Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge

Our verdict on the new Titleist Vokey SM8 wedges

Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge Review
Golf Monthly Verdict

Wedges are your scoring clubs and in SM8, you have all the tools you need to hit the ball closer to the hole from 120 yards and in. Most notably a more forgiving, stable clubhead along with high levels of consistent spin, great feel and bags of versatility thanks to the 23 loft and bounce options that are available across the six different sole grinds.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Produced more consistent direction and distance than SM7 without sacrificing the solid feel, versatility and aggressive spin control we come to expect from Vokey wedges.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Premium performance comes with a premium price. Over £450 for a set of three wedges is a big investment.

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

In this Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge Review, Joel Tadman tests his custom fitted set of Vokey SM8 wedges on the GCQuad and the golf course against his outgoing SM7 set

Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge Review

When you have one of the most popular wedges on the market in SM7, it would seem prudent not to make wholesale changes when replacing it. From SM7 to SM8, the same address looks, signature feel and excellent spin control remain but some subtle tweaks to the design claim to make SM8 more accurate. 

vokey-sm8-hero-web

Accuracy is everything with wedges and so we were intrigued if not a tad confused by the centre of gravity story. You can read more about the design updates here.

The proof as always is in the pudding and so our initial introduction to SM8 was via a fitting at Woburn Golf Club with Product Specialist James Robinson.

Vokey-SM8-wedge-fitting-web

Hitting shots to a flag 80 yards away with SM7 and then switching to SM8, we saw immediate changes in the ball flight. SM8 seemed to fly 2-3 yards higher, confirmed by the Trackman, and our grouping around the hole also got tighter. Perhaps we were getting more used to the shot, or alternatively the wedge was squaring up more naturally - it is almost impossible to say with any certainty.

We then switched from the S-Grind to the D-Grind, a new addition to the 54° loft option in SM8, and the ball flight came down considerably. A lower flight is always one we prefer as it provides more control, especially in the wind. It was interesting to see the different effects the grind could have on the ball flight.

The D-Grind also gives you a little more margin for error when chipping, especially if you use a relatively square clubface, which we found helpful on the wet lies we're accustomed to here in England but perhaps less so on firmer ground.

We found the D Grind on SM7 didn't work especially well in wet, compacted bunker sand, so switching from D to K grind in the bunkers was also a revelation, providing a cleaner entry into the sand and a swift exit, with no threat of unwanted digging that can slow the clubhead down.

fitted-vokey-sm8-wedges-web

We received our fitted wedges within a few days and took them first to Foresight HQ to test on the GCQuad launch monitor and then to Orlando Florida to test more thoroughly.

The data told us that differences in spin performance from SM7 to SM8 were almost negligable, both on a 50-yard pitch and full shot using brand new 54° wedges in each in the same grind.

Out on the course, the spin control combined with the more user-friendly grinds allowed us to be more committed on pitch and chip shots. On full shots, it did seem like our start lines were a little tighter with SM8 and that distances seemed easier to control, but perhaps you would need to test this over a longer time period to be sure it was down to the wedges themselves.

vokey-wedges-address-web

The SM8 (left) has an almost identical address profile to SM7, which we like.

That said, I am more confident over the ball with SM8 than I was SM7 thanks in part to the fitting process but also the stunning looks. The classic address profile and finishes haven’t changed and there is more of a consistent muscleback look across the loft range. In SM7, there were thick weight pads in the higher lofts that made them look a little chunky, so we’re pleased all the wedges will now look the same in the bag.

Coupon Discount Codes

Titleist promo codes

<a href="https://www.golfmonthly.com/coupons/titleist" data-link-merchant="golfmonthly.com"">Titleist promo codes

Use these Titleist coupon codes to lower the cost of golf balls, clubs and equipment.


Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x