Titleist Vokey SM5 Wedges: In-hand pics of all grinds and finishes

[Titleist_Baller]

I'm about to order a 54 (bent to 53) S grind and 58 K or S grind. Is the K grind still good for shots around the green? Only for soft conditions?

Torn between tour chrome and raw black.

[Icemanzacw]

I'm on the same page as you Baller. I'm leaning Tour Chrome because I think it'll hold up better over time. I can see myself getting tired of the black

Curious - were you considering the F grind for the 54? How did you land on the S?

[Titleist_Baller]

Iceman- I have a good buddy that is an instructor with Butch Harmon. He keeps saying the S grind is the best grind (thinks more people should try technique appropriate for that grind). I just got done playing 9 holes and really payed attention to the divots with my SM4s 56 M and 60 S grind. The 56 M was about as much divot as I would want. S can get pretty diggy.

Now I am tempted to just get the current TVD M 54 and TVD 58 K because I like the California chrome the best. I'm like you, think I would get tired of black. Like classic looks.

[crazygolfnut]

I will be looking at the Chrome in a 56.10. I don't take a divot and play out of hard sand. I am not sure is a S or a M would be the best. Looking for some more input on these.

[Toastman]

For those considering sticking with the SM4: certain models already unavailable in some finishes.

[TLfan]

[quote name='Titleist_Baller' timestamp='1393203342' post='8730916']
Iceman- I have a good buddy that is an instructor with Butch Harmon. He keeps saying the S grind is the best grind (thinks more people should try technique appropriate for that grind). I just got done playing 9 holes and really payed attention to the divots with my SM4s 56 M and 60 S grind. The 56 M was about as much divot as I would want. S can get pretty diggy.

Now I am tempted to just get the current TVD M 54 and TVD 58 K because I like the California chrome the best. I'm like you, think I would get tired of black. Like classic looks.
[/quote]

I'm gaming a 54 TVD M and a 58M handground, I had SM5's and the 60K is a lot of bounce at 11 for me where the M are perfect, I sold the SM5.

[Jeckert07]

Please tell me they are at least making SOME lefties in gold nickel! All I'm seeing in preorders are chrome and some black...oh man I'll be so bummed! Been waiting to order a 56 and 60 gold nickel since I first saw the pics! Anyone have an idea on which wedges are being offered in LH?

[knock it close]

[quote name='Jeckert07' timestamp='1393278688' post='8736766']
Please tell me they are at least making SOME lefties in gold nickel! All I'm seeing in preorders are chrome and some black...oh man I'll be so bummed! Been waiting to order a 56 and 60 gold nickel since I first saw the pics! Anyone have an idea on which wedges are being offered in LH?
[/quote] Black and tour chrome in LH all loft and bounce combos

[Jeckert07]

[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1393285202' post='8737474']
[quote name='Jeckert07' timestamp='1393278688' post='8736766']
Please tell me they are at least making SOME lefties in gold nickel! All I'm seeing in preorders are chrome and some black...oh man I'll be so bummed! Been waiting to order a 56 and 60 gold nickel since I first saw the pics! Anyone have an idea on which wedges are being offered in LH?
[/quote] Black and tour chrome in LH all loft and bounce combos
[/quote]

Well that's a good sign, any gold nickel at all?

[Chicago Lefty]

Any news in spin rates vs SM4?

[knock it close]

[quote name='Jeckert07' timestamp='1393290014' post='8738022']
[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1393285202' post='8737474']
[quote name='Jeckert07' timestamp='1393278688' post='8736766']
Please tell me they are at least making SOME lefties in gold nickel! All I'm seeing in preorders are chrome and some black...oh man I'll be so bummed! Been waiting to order a 56 and 60 gold nickel since I first saw the pics! Anyone have an idea on which wedges are being offered in LH?
[/quote] Black and tour chrome in LH all loft and bounce combos
[/quote]

Well that's a good sign, any gold nickel at all?
[/quote] Negative its all on the website now.

[np78]

[quote name='Chicago Lefty' timestamp='1393290382' post='8738064']
Any news in spin rates vs SM4?
[/quote]

would love to know

[Jeckert07]

[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1393291956' post='8738266']
[quote name='Jeckert07' timestamp='1393290014' post='8738022']
[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1393285202' post='8737474']
[quote name='Jeckert07' timestamp='1393278688' post='8736766']
Please tell me they are at least making SOME lefties in gold nickel! All I'm seeing in preorders are chrome and some black...oh man I'll be so bummed! Been waiting to order a 56 and 60 gold nickel since I first saw the pics! Anyone have an idea on which wedges are being offered in LH?
[/quote] Black and tour chrome in LH all loft and bounce combos
[/quote]

Well that's a good sign, any gold nickel at all?
[/quote] Negative its all on the website now.
[/quote]

Thanks for the help man...raw black it is then.

[TLfan]

[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393292715' post='8738356']
[quote name='Chicago Lefty' timestamp='1393290382' post='8738064']
Any news in spin rates vs SM4?
[/quote]



would love to know
[/quote]


No numbers but they spin more out of the rough, it's not a huge difference but there is one. I am still loving my Sm4 grooves but have a raw set of SM5 coming with the correct grinds so will move some pieces soon.

[Yellow Jacket]

[quote name='Titleist_Baller' timestamp='1393203342' post='8730916']
Iceman- I have a good buddy that is an instructor with Butch Harmon. He keeps saying the S grind is the best grind (thinks more people should try technique appropriate for that grind). I just got done playing 9 holes and really payed attention to the divots with my SM4s 56 M and 60 S grind. The 56 M was about as much divot as I would want. S can get pretty diggy.
[/quote]
The M produces bigger divots than the S, right? Doesn't the M have less effective bounce?

[saasgolfer]

Golf nickel? Didn't see that coming.

[Philipp]

Any news regarding removal of Raw Black finsih?
Rumors are that it cannot be removed as easily as the Oil Can (Coke, Vinegar, etc.).

Maybe glass-bead blasting?

[Philipp]

Did a little search. Below I quote from Team Titleist. (if quote is not OK, mods please delete).

[i]Greetings to all Team Titleist and Vokey Nation members,[/i]
[i]We certainly appreciate all of your input on various finish offerings in the Vokey lineup. The main reason we are offering Raw Black in SM5 is the popularity of the two black finishes in WedgeWorks (Black Ox and Graphite Ion). Oil Can has been declining in popularity for several years, so we felt it was time for a change in SM5. [/i]
[i]It is true that many Tour players use raw wedges. There are also quite a few that use our Tour Chrome finish. The main reason that the players use raw wedges is that Bob Vokey and Tour Rep Aaron Dill will make small tweaks to many players' wedges and it's much easier to do so with a raw wedge than grinding through the chrome. In addition, Tour players change wedges more frequently than most amateur golfers. [/i]
[i]The SM5 Raw Black finish is an unplated QPQ finish and will rust over time especially in the hitting area and on the grind. For those looking for a completely raw finish, check our our Hand Ground program through WedgeWorks at Vokey.com[/i]
[i]Regarding WedgeWorks, we have some very cool new offerings coming later this Spring. Stay tuned to Team Titleist and Vokey.com for more details! [/i]
[i]Regards from the entire Vokey Team,[/i]
[i]Dave N.[/i]
[i]Manager - Vokey Wedge Marketing[/i]

[Yellow Jacket]

[quote name='Philipp' timestamp='1393412044' post='8747918']
Did a little search. Below I quote from Team Titleist. (if quote is not OK, mods please delete).

[i]Greetings to all Team Titleist and Vokey Nation members,[/i]
[i]We certainly appreciate all of your input on various finish offerings in the Vokey lineup. The main reason we are offering Raw Black in SM5 is the popularity of the two black finishes in WedgeWorks (Black Ox and Graphite Ion). Oil Can has been declining in popularity for several years, so we felt it was time for a change in SM5. [/i]
[i]It is true that many Tour players use raw wedges. There are also quite a few that use our Tour Chrome finish. The main reason that the players use raw wedges is that Bob Vokey and Tour Rep Aaron Dill will make small tweaks to many players' wedges and it's much easier to do so with a raw wedge than grinding through the chrome. In addition, Tour players change wedges more frequently than most amateur golfers. [/i]
[i]The SM5 Raw Black finish is an unplated QPQ finish and will rust over time especially in the hitting area and on the grind. For those looking for a completely raw finish, check our our Hand Ground program through WedgeWorks at Vokey.com[/i]
[i]Regarding WedgeWorks, we have some very cool new offerings coming later this Spring. Stay tuned to Team Titleist and Vokey.com for more details! [/i]
[i]Regards from the entire Vokey Team,[/i]
[i]Dave N.[/i]
[i]Manager - Vokey Wedge Marketing[/i]
[/quote]
I would actually agree with this. From the WITB photos I've seen, tour players generally don't let their raw wedges get super rusty as we now know that rust decreases spin.

I'm a bit confused by Tour Chrome though, since I'd think glare would be a serious problem.

[SJP1]

Are there any updates from those who have hit them on how the SM5's feel compared to previous Vokeys?

[Dizz]

The new Gold Nickel finish is my favorite finish... here is a picture of my 50 degree that I got a couple weeks ago.

[attachment=2088694:IMG_1412.JPG]

Generally I don't like the wedges with finishes that also wear... Oil Can and the Black that wear quickly don't suit my eye as they age. However the tour wedges I have that are just raw look fantastic... I think that would be a popular finish.

Also-- just reading through some the posts I think it's imperative that you try to find a place to demo these wedges from grass. A lot of people don't know this but the bounce posted on the wedge is actually a number that the wedge will "play like" and not the actual bounce on the club. For example, the 60-04 L grind has a very thin, narrow sole that plays like a low bounce wedge where you need to be precise. BUT that wedge actually has about 14 degrees of bounce in its actual number.

With that said, they did a great job of making the grind and bounce easy to understand as they do play like the number says. The new line is great and the most complete line they've ever put to retail with a wedge and options that will work for everyone. The stock K grinds are awesome too IMO... I may put the 56.10S and the 60.11K in my bag this year too.

Someone asked about feel-- I think they have that traditional Vokey feel that most of their fans will be comfortable with... classic Vokey feel.

[knock it close]

[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1393460826' post='8753314']
The new Gold Nickel finish is my favorite finish... here is a picture of my 50 degree that I got a couple weeks ago.

[attachment=2088694:IMG_1412.JPG]

Generally I don't like the wedges with finishes that also wear... Oil Can and the Black that wear quickly don't suit my eye as they age. However the tour wedges I have that are just raw look fantastic... I think that would be a popular finish.

Also-- just reading through some the posts I think it's imperative that you try to find a place to demo these wedges from grass. A lot of people don't know this but the bounce posted on the wedge is actually a number that the wedge will "play like" and not the actual bounce on the club. For example, the 60-04 L grind has a very thin, narrow sole that plays like a low bounce wedge where you need to be precise. BUT that wedge actually has about 14 degrees of bounce in its actual number.

With that said, they did a great job of making the grind and bounce easy to understand as they do play like the number says. The new line is great and the most complete line they've ever put to retail with a wedge and options that will work for everyone. The stock K grinds are awesome too IMO... I may put the 56.10S and the 60.11K in my bag this year too.

Someone asked about feel-- I think they have that traditional Vokey feel that most of their fans will be comfortable with... classic Vokey feel.
[/quote] I think the problem with going to a completely raw wedge is titleist and golf shops would have tons of complaints from morons complaining that their wedge is rusting as they don't understand the principle of a raw wedge. I agree with you that they did a great job in labelling the effective bounce on the wedges and not the actual bounce. I for one can't wait to try out all the different grinds in the short game area.

[Hstead]

I think I am going to pick up a 54 most likely M in the Gold shortly. I am having a shoot out between the Vokey TVD K and the Edel right now, could play with either. I like the feel of the Vokey the best, look of the Vokey the best, but the Edel is better from the rough. Tough choice.

[np78]

what is the stock shaft with these?
S200 "wedge"?

Is there really any difference between stock and s300 or s400 or tour issue s400?

A couple grams?? Is it worth ordering with S300 or S400 or play stock? Can anyone tell a difference?

[Icemanzacw]

Has anyone had experience playing Vokey's with the KBS HI-Rev? I want to order my SM5 with those as I'm a big fan of the KBS Tour Shaft. I know the HI-Rev shaft has the same flight characteristics as the KBS Tours, with added spin. Appreciate any thoughts.

[Dizz]

[quote name='knock it close' timestamp='1393462674' post='8753552']
[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1393460826' post='8753314']
The new Gold Nickel finish is my favorite finish... here is a picture of my 50 degree that I got a couple weeks ago.

[attachment=2088694:IMG_1412.JPG]

Generally I don't like the wedges with finishes that also wear... Oil Can and the Black that wear quickly don't suit my eye as they age. However the tour wedges I have that are just raw look fantastic... I think that would be a popular finish.

Also-- just reading through some the posts I think it's imperative that you try to find a place to demo these wedges from grass. A lot of people don't know this but the bounce posted on the wedge is actually a number that the wedge will "play like" and not the actual bounce on the club. For example, the 60-04 L grind has a very thin, narrow sole that plays like a low bounce wedge where you need to be precise. BUT that wedge actually has about 14 degrees of bounce in its actual number.

With that said, they did a great job of making the grind and bounce easy to understand as they do play like the number says. The new line is great and the most complete line they've ever put to retail with a wedge and options that will work for everyone. The stock K grinds are awesome too IMO... I may put the 56.10S and the 60.11K in my bag this year too.

Someone asked about feel-- I think they have that traditional Vokey feel that most of their fans will be comfortable with... classic Vokey feel.
[/quote] I think the problem with going to a completely raw wedge is titleist and golf shops would have tons of complaints from morons complaining that their wedge is rusting as they don't understand the principle of a raw wedge. I agree with you that they did a great job in labelling the effective bounce on the wedges and not the actual bounce. I for one can't wait to try out all the different grinds in the short game area.
[/quote]

You're absolutely right about people complaining about raw wedges BUT I think the raw finish looks much better with wear than when the Oil Can or the Black Oxide starts to wear. Those black wedges look awful when they get rust blotches on them in my opinion. When my raw tour wedges get a little rust on them it looks normal and not nearly as bad. I also take care of them correctly but even going back to the Oil Can finish-- I thought those looked and wore better when you dropped them in Coke and made them raw versus the actual finish applied to them. Yes, they look perfect when new but not after 10-15 shots.

[Dizz]

[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393466476' post='8754080']
what is the stock shaft with these?
S200 "wedge"?

Is there really any difference between stock and s300 or s400 or tour issue s400?

A couple grams?? Is it worth ordering with S300 or S400 or play stock? Can anyone tell a difference?
[/quote]

It won't cost more money to simply order one with S200, S300 or S400 so at that point its up to the person buying the club, no? You can get S400 without the fancy label and $xx price tag. I can feel a difference between S200, S400 Tour Issue and X100 Tour Issue but it negligible. I put X100 Tour Issue in my 50 degree this time instead of my usual S400 but the higher lofted wedges I kept S4 in.

[np78]

do you notice any difference in spin between the old wedges and the SM5? I know it's early but curious if anyone has put these in play

[Dizz]

Short answer- no.

[FranOice]

Does this Wedge like cactus too? I ask myself the question for the French player "Dubush" ?!