SM8 Now in Stores: Ask Bob Vokey Q&A (Sweeps Inside)

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By Allan

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  • 418 Replies
  1. MSebben

    MSebben

    As wedges are hit over time their effectiveness gradually declines. Can you share data you have collected comparing number of hits to groove effectivity? How does your selection of metal used and machining techniques employed extend the effective life and usefulness of Vokey wedges?
    Best regards
  2. Bob Vokey

    Bob Vokey
    Carlsbad, CA

    Out on tour, Aaron (@VokeyWedgeRep) and I use the 4-3-2-1 rule. It shows that not all wedges wear out the same way. A tour player may go through 4-6 lob wedges per year, 3 sand wedges, 2 gap wedges and maybe only one pitching wedge. My director of engineering conducted a test a few years ago to really understand the loss of spin as grooves wear out: www.vokey.com/.../spin-performance.aspx

    As for our selection of metal – I’ve always used soft 8620 carbon steel in my wedges, and it’s for the feel. Feel is so important in wedge play. But we do apply a proprietary process we call localized heat treatment. It doubles the durability of the grooves, without changing the feel. I had a few of my top wedge testers try it out and they couldn’t tell the difference.
  3. Tmay

    Tmay

    Mr. Vokey,

    Is there a downside to going from a 5608 m grind SM6 to a 5410 S grind SM8 for Sand play. I play in FL so soft and hard conditions?
  4. greg p

    greg p
    Chicago 'burbs, IL

    How important is shaft choice? Would you recommend using the same ones as fitted in my irons?
  5. KTaggart

    KTaggart

    Mr. Vokey,

    I have been trying to decide how to fill my PW (46) and GW (50). How are the SM8s different from the T100s or MBs? It seems most of the tour professionals use the SM8s.

    Thanks, Kyle
  6. FStellitano

    FStellitano

    Forgot to add that the 56 has 10 degrees bounce and M grind.
    The 60 has 8 degrees bounce and M grind.

    Frank
  7. Chuck H

    Chuck H

    What is the optimum bounce for a sand wedge that is used in virtually all conditions around the green, for various shots (flop, blast, bump and check....)? We can only have a few in our bag, as you know!
  8. JStone

    JStone
    Charleston, SC

    Mr. Vokey;
    How do I determine the proper amount of bounce for my 58, 54, and 50 degree wedges. In addition, how beneficial would it be to use a 46 degree Vokey wedge for my pitching wedge as opposed to the wedge that comes with a particular iron set. Thanks so much Mr. Vokey
  9. ddef88c54f

    ddef88c54f

    What was the feedback from tour players regarding changes they'd like to see from the SM7 to the SM8?
  10. m G

    m G
    colchester, CT

    Bob outstanding job keeping innovations to the game
    nice wedges they are my go to clubs when I’m close looking forward to the new sm8
    Post Image
  11. Jordan B

    Jordan B

    Mr. Vokey/aka the Goat:

    I get a complete set of vokeys every year but sometimes juggle between the need for three wedges (P excluded, I use the MB in my combo set) or two. Is the need for three wedges related closer to a golfers ability to manipulate the two wedge system (by hitting knock-downs, 3/4 swings, etc), OR the course demands for distance on long par 4s and 5s where Im worried I’ll miss the opportunity to hit greens in regulation without the long iron I would have to sacrifice out of my bag to put the third wedge into play. That is, should I be more focused on getting really dialed in to my short game shots with 3 wedges that have smaller loft gaps or do you think you can be successful with two wedges based on current player set ups and trends? Trust me, all wedges in question are Vokeys!

    Thank you sir!!
    Post Image
  12. Mike N

    Mike N
    Canisteo, NY

    What is the most important criteria when choosing the grind/bounce of a wedge.
  13. CFitz-Maurice

    CFitz-Maurice
    Philadelphia

    With my SM7s I tend to get some inconsistent distances. Will the SM8s even these out?
  14. Bob Vokey

    Bob Vokey
    Carlsbad, CA

    Yes, the forward center of gravity was discovered in our testing by players asking this question. The forward CG will help the club face square at impact. This will help you hit your distances more consistently. It also increases the MOI for stability through impact.
  15. RCHURCH

    RCHURCH

    Allan B., Titleist Staff said:

    The wait is over. SM8 is officially available in golf shops!

    Talk about a hot start. SM8 has been the worst kept secret with record-setting adoption on the PGA TOUR, European Tour, and Korn Ferry. In its first 12 TOUR events, SM8 has already brought home 7 titles. 48% of the wedges at this week’s Bay Hill Invitational are Vokey Design and last week 57% of wedges in play at the Honda Classic were Vokey, including the winner: Sungjae Im.

    So what exactly is this secret sauce that has SM8 making so much noise on tours? For starters, you can find a lot of great SM8 insights on the Vokey website. But what better way to learn about SM8 than asking the man himself? 

    Please submit your SM8 questions below and we'll have Bob Vokey dive in to answer your questions on Wednesday, March 11th.

    SWEEPS: Simply submit your SM8 related question for Bob Vokey by replying to this thread below. 

    On Wednesday, March 11th, we will randomly select three (3) winner for a Vokey Store Prize Pack from all approved entries (submitted questions) made by Tuesday, March. 10, 2020 at 11:59 PM PT.

    ...

    Only one entry per person. If you send in multiple votes, you'll be disqualified from the contest.
    No purchase necessary. View complete rules here: http://www.titleist.com/company/Community-Policy.aspx#sweepstakes
    U.S. only. Here's some more info why: Why are Titleist sweepstakes U.S. only?

    I prefer the Raw wedges but I don't see that they are available in SM8's. Will they be a part of the line soon or should I upgrade to the SM7's that I was looking at. Thank you
  16. ColoradoGolfer

    ColoradoGolfer
    Aurora CO

    Mr. Vokey how much higher and how much spin were you able to get on the new SM8 wedges when you moved the the weight more forward? BTW, love the new SM8 wedges and just put the 52 and 56 wedges in my bag.
  17. l

    l

    Mr. Vokey,

    My Vokey wedges are 4 years old and I was interested in upgrading them this year. Does it make a difference whether the fitting is done at an outdoors grass range or on an indoor simulator? Is one more accurate than the other?


    Brian M
  18. DMayeda

    DMayeda

    I bend my SM7 F Grind 52.12 to 50, but heard you on a video saying to take a lower loft and add loft. Is there a specific reason? My guess is that you would have less offset your way. Thanks for the info!
  19. R. B

    R. B
    Hopkinsville, KY

    Military
    My irons have graphite shafts. This creates a large gap between my PW and 54 degree SW. is it possible to put a graphite shaft in a 50 degree SM8 ? If so, how does that change the way it plays ?
  20. SGULBRANDSEN

    SGULBRANDSEN

    Military
    Please explain whether all milled wedges are forged, or are some castings to begin with. Thanks
  21. Bob P

    Bob P

    I really like my SM7s. Why is it that I hear the big improvement in the SM8s is the movement of the CG? Does that truly give me a better feel?
  22. KMcVaney

    KMcVaney

    Hey Voke,

    Love the wedges, can’t wait to try out the SM8’s. Which angle of bounce is better for hard pan and which is best for soft turf? I live in Denver and we can tend to have quite the inconsistency in turf conditions. Keep up the incredible work on making the best wedges out there.

    Keith
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