Review: Titleist Vokey SM8 Slate Blue Wedge
By Curated Experts
Sara Bryant and Alvaro Guillen III
6 photos
The Curated Take
3.2/5
The Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge, while not Vokey's top model, is still a good choice for skilled golfers seeking improved launch, control, and high-quality greenside spin. Adjustments to weight distribution in the head have led to a heavier feel and a louder sound, which may deter some players. Despite these changes, the SM8 maintains Vokey's reputable spin qualities and offers six different grind options, providing a level of versatility appreciated by proficient golfers.
Ideal for
- More forgiving design with a greater amount of bounce exposed
- Forward center of gravity for improved accuracy and repeatability
- Six grinds offer versatility
- Good wedge for any age and handicap player
- Slate blue finish is clean and reduces reflection from the club
- Stellar looks and personalization options
Not ideal for
- Sound is clunky
- Rounded shape of the wedge is not appealing to lower handicap players
- Weighted shaft adds to an odd launch on some shots
- Not a huge difference from SM7
- Face is too hard for some
Full Shots
The SM8 wedge is not one of the best wedges that Vokey has created. Vokey moved the weight around in the head to improve launch and control, but it made...Read more
Spin
Getting the ball to stop where I want on the green or spin back toward the hole is easy with the SM8 wedge. Vokey wedges have a sharp leading edge,...Read more
Feel
Vokey moved the weight around in the head on the SM8 wedges to help with trajectory and spin control. However, this gives the wedge a loud sound rather than the...Read more
Sound
Unfortunately, the Vokey SM8 wedge is not the best-sounding wedge Vokey created. The SM8 has a loud sound to it. It is a clicky sound as opposed to a soft...Read more
Greenside Spin
Vokey uses precision milling and deep grooves on the SM8 wedge to optimize the spin and allow for a lot of control. This wedge is designed for skilled players who...Read more
Expert Reviews of the Titleist Vokey SM8 Slate Blue Wedge
Alvaro Guillen III The Titleist Vokey SM8 wedges offer distinctive improvements in both looks and performance. Developed by the gifted hands of Bob Vokey and with input from Titleist tour staff, the variety of grinds and lofts allows golfers to dial in the SM8 wedge that will best benefit their game and fit ANY level of golfer.
Sara Bryant Vokey makes some of the best wedges on the market. I love the slate blue finish; it looks clean and reduces the reflection off the club. The Vokey SM8 wedge is a previous model from Vokey (SM9 is the new version). The SM8 model is a good wedge for any age and handicap player. It has a more rounded look and greater offset. This makes the SM8 version more forgiving and exposes the bounce more. Even with these benefits, there are better options for lower-handicap players. The SM9 will be more appealing to scratch golfers. Vokey is also a premium wedge brand, so their equipment is expensive.
Product Specs
| Gender | Men's |
| Used (Y/N) | No |
| Club Type | Wedges |
| Shaft launch | Low |
| Shaft spin | Low |
| Grip name | Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 |
Review Ratings
Full Shots
3/5
Sara Bryant gave 3 of 5 stars. The SM8 wedge is not one of the best wedges that Vokey has created. Vokey moved the weight around in the head to improve launch and control, but it made the ball feel heavy off the face and gave it a loud sound. Vokey tried to create a more forgiving wedge with the SM8 while keeping the performance, but Vokey wedges are made for skilled players. Skilled players want performance out of their wedges over forgiveness.
Spin
4/5
Sara Bryant gave 4 of 5 stars. Getting the ball to stop where I want on the green or spin back toward the hole is easy with the SM8 wedge. Vokey wedges have a sharp leading edge, making them less forgiving than other wedge models. However, this allows the wedge to cut through the ground and catch the ball clean so the grooves can do their job. Using these wedges takes a skilled player, but they are the best I have ever had.
Feel
3/5
Sara Bryant gave 3 of 5 stars. Vokey moved the weight around in the head on the SM8 wedges to help with trajectory and spin control. However, this gives the wedge a loud sound rather than the traditional smooth sound, and it feels heavy off the face. The SM8 wedge is not the best wedge that Vokey has created, but it still offers all the spin qualities that Vokey is known for.
Sound
2/5
Sara Bryant gave 2 of 5 stars. Unfortunately, the Vokey SM8 wedge is not the best-sounding wedge Vokey created. The SM8 has a loud sound to it. It is a clicky sound as opposed to a soft and smooth sound like other Vokey models. It is not terrible and hard to notice if one has not used other Vokey wedges before, but skilled players will notice a difference.
Greenside Spin
4/5
Sara Bryant gave 4 of 5 stars. Vokey uses precision milling and deep grooves on the SM8 wedge to optimize the spin and allow for a lot of control. This wedge is designed for skilled players who like to work the ball on the greens. Vokey also has six different grind options to help customize players' bags for how they play their game and the conditions they will be in. I can get a lot of spin around the greens with my Vokey SM8 wedge, but I can also make it run out when needed.
FAQs
What was your favorite moment with this gear?
Sara Bryant Vokey wedges have excellent spin, and I experience it every time I use this wedge. The finish will come off the face and sole after continuous use. The best part is when the sun hits the club, and the glare from the sun does not blind me.
Why did you choose this product?
Sara Bryant I have used Vokey wedges for many years and enjoy the performance and look of their wedges. They are the number one wedges on tour for a reason. They have a deep groove pattern and various bounce options, allowing me to customize my wedge game. I chose the blue slate finish because it does not blind me during my swing if facing the sun. It also looks fantastic.
What is the value for the money versus other options?
Sara Bryant Vokey wedges are a premium wedge option with an excellent price tag. They are a player's wedge, but if one knows how to use them, they will significantly benefit one's golf game. They have deep grooves and various bounce options, which allow golfers to be creative with their game. They are worth the price tag for skilled golfers and will last forever.
What do you love about this product?
Sara Bryant I love the performance and look of the Vokey SM8 slate blue wedge. Vokey makes the best wedges on tour, and the slate blue finish gives it a unique look. The benefit of the blue slate finish is there is no reflection from the sun, so it does not blind me.
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Sara Bryant
Golf ExpertAlvaro Guillen III
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