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

[Hokie2k5]

I'd very much like to try and get my hands on a 56/10 M Grind and the 60/8 M Grind to try. I have Scratch wedges right now and are about in need of getting replaced so I'm trying to match them up as best as possible.

The M looks to be the closest match both by specs and the grind. But how they react in the turf is another story...

[h0rnwp]

i didnt see an oil can finish. is that finish still available in the new sm5

[Yellow Jacket]

[quote name='h0rnwp' timestamp='1393562016' post='8762980']
i didnt see an oil can finish. is that finish still available in the new sm5
[/quote]
From the last page:

[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 [url="http://viglink.pgpartner.com/rd.php?r=8569&m=1489854988&q=n&rdgt=1393276416&it=1393449216&et=1393881216&priceret=129.99&pg=~~3&k=7e327b59b2bdae02da9a2e06e6e8449a&source=feed&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egolfdiscount%2Ecom%2Ftitleist%2Dvokey%2Dsm5%2Draw%2Dblack%2Dwedge%3Fgdftrk%3DgdfV28090%5Fa%5F7c2661%5Fa%5F7c11401%5Fa%5F7c65530&st=feed&mt=~~~~~~~~n~~~"]Raw Black[/url] 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 [url="http://viglink.pgpartner.com/rd.php?r=8569&m=1489854988&q=n&rdgt=1393276416&it=1393449216&et=1393881216&priceret=129.99&pg=~~3&k=7e327b59b2bdae02da9a2e06e6e8449a&source=feed&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egolfdiscount%2Ecom%2Ftitleist%2Dvokey%2Dsm5%2Draw%2Dblack%2Dwedge%3Fgdftrk%3DgdfV28090%5Fa%5F7c2661%5Fa%5F7c11401%5Fa%5F7c65530&st=feed&mt=~~~~~~~~n~~~"]Raw Black[/url] 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 [url="http://vokey.com/"]Vokey.com[/url] for more details! [/i]
[i]Regards from the entire Vokey Team,[/i]
[i]Dave N.[/i]
[i]Manager - Vokey Wedge Marketing[/i][color=#282828] [/color]

[scratchswinger]

A local fitter and friend just received all the grinds, lofts and finishes. I spent over an hour hitting about 10 different grind, loft combos. I hit pretty much every type of shot that I could think of, off several different lies, rough, sand, etc.... The ground and sand are very wet here so it gave a good idea of how the grinds will play in soft conditions. I was very impressed with the entire line, came very close to walking out with a 3 wedge set. The only thing that stopped me are the future TVD options and I want to see how the TMAG's perform.

The 62° T and 60° L were my two favorite wedges. If I were to get the L I would probably get the 58° and bend it to 60° to add a little bit of bounce as it will dig a little if you get steep. The L grind was the best performer for me, just had to make sure that I did not get too steep and use the bounce it has. It was really good from the rough and the wet sand.

I liked the F and S grind in the gap and sand wedge, preferred the narrow sole as I normally do not open those lofts up that much when I play. They were less versatile around the greens than the M around the greens, but I liked the narrow sole more on full shots and squared faced shots around the green.

The head shape looked a tad bigger to my eye than my TVD's that I had with me, still the classic Vokey shape and feel but just a tad bigger. It was not a bad thing...

Regarding the finishes, I thought the chrome was by far the best stock finish. However I would probably get the black and coke it to raw. I would give this wedge 5 stars in every category if there was no Gold Nickel, to me that finish is a mistake. It's very gold and border line gaudy, reminds me more of Homma than Vokey. I personally don't see a lot of better players buying that finish and I highly doubt that it will be released on the next line of Vokey's (or JP's in a few years). The Gold Nickel is literally the only negative thing that I saw today. Other than that Voke knocked it out of the park. I would have preferred to see a chrome, raw and slate finish.

There are definitely a lot of options and after hitting them, the models I ended up liking most were the models that I did not expect to like. I think it would be wise for anyone planning to purchase to make sure you hit them on real grass before you pull the trigger, unless you are very confident in what you want. Vokey did a wonderful job on bringing a boat load of options to retail, there really is not other wedge that competes in those regards.

[attachment=2093818:IMG_1169.JPG]

Here is my TVD M next to the SM5 M

[attachment=2093832:IMG_1170.JPG][attachment=2093834:IMG_1171.JPG]

[knock it close]

Thanks for the info scratch, I play the 60.04 L sm4 right now and love it around the green however it does dig a little was thinking the same thing as you getting the 58.04 and bending it 1 or 2 weak. I'm almost certain I'm going to go s in the 54*. Like I said L is the leading contender for the 60* with M probably in second, I'm interested to try the K as well as it has been raved about here. Going to wait till I get home from school to try out the different grinds in the lob wedge and go from there. I also agree with your verdict on the L grind from the sand, the lack of effective bounce doesn't seem to hinder it at all from the bunker. I'm also pretty much certain that I'm going to go raw black, just know the finish is going to be more difficult to remove than the oil can, atleast that is what Team Titleist is saying

[np78]

52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393719871' post='8774148']
52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges
[/quote]

I want to like the S but I don't think it's the most versitale grind. With that said, if I come back to the SM5s after testing the TMAGs the S will get another crack.

[Jeckert07]

Great info Scratch, thanks! Just to clarify, if you were to get a 54 and 58 combo (54 for 3/4 to full shots and 58 for greenside and bunkers) would you go 54s and 58m or both s?

[np78]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393720285' post='8774208']
[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393719871' post='8774148']
52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges
[/quote]

I want to like the S but I don't think it's the most versitale grind. With that said, if I come back to the SM5s after testing the TMAGs the S will get another crack.
[/quote]

I usually play pretty straight face wedges shots - the 58 S SM4 was amazing for me and allowed me to open it up a bit.

Would the K grind basically be the F sole? Whats the difference? Just a bit wider? Can the wedge be opened?

[Puppetmaster]

For those who haven't already seen it, the SM5 page has nice diagrams of the sole grinds and how they differ. Scroll halfway down immediately after the grind chart.

[url="http://www.titleist.com/golf-clubs/wedges/sm5.aspx"]http://www.titleist.com/golf-clubs/wedges/sm5.aspx[/url]

[Puppetmaster]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393720285' post='8774208']
[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393719871' post='8774148']
52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges
[/quote]

I want to like the S but I don't think it's the most versitale grind. With that said, if I come back to the SM5s after testing the TMAGs the S will get another crack.
[/quote]

Really nice writeup, Scratch. Thanks for taking the time to post.

I take it you tried the TVD-K previously and SM5 K, how did the S compare to those? Like you, I'm a TVD-M user, but curious about the full sole grinds. On paper, the S interests me the most.

[Sidetracked]

Nice review Scratch. Think I am going to go all Raw Black, 50.08F bent to 51, 56.14F bent to 55, and 60.11K bent to 59.

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393724468' post='8774664']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393720285' post='8774208']
[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393719871' post='8774148']
52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges
[/quote]

I want to like the S but I don't think it's the most versitale grind. With that said, if I come back to the SM5s after testing the TMAGs the S will get another crack.
[/quote]

I usually play pretty straight face wedges shots - the 58 S SM4 was amazing for me and allowed me to open it up a bit.

Would the K grind basically be the F sole? Whats the difference? Just a bit wider? Can the wedge be opened?
[/quote]

K has a wider sole and more camber than the F, the leading edge sits off the ground when opened on the K. The F has a trailing edge ribbon that acts as a second grind when opened and takes away some of the camber/bounce.

The thought or theory behind opening wide sole/ high bounce wedges is that you can in essence slide the wedge across the ground (leading edge stays up and wont dig) and the leading edge only needs to get under the equator of the ball to get it up. It works if you are good at it. I played the K for a while and had a honeymoon period and then the relationship spiraled out of control rather quick. Ended up hitting a lot of very thin shots when I was trying to play opened faced, soft shots.

If you look at the pro bags most of those guys are using the tour only low bounce K grinds.

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1393725498' post='8774784']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393720285' post='8774208']
[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393719871' post='8774148']
52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges
[/quote]

I want to like the S but I don't think it's the most versitale grind. With that said, if I come back to the SM5s after testing the TMAGs the S will get another crack.
[/quote]

Really nice writeup, Scratch. Thanks for taking the time to post.

I take it you tried the TVD-K previously and SM5 K, how did the S compare to those? Like you, I'm a TVD-M user, but curious about the full sole grinds. On paper, the S interests me the most.
[/quote]

S and K were night and day. S is a much more narrow sole, less bounce, etc.... The S is like the Vokey 200 series grinds if you are familiar with those.

[Puppetmaster]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393727554' post='8775042']
[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1393725498' post='8774784']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393720285' post='8774208']
[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393719871' post='8774148']
52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges
[/quote]

I want to like the S but I don't think it's the most versitale grind. With that said, if I come back to the SM5s after testing the TMAGs the S will get another crack.
[/quote]

Really nice writeup, Scratch. Thanks for taking the time to post.

I take it you tried the TVD-K previously and SM5 K, how did the S compare to those? Like you, I'm a TVD-M user, but curious about the full sole grinds. On paper, the S interests me the most.
[/quote]

S and K were night and day. S is a much more narrow sole, less bounce, etc.... The S is like the Vokey 200 series grinds if you are familiar with those.
[/quote]

Thanks, funny that I was just considering ordering a 260 from Wedge Works before they discontinue them. My hesitation was that I wanted to try the S first.

[knock it close]

[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1393731571' post='8775530']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393727554' post='8775042']
[quote name='Puppetmaster' timestamp='1393725498' post='8774784']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393720285' post='8774208']
[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393719871' post='8774148']
52F and 58S

or 52F 56S and 60S...


Awesome looking wedges
[/quote]

I want to like the S but I don't think it's the most versitale grind. With that said, if I come back to the SM5s after testing the TMAGs the S will get another crack.
[/quote]

Really nice writeup, Scratch. Thanks for taking the time to post.

I take it you tried the TVD-K previously and SM5 K, how did the S compare to those? Like you, I'm a TVD-M user, but curious about the full sole grinds. On paper, the S interests me the most.
[/quote]

S and K were night and day. S is a much more narrow sole, less bounce, etc.... The S is like the Vokey 200 series grinds if you are familiar with those.
[/quote]

Thanks, funny that I was just considering ordering a 260 from Wedge Works before they discontinue them. My hesitation was that I wanted to try the S first.
[/quote] I agree with scratch that the s and 200 should be fairly similar, I think the only difference is that the s grind is a little more aggressive

[np78]

any updates on the spin??

[Farst]

preordered a 54M and a 60L I hope the new grinds are similar to current

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='np78' timestamp='1393736109' post='8775886']
any updates on the spin??
[/quote]

I was spinning them really good, but they were brand new wedges with fresh grooves. Spin is good and I could not be concerned with that. Also I was using premium balls around the practice green, balls were not shredded and this was up to 50 yards.

[roseylv]

The SM5's are definitely on my radar for future purchase. My SM4's are getting a bit rough around the edges. But....as I look through WITB at guys that play vokey wedges it seems as though most of the PGA tour guys have stuck with the SM4's. Am I mistaken?

[knock it close]

[quote name='roseylv' timestamp='1393741808' post='8776178']
The SM5's are definitely on my radar for future purchase. My SM4's are getting a bit rough around the edges. But....as I look through WITB at guys that play vokey wedges it seems as though most of the PGA tour guys have stuck with the SM4's. Am I mistaken?
[/quote] I've seen alot more sm5's lately than sm4's pretty much everything not sm5 is 200 series or a prototype

[KPH808]

Great review, def my next set of wedges but going to wait until summer to see what else Vokey will offer. More additions to hand ground or a new TVD SM5?

[DNice26]

Anyone happen to know what Vokey grind is equivalent to the Mizuno MP R12 wedges? I love my R12 SW....probably best wedge I've owned. Have the LW to match but don't like it as much as the SW. Thanks!

[Philipp]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393716111' post='8773792']
Regarding the finishes, I thought the chrome was by far the best stock finish. However I would probably get the black and coke it to raw. I would give this wedge 5 stars in every category if there was no Gold Nickel, to me that fin
[/quote]
You can't "coke" them.

[Hookshot33]

[quote name='Philipp' timestamp='1393781021' post='8778274']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393716111' post='8773792']
Regarding the finishes, I thought the chrome was by far the best stock finish. However I would probably get the black and coke it to raw. I would give this wedge 5 stars in every category if there was no Gold Nickel, to me that fin
[/quote]
You can't "coke" them.
[/quote]

Yes you can, the black is the raw option in the SM5s

[Sidetracked]

[quote name='Philipp' timestamp='1393781021' post='8778274']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1393716111' post='8773792']
Regarding the finishes, I thought the chrome was by far the best stock finish. However I would probably get the black and coke it to raw. I would give this wedge 5 stars in every category if there was no Gold Nickel, to me that fin
[/quote]
You can't "coke" them.
[/quote]

There has to be some way to remove the finish if it is really a raw black finish. Don't know if Coke will work, but I will be trying several options until I figure it out.

[Pure716]

Could someone elaborate the beinifts of "coking" it to a raw finish? Either way, it's still going to be a raw steel, correct? So, what effect does adding the rust give the wedge?

I don't mean to come off wrong, I'm genuinely curious.

[KevCarter]

[quote name='FSUbulldog' timestamp='1393788278' post='8779072']
Could someone elaborate the beinifts of "coking" it to a raw finish? Either way, it's still going to be a raw steel, correct? So, what effect does adding the rust give the wedge?

I don't mean to come off wrong, I'm genuinely curious.
[/quote]

Simply cosmetic. Some prefer the look.

[Pure716]

[quote name='kevcarter' timestamp='1393789432' post='8779186']
[quote name='FSUbulldog' timestamp='1393788278' post='8779072']
Could someone elaborate the beinifts of "coking" it to a raw finish? Either way, it's still going to be a raw steel, correct? So, what effect does adding the rust give the wedge?

I don't mean to come off wrong, I'm genuinely curious.
[/quote]

Simply cosmetic. Some prefer the look.
[/quote]

Thanks! I thought I heard the rust had some effect on spin; if I remember correctly, it was in the New Taylormade Wedge thread?

[KevCarter]

[quote name='FSUbulldog' timestamp='1393789885' post='8779240']
[quote name='kevcarter' timestamp='1393789432' post='8779186']
[quote name='FSUbulldog' timestamp='1393788278' post='8779072']
Could someone elaborate the beinifts of "coking" it to a raw finish? Either way, it's still going to be a raw steel, correct? So, what effect does adding the rust give the wedge?

I don't mean to come off wrong, I'm genuinely curious.
[/quote]

Simply cosmetic. Some prefer the look.
[/quote]

Thanks! I thought I heard the rust had some effect on spin; if I remember correctly, it was in the New Taylormade Wedge thread?
[/quote]

We used to think that, but we were proven wrong years ago...