As the head golf coach at Tell Me More Golf, with over 50 years of coaching experience, I get a lot of questions about Vokey wedges.

Golfers often wonder which wedge is best for them, and it can be incredibly challenging for high handicappers.

This article will explore the differences between the SM8 and SM9 Vokey wedges and which are better suited for high handicappers.

We’ll also look closely at the features that make Vokey wedges unique, including the various grind options and the Spin Milled face.

By the end of this article, you’ll better understand which Vokey wedge is right for you.

Titleist Vokey SM8 vs SM9 Comparison

The Titleist Vokey SM8 and SM9 wedges are exceptional clubs, but some key differences separate the two. 

One of the most significant differences is the spin. The SM9 offers higher spin rates due to its improved Spin Milled face, which features 16 cut grooves to increase spin and durability.

On the other hand, the SM8 is a bit more forgiving and has a larger sweet spot, which makes it easier to hit high and soft shots.

Another difference between the two is the center of gravity. The SM8 has a center of gravity pushed forward from the face. In contrast, the SM9 has an improved CG that helps with forgiveness and makes the face square at impact, resulting in better trajectory control and optimized regularity.

When it comes to looks, the SM9 has a more modern look with a jet-black finish, while the SM8 has a traditional silver finish. 

However, both wedges have a sleek and stylish design that will make any golfer feel confident and professional.

Titleist Vokey SM8 Specs

Titleist Vokey SM8 wedges are high-performance clubs designed for golfers who want to take their short game to the next level.

These wedges feature many specs that make them stand out from the competition.

Here are the specs for the Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges:

• Loft options range from 46 to 62 degrees
• Grind options: F, S, M, D, K, and L grind
• Spin Milled grooves with a variable depth and width are individually cut for each wedge loft to increase spin and control
• Progressive CG design with high-density tungsten in the toe to improve stability, feel, and distance control
• V-Shaped sole for improved turf interaction and versatility
• TX4 grooves for longer-lasting spin and durability
• Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, and Jet Black finishes
• Available in both right and left-hand orientations
• Custom fitting options include shaft, length, and grip adjustments

Titleist Vokey SM9 Specs

The Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges are the newest addition to the Vokey line. They are designed with a new cutting process that cuts grooves according to the loft of each club to increase spin and enhance durability.

Here are the specs for the Titleist Vokey SM9 wedges:

• Loft range: 46° to 62°
• Available grinds: M, S, F, D, K, L
• Center of gravity location: Progressive CG
• Face technology: Spin Milled Grooves with 100% inspected tight tolerances
• Finish options: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black
• Spin rate: up to 8200 RPM
• Launch angle: 30-35 degrees
• Stock shafts include: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 (steel) or Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge Flex (graphite)
• Stock grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 White Flat Cap
• Price: high-end but similar to other premium wedges on the market

Is The SM8 Or SM9 For High Handicappers?

Both the Titleist Vokey SM8 and SM9 are excellent choices for high handicappers. However, the choice between the two depends on what you want in a wedge. 

The SM8 is more forgiving, while the SM9 offers more spin and trajectory control.

The SM8 

If you’re a high handicapper struggling with inconsistent ball flight and distance, the SM8 might be your better choice.

Its V-shaped sole design lowers the center of gravity, making it easier to hit the ball high and soft. Additionally, the SM8 has a larger sweet spot, which makes it more forgiving of off-center hits.

The SM9

However, if you’re a high handicapper looking to improve your short game and control around the greens, then the SM9 might be the better choice. 

Its Spin Milled face and 16 grooves provide more spin, allowing you to stop the ball faster on the green. 

The SM9 also has an improved center of gravity, resulting in better trajectory control and optimized regularity.

Ultimately, both the SM8 and SM9 are excellent choices for high handicappers. It comes down to personal preference and what you want in a wedge.

SM7 Vs SM9

The SM9 is a significant upgrade from the SM7, offering better spin and trajectory control. 

One of the most notable differences is the new cutting process used to cut the grooves on the clubface. This cutting process is designed to increase spin and enhance durability. 

It ensures that the grooves in the lower lofts are deeper and narrower while those in the higher lofts are broader and shallower. This results in more spin and better control over the ball, regardless of the loft.

Moreover, the SM9 has an improved center of gravity compared to the SM7. This enhanced center of gravity makes the club more forgiving and helps to make the clubface square at impact. 

This increased forgiveness, combined with enhanced spin and trajectory control, makes the SM9 an excellent choice for high handicappers looking to improve their game. 

The SM7 is still a great wedge, but the SM9’s improvements make it a better option for golfers looking for optimal performance.

TellMeMoreGolf.com – Frequently Asked Questions

Are Vokeys the best wedges?

Vokey wedges have earned their reputation as some of the best golf wedges on the market. They are designed with input from top PGA tour players and are made using premium materials and innovative technologies.

A critical factor that makes Vokey wedges so highly regarded is their exceptional spin, consistency, and control. This performance is achieved through the Spin Milled face technology. This unique cutting process creates precise grooves with maximum spin and ball control.

In addition to their exceptional performance, Vokey wedges also provide golfers with a wide range of loft, bounce, and grind options. This versatility allows golfers to customize their wedge game to suit their needs and playing conditions.

Overall, the exceptional performance, feel, and versatility of Vokey wedges have made them a top choice for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to PGA tour players.

Other highly regarded wedges that could be a great addition to your golf bag include:

• Callaway Jaws Raw
• Cleveland RTX ZipCore
• Mizuno T22
• Ping Glide 4.0:
• TaylorMade Milled Grind 3

What is special about Vokey wedges?

Vokey wedges are widely recognized as some of the best golf wedges available due to their innovative design and technology. 

They are specifically crafted with input from PGA Tour players and constructed using premium materials to deliver optimal performance on the course.

One key feature that sets Vokey wedges apart is their Spin Milled technology, which produces exceptional spin and control on wedge shots. 

In addition, the wedges are designed with precise grooves, grinds, and bounce options to suit a golfer’s swing type and the conditions of the course.

Vokey wedges also have optimized center of gravity, hosel, and clubface designs, ensuring maximum performance with every shot. They are also highly customizable, with shafts, grips, and finish options to match a golfer’s preferences.

Overall, the combination of tour-proven design and innovative technology makes Vokey wedges a top choice for golfers looking to improve their short game.

Which is better, the SM8 or SM9?

Both the SM8 and SM9 Titleist Vokey wedges are excellent options for golfers. The choice between the two depends on individual needs and preferences. 

The SM9 wedge is ideal for golfers looking to optimize their short game with more spin and trajectory control. 

The SM9 features a new cutting process that cuts grooves according to the loft of each club, resulting in deeper and narrower grooves in lower lofts and broader and shallower grooves in higher lofts. 

Additionally, the SM9 has an improved center of gravity that helps with forgiveness and makes the face square at impact. 

The SM8 is more forgiving and less expensive than the SM9, making it an excellent option for golfers who want a high-quality wedge without breaking the bank.

What Vokey wedge grind is best for high handicappers?

As a high handicapper, choosing the right Vokey wedge grind is crucial for your short-game success. However, it ultimately depends on your swing type and playing conditions.

The F grind might be the right choice if you have a steeper swing. On the other hand, the M grind could be the best option for a shallower swing.

If you are playing on firmer turf conditions, the L grind might suit you better. However, if you are playing in softer conditions, the D grind might be your best option. 

Finally, the K grind is designed with the highest bounce and is perfect for bunkers.

Consider a custom fitting session to find the best grind for your game. This way, you can get personalized advice and make sure you choose the correct grind to optimize your short game.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Vokey wedges are undoubtedly some of the best on the market today, designed to cater to the needs of golfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

The SM8 and SM9 are excellent choices, with their unique features and performance attributes that distinguish one from the other.

The SM9 has a more modern look, with higher spin and trajectory control, making it the perfect choice for low and mid-handicappers.

Meanwhile, the SM8 is more forgiving and better suited for high handicappers.

The grind options, loft ranges, center of gravity, feel, and price are key factors when choosing the right Vokey wedge.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and preferences, so trying out different options and getting fitted by a professional is essential.