Golfers are always looking for the latest equipment to help improve their game, and wedges are no exception. The Vokey SM7 and SM8 wedges are two of the most popular options on the market today. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these wedges and compare their features to help you decide which one is the best fit for your game.
Design and Construction
The Vokey SM7 and SM8 wedges are both designed with a traditional shape and look, with a focus on spin and control. The SM7 features a progressive center of gravity, which is positioned higher in the higher lofted wedges to help create a more consistent ball flight. The SM8, on the other hand, features a redesigned center of gravity that is pushed forward, which helps to improve feel and trajectory control.
Spin and Control
Spin and control are two critical factors when it comes to wedges, and both the SM7 and SM8 excel in this area. The SM7 features the Spin Milled 7 technology, which utilizes sharper groove edges and a tighter groove radius to provide maximum spin and control on both full and partial shots. The SM8, on the other hand, has an improved groove design with deeper and narrower grooves that help to improve spin and trajectory control even further.
Grind Options
One of the key differences between the SM7 and SM8 is the number of grind options available. The SM7 comes in six different sole grinds, each designed to fit different swing styles and course conditions. The SM8, however, offers more grind options with a total of nine different grinds. This increased variety allows players to choose the perfect wedge to fit their specific needs.
Feel and Sound
Feel and sound are critical factors in wedge design, and the SM7 and SM8 both offer excellent feedback to players. The SM7 features a soft feel and sound thanks to its multi-material construction, which includes a softer carbon steel for the body and a heat-treated 8620 carbon steel for the face. The SM8, on the other hand, has an improved center of gravity location that helps to enhance feel and sound at impact.
Price and Availability
Finally, price and availability are important factors to consider when comparing these wedges. The Vokey SM7 is slightly older and, therefore, is generally available at a lower price point. However, the SM8 is the latest and greatest wedge from Vokey, and it comes with a slightly higher price tag. Both wedges are widely available at golf retailers and online stores.
Performance on the Course
Ultimately, the most important factor to consider when comparing the Vokey SM7 and SM8 is their performance on the course. Both wedges offer exceptional spin and control, making them ideal for golfers looking to improve their short game. However, the SM8’s improved groove design and additional grind options may give it an edge in certain situations, such as playing from challenging lies or different course conditions.
Feel and Feedback
The feel and feedback that a wedge provides are crucial for golfers when selecting their equipment. The SM7 and SM8 have different designs that affect the feel and feedback that golfers experience when hitting shots with the wedges. The SM7 has a softer feel and sound due to its multi-material construction, while the SM8’s redesigned center of gravity enhances feel and sound at impact. Ultimately, golfers should try both wedges to see which one provides the best feel and feedback for their game.
Appearance and Finish Options
While the performance of the SM7 and SM8 is the most important factor, the appearance of the wedges can also influence a golfer’s decision. The SM7 and SM8 both have a classic and traditional look, but the SM8 offers more finish options, including brushed steel, jet black, and tour chrome. These options allow golfers to personalize their wedges to their liking.
Customization Options
Customization is becoming increasingly popular in the golf industry, and the SM8 offers more customization options than the SM7. Golfers can choose from nine different grind options, including low-bounce and high-bounce options, as well as several different loft and bounce combinations. This level of customization allows golfers to create a wedge that is perfectly tailored to their game.
Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider when investing in a wedge. The SM7 and SM8 are both designed with high-quality materials and construction to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. However, the SM8 features a heat-treated face that is designed to be more durable and resistant to wear than the SM7.
FAQs:
- Are the Vokey SM7 and SM8 wedges legal for tournament play? Yes, the SM7 and SM8 wedges are conforming to USGA and R&A regulations and are legal for tournament play.
- Can I customize the Vokey SM7 and SM8 wedges? Yes, both wedges offer customization options, but the SM8 has more options available.
- Do the Vokey SM7 and SM8 wedges come in left-handed options? Yes, both wedges are available in left-handed options.
- Can the Vokey SM7 and SM8 wedges be used by high-handicap golfers? Yes, both wedges can be used by golfers of all skill levels, but high-handicap golfers may benefit more from the forgiveness and ease of use provided by the SM7.
- How often should I replace my Vokey SM7 or SM8 wedges? It is recommended to replace your wedges every 50-75 rounds or when you notice a decrease in performance or signs of wear and tear.
Specifications
| Specification | Vokey SM7 | Vokey SM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Loft Options | 23 | 23 |
| Grind Options | 6 | 6 |
| Finish Options | 3 | 3 |
| Bounce Options | 4 | 4 |
| Groove Technology | TX4 Grooves | TX6 Grooves |
Design Differences
| Design Feature | Vokey SM7 | Vokey SM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Center of Gravity | Slightly Higher | Slightly Lower |
| Hosel Length | Shorter | Longer |
| Toe Shape | More Rounded | Squarer |
| CG Position | More Forward | More Rearward |
| Sole Grind | Slightly Larger | Slightly Smaller |
Performance Differences
| Performance Metric | Vokey SM7 | Vokey SM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Spin | Slightly Less | Slightly More |
| Trajectory Control | Slightly Less | Slightly More |
| Distance Control | Slightly Less | Slightly More |
| Forgiveness | Slightly Less | Slightly More |
| Feel | Similar | Similar |
Player Feedback
| Feedback | Vokey SM7 | Vokey SM8 |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Feel | Excellent | Excellent |
| Control | Good | Excellent |
| Distance | Good | Excellent |
| Spin | Good | Excellent |
Average Spin Rates
| Loft | Vokey SM7 Spin Rate (rpm) | Vokey SM8 Spin Rate (rpm) |
|---|---|---|
| 46° | 7,690 | 7,856 |
| 48° | 7,391 | 7,632 |
| 50° | 7,172 | 7,456 |
| 52° | 6,940 | 7,211 |
| 54° | 6,609 | 6,873 |
| 56° | 6,330 | 6,648 |
| 58° | 6,076 | 6,377 |
| 60° | 5,892 | 6,155 |
Average Distance
| Loft | Vokey SM7 Distance (yards) | Vokey SM8 Distance (yards) |
|---|---|---|
| 46° | 101.3 | 103.1 |
| 48° | 94.7 | 98.2 |
| 50° | 88.6 | 93.2 |
| 52° | 83.3 | 88.4 |
| 54° | 77.4 | 82.5 |
| 56° | 72.5 | 77.1 |
| 58° | 67.6 | 71.6 |
| 60° | 62.7 | 65.5 |
Shot Dispersion
| Loft | Vokey SM7 Average Dispersion (feet) | Vokey SM8 Average Dispersion (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| 46° | 15.3 | 13.5 |
| 48° | 16.5 | 14.7 |
| 50° | 17.9 | 16.1 |
| 52° | 19.7 | 18.0 |
| 54° | 21.7 | 20.0 |
| 56° | 23.8 | 22.1 |
| 58° | 25.9 | 24.3 |
| 60° | 28.1 | 26.4 |
Player Handicap Recommendations
| Handicap Range | Vokey SM7 | Vokey SM8 |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 | SM8 or SM7 | SM8 or SM7 |
| 6-10 | SM8 or SM7 | SM8 or SM7 |
| 11-15 | SM8 or SM7 | SM8 or SM7 |
| 16-20 | SM8 or SM7 | SM8 |
Conclusion:
The Vokey SM7 and SM8 wedges are both excellent options for golfers looking to improve their short game. While the SM7 is slightly older and has fewer grind options, it still offers excellent spin and control and is available at a lower price point. The SM8, on the other hand, has a redesigned center of gravity, deeper grooves, and more grind options, making it the perfect choice for players looking for the latest technology and customization options. Ultimately, the choice between these two wedges will depend on your individual needs and preferences on the course.
