Titleist’s Vokey Sm8 Vs Sm9 wedges, which one will be more beneficial?
Sm8 Vs Sm9, in case, one has reached in this discussion or searched for this, they must have an enthusiasm for golf. This fascinating game has many criteria and many options to select to improve the skills. The wedges are one of that parts and the SM8 and SM9 are two of the best for improving skills.
Even though one is searching for differences, it will be hard to find any strong point to separate these two. Mainly, the professional will feel the same with these two wedges. However, for toddlers, the SM8 seems to have more benefits than the SM9. One may read further for detailed information.
Titleist’s Sm8 Vs Sm9 wedges
The terms mentioned in the title are two different wedges of TITLEIST. This is a famous American brand specializing in golf clubs. However, this brand manufactures almost every golf equipment. But, in this article, we will be discussing their best wedges which are the sword of the golfer in handy stroke. Here, both of the Wedge are two of the best performative Vokey wedges of this time.
Both of these are perfect for the handicapper. These will provide every possible benefits on the course a golfer will need. Mainly, a beginner will learn new strokes as well as they can improve their skills with them. Specifically, the SM8 comes to the course before SM9 and lacks at some point if we analyze deeply. However, they share similarities more than differences.
Before going into the differences let’s look into the similarities both the club shares.
Sole Grind Similarities
Grind | Description | Swing type | Turf conditions |
L Grind | Enhanced heel, toe, and trailing edge for maximum versatility | Shallow or Sweeper | Firm |
M Grind | Heel, toe, and trailing edge grind for versatility around greens | Shallow or Sweeper and Neutral | Firm and Medium |
S Grind | Trailing edge and heel grind for stability on full shots | Neutral and Steep or Digger | Medium and Soft |
F Grind | Traditional full sole with medium to high bounce, an all-purpose grind | Shallow or Sweeper and Neutral, Steep or Digger | Firm and Medium and Soft |
K Grind | Wide sole ideal for bunker play, camber enhanced for green-side versatility | Neutral and Steep or Digger | Medium and Soft |
D Grind | Crescent shape like the M with higher effective bounce | Steep or Digger | Medium and Soft |
The grind of the sole of a wedge is one of the most important things to consider. Because it will decide in which phase a golfer can hit the ball. For example, the F grind is the most played traditional grind. Also, this one is an all-purpose grind. Golfers can hit the ball in almost every way with this wedge.
Significantly, both SM8 and SM9 have a similar type of grind. Both the wedges will offer the same type of grind featuring the same type of purpose. Besides the grind another important area of the wedge is the bounce point and the loft. Let’s have a look into the bounce point and loft of these two wedges.
Loft | Length | Lie | Grind | Bounce | Swing weight |
46° | 35.75" | 64° | F Grind | 10° | D3 |
48° | 35.75" | 64° | F Grind | 10° | D3 |
50° | 35.5" | 64° | F Grind | 8° | D3 |
50° | 35.5" | 64° | F Grind | 12° | D3 |
52° | 35.5" | 64° | F Grind | 8° | D3 |
52° | 35.5" | 64° | F Grind | 12° | D3 |
54° | 35.25" | 64° | S Grind | 10° | D5 |
54° | 35.25" | 64° | D Grind | 12° | D5 |
54° | 35.25" | 64° | F Grind | 14° | D5 |
56° | 35.25" | 64° | M Grind | 8° | D5 |
56° | 35.25" | 64° | S Grind | 10° | D5 |
56° | 35.25" | 64° | D Grind | 12° | D5 |
56° | 35.25" | 64° | F Grind | 14° | D5 |
58° | 35" | 64° | M Grind | 8° | D5 |
58° | 35" | 64° | S Grind | 10° | D5 |
58° | 35" | 64° | D Grind | 12° | D5 |
58° | 35" | 64° | K Grind | 14° | D5 |
60° | 35" | 64° | L Grind | 4° | D5 |
60° | 35" | 64° | M Grind | 8° | D5 |
60° | 35" | 64° | S Grind | 10° | D5 |
60° | 35" | 64° | D Grind | 12° | D5 |
60° | 35" | 64° | K Grind | 14° | D5 |
62° | 35" | 64° | M Grind | 8° | D5 |
According to the data in the table, both SM9 and SM8 have the same loft, bounce, and every other important criterion. So, the golfer will feel almost similar experiences to them. However, there is still the question mark that what differences they share and which one is good for which situation of the game.
Starting with the SM9, it is more consistent, and better feel with control because of the high and forward center of gravity. Also, the longer hosels boost the forgiveness of the club. Moreover, the six-tour-proven sole grind is perfect for every type of swing in almost every style.
On the other hand, the SM8 which has redesigned center of gravity will provide a better feel and control consistency. Also, the progressive CG and higher loft will improve the control and feel.
If one is still confused, the table below on the direct ratings to distinguish the wedges will help.
SM8 | SM9 | |
Distance | 4.6 | 4.4 |
Accuracy | 4.8 | 4.8 |
forgiveness | 4.4 | 4.2 |
workability | 4.7 | 4.6 |
First of all, the toddlers and the handicapper always look for forgiveness and the accuracy of the wedge. Because there is always a high chance for them to corner-shot the gold ball. So, if the wedge is not forgiving then it will be hard for them to learn different styles and techniques of the game. In that case, the SM8 is the winner.
However, in inaccuracy, SM9 wins over SM8 which can be different for the different golfers. Overall, we will state that the SM8 with redesigned sole, the center of gravity, and technology will be more helpful than the other one. mainly, for the beginner and toddlers. However, the pro golfer will not find many differences between these two wedges.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the golfers and the soon-to-be golfers understood the discussion on Sm8 Vs Sm9. Finding the right wedge is important to improve the skills of golf. In case one is failed to find so, the wedge will not prove beneficial. Resulting in they will give up on the game. However, both of the mentioned wedges are two of the best. Featuring little differences, any of these two will be beneficial for every level of golfer.
