Opinions on best Vokey wedge series

[myspinonit]

I'm on the SM4 bandwagon too. Presently I'm bagging a SM4 54.11M  and 58.09S  that I found in new/almost new condition.  Have  a spare slightly used SM4 54.11 head and a 56.11 M  and 60.07S that I used for a few years ready if needed. (And SM6 54.08 and 58.08 M if I decide to try them again, but they feel head -heavy and harsher to me for those touch shots.)

 

At almost 71 years old I hope I'm set for the future unless i find a buried rock in a bunker etc. All my wedges are shafted with 80g steelfiber for arthritis, so off the rack wedge options aren't an easy switch anyway. I play mine  a touch longer for SW and they still come in around D5 with the steelfiber. 

 

I did move from Vokeys briefly to try Ping Eye 3.0 wedges in the summer of 2021, and G425 irons all with Recoils. An expensive experiment. While I liked the spin of the Eye 3.0s, I found the Pings way too light, and sold them all after a month or so of frustration. Back to the SM4's and Miura irons.

Edited January 2, 2022 by myspinonit

[MyShortGameSucks]

Agree with all the posters saying the even #s are the best.  I liked SM4 back in the day and have been holding out on old SM6 even though  they were getting pretty beat up.  I had ordered SM7 when they came out but hated them.  Sold quickly and back to SM6.  Got some SM8 with Modus wedges shafts mid season and they are awesome.   I am sure the SM9 will be fine but going to stick with the SM8 for now.  To me wedges are all about comfort, trust and feel vs the latest tech.

Edited January 3, 2022 by MyShortGameSucks

[Whodamon1]

I played the 200 series forever. Actually switched to Mizuno briefly because I thought I was spinning my 200's too much.  But that was a short lived experiment.  I love my SM7's currently, but have intentionally not hit the SM8's yet.  However, I really wish I could find some more TVD's.  Played 2 sets of them until there were barely any grooves.  Will probably end up sending the TVD's to get refurbished at some point if for no other reason than just to look at.  They were just so gorgeous.  Not all of the stampings that the stock stuff gets.

[Gohigh]

I think wedges dont change much, and when they do, its always a mixed bag of reactions. I think I remember my wedge game being DIALED IN when I had my SM5s but I dont think it was the difference between SM4 and SM5 that helped that at all, but just rather my game at that time. I think perceptual differences is what we remember more rather than scientific reasons why one wedge is preferred over the other. 200 series (I still have a set!) were great, but I was 22 years younger back then! Combined that with mostly bent grass greens around here, I felt like I could spin that thing which ever way I wanted! Same wedges, fresh grooves (found a Newish Old Stock!), same course, slightly better short game, it does not react that same way it did long ago... I know balls have changed which might make a difference, but still... IMO, nostalgia is fun but science says newer wedges provide more consistent numbers throughout.

 

Having said this, the RED SAW Spin Milled wedges are the SPIN KING amongst Vokeys IMO. I have a set I take out from time to time, and my scorecard always seems to suffer a bit due to the ball not rolling out as much as Im used to. Better wedge than others? Not sure about that... Just spins more.

[Beak]

On 12/30/2021 at 12:32 PM, thezinfan said:

I've owned Vokeys from SM2 on in every series, and the only model I didn't like were the SM6/SM7 lower lofted clubs like 46-52.

I agree. I love my SM6 54 and 58, but my 50 is so idiosyncratic that I am replacing it. I don't ask to much of a gap wedge, consistent yardage on full shots and chipping 60 yards. The SM6 50 wasn't consistent for either. Sometimes, just dynamite, other days, it was a miserable club. Plus, it always looked like I was addressing it with a straight face but it pull hooked 25 yards half the time which made it difficult to aim. I am receiving it's replacement next week so will report back after playing it a couple of times.

[obsessed_golfer]

No love here fir the 400 series?  I still use my 452.08 at times......it is very versatile and just a fabulous chipping club......also the Vokey special grind 60-P

Edited January 15, 2022 by obsessed_golfer
added comment

[fred faldo]

On 12/30/2021 at 6:44 AM, Jskiser said:

Love my sm6 vokeys. They were the raw versions. I put them in CLR a few years ago and now they have this awesome patina. 

will they sti;; rust after the CLR?

[fred faldo]

On 12/30/2021 at 3:39 PM, Nessism said:

I restored these a while back and love the shape.  

I have the 258-12 of this series, versatile wedge for me as I use it from the sand and around the green with equal ease

[TourSpoon]

I will go with my SM4 54/10 TVD M Grind as my favorite of all time.  '

 

Does anyone know what the modern equivalent is to the old M grind? The regular SM4 was 54/11 so is it now the D grind? 

[iknowbagu]

Pretty much just going to parrot the general consensus

 

1a - SM8 (recency bias maybe?)

1b - 200 series

3 - SM4

[bopper53]

I have had good luck with mySM8 with the D Grind.

[Pepperturbo]

Let me preface this with I only played forged wedges for 25yrs to 2016 when I switched to Vokey SM6.  I expect to be upgrading woods and Vokey wedges in a few months but haven't decided Vokey will get another nod.  If I am honest with myself, every time I pick up a Vokey wedge I experience a fleeting forge material void.  That confirms head materials don't feel the same in my hands.  When I grab an old forged wedge and hit a chip down the hall, there's a momentary sense the ball is on the face fractionally longer, adding to the feel. 

 

I have followed each Vokey version since and not convinced there are any ongoing performance benefits stepping from SM7, SM8 to SM9 versions.  Tour players get paid and free replacements when ever.  Each version looks a tad nicer with Vokey claims minor internal adjustments but who can actually tell.  If Vokey has wedge design down, why hasn't his best surfaced?  Even though SM6's have worked reasonable well over many years, maybe it's time to revisit forge heads.

Edited February 2, 2022 by Pepperturbo

[dcfas]

On 2/2/2022 at 4:18 PM, Pepperturbo said:

Let me preface this with I only played forged wedges for 25yrs to 2016 when I switched to Vokey SM6.  I expect to be upgrading woods and Vokey wedges in a few months but haven't decided Vokey will get another nod.  If I am honest with myself, every time I pick up a Vokey wedge I experience a fleeting forge material void.  That confirms head materials don't feel the same in my hands.  When I grab an old forged wedge and hit a chip down the hall, there's a momentary sense the ball is on the face fractionally longer, adding to the feel. 

 

I have followed each Vokey version since and not convinced there are any ongoing performance benefits stepping from SM7, SM8 to SM9 versions.  Tour players get paid and free replacements when ever.  Each version looks a tad nicer with Vokey claims minor internal adjustments but who can actually tell.  If Vokey has wedge design down, why hasn't his best surfaced?  Even though SM6's have worked reasonable well over many years, maybe it's time to revisit forge heads.

I’m looking and wondering right now, as well. I’ve played Cleveland’s for ever, all the way back to the 588. My wedges right now are the new 588s. I’ve been watching the Vokey sm series and wondering if I should get on that bus.

 

So, should I go for the new sm9 or save a few bucks and get the sm8?

[LeftyMatt24]

I’ve liked sm8 over sm7 personally. I like the look and has performed for my swing really well with how the MOI is

[ChipNRun]

On 12/30/2021 at 1:40 PM, QuigleyDU said:

SM6s I think were the best. 

 

SM6 solid wedges, and innovative. Formalized the Progressive Center of Gravity.

Got quality time with SM6s at a major golf expo the spring they were launched. Really liked the 50* and 56* F-grind: 56* high bounce but didn't have a huge sole flange.

 

Later had a Titleist Tuesday Thursday rough fitting, but ended up with Callaway. (I got a huge price break on one Callaway wedge, and won another a few weeks later in a golf raffle.)

 

I greatly respect Vokey technology, but Callaway just has better feel. 

 

Edited March 7, 2022 by ChipNRun
Correct for day.

[CKaneb]

On 12/30/2021 at 8:53 AM, bladehunter said:

200 series and it’s not close. 
 

200 series tour issue with CC or sm4 grooves  ( same grooves different stampings  ) are the holy grail of vokey wedges.  

what makes these so special

[bladehunter]

8 minutes ago, CKaneb said:

what makes these so special

Just a smaller rounder profile wedge.  Weight down low.  Not like the later ones (sm6-7) where weight is moved up.  Plus the rarity.  Only ones they made with conforming grooves is for tour guys.  So not to easy to find. 

[CKaneb]

1 minute ago, bladehunter said:

Just a smaller rounder profile wedge.  Weight down low.  Not like the later ones (sm6-7) where weight is moved up.  Plus the rarity.  Only ones they made with conforming grooves is for tour guys.  So not to easy to find. 

ahhhh gotcha, so j bog standard 200 series vokey wedges have square grooves?

[bladehunter]

1 minute ago, CKaneb said:

ahhhh gotcha, so j bog standard 200 series vokey wedges have square grooves?

Yep. They do. 

[kstrong84]

I like the SM9s....the progressive flange thicknesses, and new grooves set them over the top.

[Pepperturbo]

On 3/6/2022 at 11:49 AM, dcfas said:

I’m looking and wondering right now, as well. I’ve played Cleveland’s for ever, all the way back to the 588. My wedges right now are the new 588s. I’ve been watching the Vokey sm series and wondering if I should get on that bus.

 

So, should I go for the new sm9 or save a few bucks and get the sm8?

Depends on if the differences matter to you.  I know there are differences in design, only I don't know specially what those differences are or how they would affect my play.  I think the COG is higher on the face and different grooves, which sounds interesting.  In my region they won't be in LGS until mid-March/Apr. 

[dcfas]

1 hour ago, Pepperturbo said:

Depends on if the differences matter to you.  I know there are differences in design, only I don't know specially what those differences are or how they would affect my play.  I think the COG is higher on the face and different grooves, which sounds interesting.  In my region they won't be in LGS until mid-March/Apr. 

Will have to try them out. I expect a full hour trying every possible grind! 

[MPAndreassi]

Definitely going to be in the minority here, but the SM8's were my personal favorites. I never cared for the Vokeys prior to the 8s. I played Cleveland and Callaway up until last season. Love the looks of the 9s now and preordered them. Should get to play them in the next few weeks. 

[dcfas]

22 hours ago, MPAndreassi said:

Definitely going to be in the minority here, but the SM8's were my personal favorites. I never cared for the Vokeys prior to the 8s. I played Cleveland and Callaway up until last season. Love the looks of the 9s now and preordered them. Should get to play them in the next few weeks. 

So, loved the 8’s but ordered the 9’s. Hmmm. When I get the opportunity to try them all out I’ll post back here.

[Theweekday]

Still playing my 50, 54, 58 setup of sm6’s. Thinking about a change either sm9’s or zip core. 

[Bye]

it is interesting to see how the standard bounce's have changed with the Vokey's over the generations. The soles have definitely gotten wider IMO. I was looking at the SM4 specs last night, the M grind spec is more like a D grind, I just remember the sole being narrower, which I prefer. 

 

 

[TourSpoon]

On 2/2/2022 at 4:18 PM, Pepperturbo said:

Let me preface this with I only played forged wedges for 25yrs to 2016 when I switched to Vokey SM6.  I expect to be upgrading woods and Vokey wedges in a few months but haven't decided Vokey will get another nod.  If I am honest with myself, every time I pick up a Vokey wedge I experience a fleeting forge material void.  That confirms head materials don't feel the same in my hands.  When I grab an old forged wedge and hit a chip down the hall, there's a momentary sense the ball is on the face fractionally longer, adding to the feel. 

 

I have followed each Vokey version since and not convinced there are any ongoing performance benefits stepping from SM7, SM8 to SM9 versions.  Tour players get paid and free replacements when ever.  Each version looks a tad nicer with Vokey claims minor internal adjustments but who can actually tell.  If Vokey has wedge design down, why hasn't his best surfaced?  Even though SM6's have worked reasonable well over many years, maybe it's time to revisit forge heads.

I am not sure there is anything really new in wedge design that is revolutionary and earth shattering, especially in the Vokey line. And if there is, its not really going to show up in your scoring to a significant degree over time. The real advancement is in being fit into grinds that fit our swings. My frustration is that they make these minor changes over the years and then start repackaging and its so hard to keep track of. The SM4 54 M grind had 11 degrees of bounce, the TVD had 10 and the new M has 8. Is it the same? I don't know but the D has 12. Point is, once you get set it changes. It was so much easier to just grab a 588 and know I was good. Like you said, when will the best surface and be called something like the Vokey classic. 

 

For a cast product, its really good, but I also know that some of the forged competitors do score better in "feel".  

[Pepperturbo]

5 hours ago, TourSpoon said:

For a cast product, its really good, but I also know that some of the forged competitors do score better in "feel".  

Grind specifics like bounce evolve, only essence stays the same.  Before the 2016 Vokey M in my bag, I played Scratch JLM, earlier Miura and before that, bought in late 80s, original Snake Eye wedges made by Ernie Vadersen; they were so outstanding, I bought 4 sets, 48'-60'.  Played them to 2012.  They are forged 1018, soft as butter, COG was high on the face, helped by a longer than normal weighted hosel, extra long ferrules.  Simply THE BEST wedges, still.  Anyway, toe and heel removal was more than the M, the sole was narrow, camber was minimal, bounce was progressive, 2'-5', and leading edge was sharper.  All of these adjustments were perfect for me.  Without order full-custom made, haven't found anything comparable, since.  I am all about feel with all my clubs, but more so with wedges.

 

Funny thing about Vokey SM9, they allegedly have very high on the face COG.  Versions prior much less so. 

Edited March 10, 2022 by Pepperturbo

[Thats two thus far Shooter]

Regardless of series TI S400's make any Vokey wedge a million times better. Took me a couple years to realize I need to just pay the extra amount. 

[Justsomeguy]

I've been in an Sm7 forever. 56 degrees bent 1 strong. Lower bounce forget the grind. It's amazing.

I moved into rtx 4 and just don't love it. Maybe it's shaft. Just feels way harder despite being forged.