunn]

Same as sm4 which is same as spin milled....wedges dont change much

[phelps22]

[quote name='MWB' timestamp='1383300355' post='8087422']
Will be looking for some new wedges this spring. I like the idea of having more options for loft /bounce/grind combinations, was thinking SM4 M grinds 54/60 in oil can, will check out the SM5 in spring and if I can't find the combo I want I should be able to find the SM4 at a reduced cost.
As far as the S200 shafts, Vokey probably purchases at lower cost to improve profit while maintaining competitive market price point, as most common DG shaft to public is the S300 shafts. I happen to be a KBS guy but don't mind the DG 200 in the wedges.
[/quote]

Don't know what all the fuss is about with the s200 shaft as it has never been an issue in the past until one member decided to have an absolute meltdown on the subject. I bet if you took an s2 and s3 and had a blind test with a wedge 9 out of 10 people wouldn't even notice. Looks wise they are the same so it would really take someone with a real sensitivity to feel to notice the small difference in cpm's. Cost and profit margin is a pointless argument since both shafts would most likely cost the same per unit with the amount the OEM orders.

[bdcorbitt]

I'm sure these will live up to their name and once again be the best wedges available. Wish they rethought the release date.

[phelps22]

[quote name='bdcorbitt' timestamp='1385764085' post='8226102']
I'm sure these will live up to their name and once again be the best wedges available. Wish they rethought the release date.
[/quote]

No doubt they will. These will be hard to beat with all loft, bounce, grind, and custom options available.

[tyro]

Since we're talking about Vokeys and such, I have S400's in mine which I really like. They are a lot heavier and stiffer than the CFS stiff shafts in my irons. I actually prefer the more solid and heavy feel, especially on short and touchy shots. That said, what are the DG Spinner wedges like compared to the S200, 300, or 400?

About this square groove thing... A buddy of mine has a Callaway Jaws with the old square MD grooves and he can get tremendous spin. It will also fray the crap out of the cover of your Pro V1 when you are done.

[getitclose]

Anybody heard more on these? I would like to get a set before my yearly golf trip in Feb. I actually contacted Titleist and they didn't act like they could tell me much about an exact release date. They just said more pictures/info would be available come January at the PGA show?