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

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By Allan

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  • 418 Replies
  1. Allan

    Allan
    California

    Team Titleist Staff

    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?
  2. GMaynard

    GMaynard

    Military
    What is the most important improvement of the SM8 over the SM7 , that I was fitted for at the Pinehurst event last year ?

    Semper FI
  3. Troy W

    Troy W

    Top 3 advantages for getting fitted for the SM8 wedges?
  4. Michael R

    Michael R

    Will there be a limited edition slate blue version of the SM8 like there was for the SM7?
  5. WJanner

    WJanner

    When you get fitted can shaft length effect spin control
  6. Bob Vokey

    Bob Vokey
    Carlsbad, CA

    Forward CG. We continue to improve the CG, which improves feel, consistency, and has increased stability through impact.
  7. Mike r

    Mike r
    Amherst, OH

    Bob, what drives you every day to try to perfect a wedge that in my opionion was already perfect in the SM7, then to make the SM8 even better. It cant be easy. Thanks Mike PS someday I hope to meet you in person.
  8. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    Mr. Vokey, when choosing the grind/bounce of a wedge, does downswing angle trump course/sand conditions, or vice versa?

    I'm adding a 54 degree to my bag. I come at it a little steep, but I play a course where turf and sand conditions are pretty firm. I've got a 58.08 M already in the bag, and trying to decide between the 54.10S and 54.08 M.

    I'm learning towards the S because it seems a better option on full shots.My hands a very active, so sometimes I set up with them forward, and sometimes behind the ball depending on circumstance.

    Thank you for what you've done for golfers of all abilities with the quality and variety of your wedges.

    Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

    All the best.......Mike M.
  9. Kathy J

    Kathy J
    Portland, OR

    What keeps you coming up with innovated ideas for each year's new SM series of your wedges?
  10. Alex N

    Alex N
    Florida

    Military
    Mr. Vokey,

    When it comes to the 58* and 60* wedges, is there such thing as too much bounce, especially for shots in the sand?

    Thank you for all you do for the game of golf. I’m planning to put the new SM8s in my bag and rally want to get a custom stamping tribute wedge to my coworker, friend and golfing buddy who was killed on the job last year.
  11. Richard G

    Richard G
    Glastonbury, CT

    Bob, you have now designed 8 generations of the premier wedge series in golf. What has been the trend in design from the first generation to the 8th generation, i.e., more fitting options, more permutations of grind and bounce options?
  12. RSchwanhausser

    RSchwanhausser

    Mr. Vokey,

    My experience is that a high bounce is most forgiving as an all around 56 degree sand wedge, in tight lies, various sand conditions, rough lies, and opened up high loft flop shots. In the past, I have only been able to get high bounce (3 dot) 56 degree sand wedges from Cleveland Golf. Is there a comparable Vokey wedge that you can recommend for the same all around playing conditions? Even Cleveland is no longer providing such a club configuration to the golfing public.
  13. Joshua B

    Joshua B

    I noticed the back is significantly more detailed as years progress in models (for the better astetically speaking in my opinion). Does the back (or opposite side of the face construction factor in at all in overall performance of the club or weight distribution?
  14. KCLeonardGolf

    KCLeonardGolf
    San Diego, CA

    Military
    Should I play the same grind in the SM8 that I did in my SM7 or will the new design change the way I need the grind to perform?
  15. Bob Vokey

    Bob Vokey
    Carlsbad, CA

    If you were properly fit for your SM7 wedges, you can likely use the same grind in SM8. But you may want to try the new 54° or 56° D Grind if you prefer a high bounce sand wedge. As long as you’ve been fit, the grinds are quite consistent.
  16. Tyler H

    Tyler H
    Appleton, WI

    How were you able to get the CG out in front of the club face?

    TH
  17. Mel G

    Mel G
    Curlew, WA

    Tyler H said:

    How were you able to get the CG out in front of the club face?

    TH

    Have you changed the metallurgy in the new SM8 or in the Vokey wedge line as your knowledge, experience along with technology has advanced? Have you considered doing this within the same line up like the SM8 possibly to have a softer or crisper feeling wedge to further customize the fitting process to match each players game and preferences?
  18. Titleist U

    Titleist U
    Portland, OR

    Bob,

    I tend to play course throughout the year in many different seasons. Wet, dry, soft turf, firm fairways, etc. How do you recommend someone sets up their wedge setup to allow them to have versatility and consistency throughout the year?

    Appreciate the advice!
  19. Pardeep Kumar C

    Pardeep Kumar C

    What do you recommend Bob if I have to choose 56 and 60 degree wedges for conditions that are firm on fairway and sand. I make full shots as well as lofted shots around greens.
  20. DKaness

    DKaness

    Mr. Vokey

    What is the highest degree wedge a high handicap golfer carry? Is it just personal preference and by the distance the golfer hits their wedges?
  21. JIding

    JIding

    Bob,

    You’ve designed so many exceptional wedges over the years. Do you have a favorite?
  22. Vance C

    Vance C
    Texas

    First thanks for the wedges that have been a bleesing through the years. I have often wondered. Which is better (or better performance) SM8 pitching wedge or the set wedge? Thanks.
  23. JBrodtman

    JBrodtman

    Bob,

    When playing courses with a lot of tight lies what bounce would you recommend for the SM8 wedges?
  24. SMcElroy

    SMcElroy

    In west central Ohio we have received a great deal of rain the last couple of years. Courses have been pretty soft in general. Can you clarify the difference between the M and D grinds and what you would recommend given our softer conditions? What is more important: (1) angle of attack or conditions in general?
  25. CLetterman

    CLetterman

    Bob

    What do the different types of finishes do for your performance on the golf course? And what do you consider to be the best finish on the new sm8 wedges?

    Thank you for designing the best wedges in golf.

    Chad
  26. Dave K

    Dave K

    CLetterman said:

    Bob

    What do the different types of finishes do for your performance on the golf course? And what do you consider to be the best finish on the new sm8 wedges?

    Thank you for designing the best wedges in golf.

    Chad

    Bob,

    I have just received new SM8 52-10 F grind (gap) and SM8 60-12 K grind (sand) wedges. I absolutely love the feel and performance of both. What type of wedge and loft would you recommend I buy to fill the gap in between these two. I need an all purpose wedge I can work a little if necessary. Perhaps a 56-10 S or D grind?

    Many thanks!

    David
  27. Bob Vokey

    Bob Vokey
    Carlsbad, CA

    When a golfer pulls a wedge out of the bag, the first thing they do is set it down and look at it. It’s so important that you love the wedge when you look at it. That means shape, profile, but also finish. It gives a sense of confidence. There isn’t any performance or feel difference across the finishes, it’s just the look. But my favorite is Brushed Steel.
  28. William S

    William S

    Is there any performance difference, real-time or over time, with the different finishes? Thanks for all you do.
  29. V

    V

    I’ve owned a Cleveland 54 wedge (old) for many years and it feels great compared to my other TM 54 wedge (new). How would you compare the new Titleist SM8 to Cleveland’s CBX2? How important would you say that someone should be fitted for wedges?

    I do plan to replace what I have with something new. Thank you for your time in advance
    Post Image
  30. CLetterman

    CLetterman

    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?

    Mr Vokey

    What do you consider to be the best finish for the best results in your short game? How do the different types of finishes vary from each other?
  31. johnny h

    johnny h

    Hi, Mr. Bob: In the short chips, 35 yards in my tendency is to hit him
    a little on the toe and I'm a little digger in my full wedge punches, I love the short game am I like to open or close the club face for different shots
    Thanks for your help
  32. JGuan

    JGuan

    Bob,

    what material was used to move then CG forward to create a higher MOI and how will that effect the spin and distance control??

    many thanks
  33. Ron H

    Ron H
    New Bedford, MA

    Hi Bob,

    Do you recommend amateur golfers (mid -high handicappers) should do away with lob wedges and get more creative hitting more shots with their sand wedge?

    Thanks!
  34. FStellitano

    FStellitano

    Bob Vokey,

    I use four wedges: P, Gap, BV 56 & 60 m-grind degrees. The course conditions at my local Florida club are firm and tight in the winter and soft and fluffy in the summer. I use the 56/60 wedges for everything within 90 yards of the green.

    Do you recommend different wedges for the different seasons and conditions where I play? If so please recommend a type of grind for each course and condition; the grasses are Celebration fairways and Tiffeagle greens.

    Best,

    Frank
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