The New Titleist Vokey SM8 wedges arrive to replace the popular SM7, but is it any good?
This is the first time since the SM4 that Alex Etches has reviewed a Titleist Vokey wedge and there’s no better place than Yas Links, Abu Dhabi to test the latest Titleist SM8 wedge.
There are multiple options available within the SM8 range which targets different golfer requirements from turf conditions and the player’s angle of attack.
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PROGRESSIVE CENTER OF GRAVITY
SM8 features a reimagined progressive center of gravity, which produces the most accurate and forgiving Vokey wedge yet. Using tungsten weights and varied hosel lengths, the Vokey R&D team has moved the CG outside of the wedge head and placed it in front of the face, resulting in increased MOI and exceptional feel.
For the golfer, this means an optimized ball flight and a clubface that simply wants to square up at impact. SM8 accomplishes all of this while preserving the classic Vokey head shape players demand.
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SM8 wedge grooves are meticulously engineered through a proprietary Spin Milled process to maximize spin and durability. The process starts by cutting the face perfectly flat with a high speed saw. Then every groove is individually cut based on loft and finish; low lofts (46°-54°) are designed with narrower, deeper grooves, while higher lofts (56°-62°) have wider, shallower grooves.
Micro-grooves are individually cut in between grooves, which maximize spin on partial shots. A proprietary heat treatment is applied to the impact area which doubles the durability of the groove without impacting feel making it the most durable groove in golf. The process is only complete when every groove on every wedge head is 100% inspected for conformity to the rules of golf.
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F-GRIND
The F grind is an all-purpose grind that is particularly suited for full shots and shots hit with a square face. Ideal for players who prefer a traditional wedge sole. The F grind is the most played sand wedge on Tour including Justin Thomas, Ian Poulter and Charlie Hoffman.
M GRIND
The M Grind, Voke’s favorite, is designed for players that like to rotate the clubface open and closed to manufacture shots around the green. Ideal for players with a shallower, more sweeping swing type who play shots from a variety of clubface positions. Played by Charles Howell III, Patrick Cantlay and Cam Smith.
S GRIND
The S Grind features a full sole that has been narrowed by a trailing edge grind, giving it a faster feel through the turf. The S Grind is best for neutral to firm conditions and for players that like to control loft with their hands ahead or behind the ball. Played by Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, and Lanto Griffin.
D GRIND
The D grind blends versatility from a heel, toe, and trailing edge grind and forgiveness with its high measured bounce. The D Grind is ideal for players with a steeper angle of attack who play shots from a variety of clubface positions.
K GRIND
The K Grind is the highest bounce wedge in the lineup, and is the ultimate bunker club. The K Grind is a wide, full sole wedge with enhanced camber to make it forgiving from a variety of sand and turf conditions. Played by Justin Thomas, Adam Scott and Webb Simpson.
L GRIND
The L Grind is the lowest bounce grind option in the mix. The heel, toe, and trailing edge relief allow for maximum greenside versatility. The L Grind is perfect for firm conditions and designed for precise players. It is ideal for players that have complete control of impact looking for maximum shot-making versatility. Played by Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker, and JT Poston.
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Hey Guys, I’m Alex Etches and I’m a golf professional and product reviewer. If you don’t know me, I started playing golf from 10 years old, turned professional at 22 in the UK and have been creating entertaining and informative golf content on different platforms for the last 10 years. My home is now AUSTRALIA and I hope to take you around some of the best golf courses from down under.
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