Titleist SM8 Wedges: Pushing Wedge Performance Forward To A New Level

When Bob Vokey designs a new wedge with Titleist, his goal is to focus on three key areas every time: distance control, shot versatility, and spin. The SM wedge family has been breaking ground in those areas with each new model and now it is time for the SM8. With a newly reimagined progressive center of gravity, refined sole grinds, and 100%-inspected spin milled grooves, the SM8 wedges fit those three areas that drive better wedge play. See them in action in our exclusive video and read on to learn all about the latest short game designs from Titleist.

Titleist SM8 Wedges Review

Technology

The center of gravity in the Titleist SM8 wedges has taken a huge step forward, both literally and figuratively. These wedges have the most forward CG out of any wedge in the Vokey SM family.

By better aligning the center of gravity with where you make contact with the golf ball, there are a few major benefits. First, you get more consistent strikes and a more solid feel because the club squares more often. These wedges just want to square up at impact and do so easily because of the forward CG location. It also gives you more control over distance and trajectory since you are hitting the sweet spot more often.

Finally, you get a 7% boost in MOI numbers, which to golfers, means added forgiveness. To get the center of gravity more forward, Titleist uses longer hosel lengths and high-density tungsten weight low in the toe to create a better balance.

With the SM8 wedge, Titleist continues to make their wedges to the strictest tolerances for maximum spin. All of the spin milled wedges on each club face are 100% inspected to make sure they meet the exact specifications to give you the most long-lasting spin with every SM8 wedge.

The SM8 wedges are available with 6 different grind options to fit every type of swing and turf. Whether your angle of attack is steep, neutral, or shallow; or if you play on firm or soft ground, there is a sole shape to fit you.

• The F Grind is an all-purpose grind with a traditional full sole, designed to be used primarily on full swings and square face shots.
• The S Grind is designed for stability on full shots, best used for square-faced shots with a touch more versatility, based on feedback from Tour pro Steve Stricker.
• The M Grind, Bob Vokey’s favorite, is made for players who like to rotate the face open and shut for serious versatility around the greens.
• The D Grind is the “player’s high bounce wedge”. It features the same crescent shape of the M with a higher effective bounce for golfers with a steep angle of attack.
• The K Grind is the highest bounce grind in the lineup, designed to be the most forgiving for play out of bunkers.
• The L Grind has a narrow crescent shape for maximum versatility around the greens, but it is also the least forgiving.

Who It’s For

The Titleist SM8 wedges are great for players of all skill levels who want to fine-tune their wedge play. Players who like to be creative in their short game shots and are looking to fill out their bag with high-spinning, precise golf clubs will enjoy these new wedges. Because of the great variety in loft and grind combinations, every golfer is sure to find an SM8 wedge or two that will fit into their golf club set.

Performance

With the Titleist SM8 wedges, we measured their performance on two sides of the shot: how the club got through impact and how the ball reacted when it landed on the ground. The bounce and grind options really come into play with the first part of this equation.

Our product expert hit all the different grind options and found they all performed with the proper amount of bounce, never having a shot that dug in with the leading edge. The lower bounce options have the leading edge closer to the ground and tended to contact the ball a groove or two higher up on the face, leading to softer landing shots. Higher bounce options have a more raised leading edge so shots are hit lower on the face and tend to come out a little hotter and provide a little more roll.

On the back end of the shot, because Titleist SM8 wedges have grooves made for the maximum amount of spin, we saw every shot hit the green and check up immediately. Again, these wedges have so many options and are made to perform for every type of golfer, there is an SM8 wedge for every type of player and every type of wedge shot they would want to hit. our product tester had no problems pulling off all types of short game shots.

Appearance

The Titleist SM8 wedges have a classic wedge look that the Vokey designs are known for. They are available in three different finishes: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, and Jet Black. Three finishes give every golfer an option for a look they prefer. All three are clean at address. The club head is compact and captures the ball as a wedge should when preparing for your short game shots.

Feel & Sound

Titleist’s SM8 wedges sound and feel like a Vokey design wedge. Golfers who have hit any prior SM models will be familiar with the solid feel and pleasing sound when you impact the ball. In fact, with the more forward center of gravity better aligned with where you make contact with the golf ball, the SM8 wedges feel even better than ever before.