Testing the tour pros’ wedge of choice: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 Wedge Review

Titleist say the new Vokey Design SM10 wedges deliver a lower flight, better feel, and maximum spin. My review finds out if they deliver on those claims.

To many golfers, it will feel like Bob Vokey has designed Titleist wedges for just about ever. Since the wedge maestro first started developing wedge models with the input of tour pros and backing from Titleist, the brand have become recognized by many as making some of the best golf wedges in the business.

With the new Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedge, Titleist hope a new wedge fitting app will entice more golfers to set up their wedges with tour player-like precision. I have little doubt the move will only further strengthen their wedge market domination. 

Vokey are the dominant force on Tour

Tour player usage doesn’t always translate to winning at retail, but thanks to spending significant resources on tour, seven of the world’s top ten players regularly play Vokey wedges. But it’s not just paid-up pros choosing Vokeys. 50% of players at a typical DP World Tour event will be using Titleist wedges, but only 30% of the field will be paid Titleist ambassadors.

The new Titleist Vokey wedge-fitting app

Fitting has been fundamental to Titleist for years. Like Ping, the company put a huge premium on fitting golfers for the equipment that best suits their game, rather than just craving quick off-the-rack sales. And in a bid to ensure golfer’s wedges are just as customized as their irons, Titleist have introduced a brand-new in-depth wedge fitting app.

The app works in conjunction with a Trackman launch monitor and goes deeper than a base-level fitter (Titleist also have a simple online wedge selector here). Shots don’t need to be hit from turf, which means wedge fittings can take place indoors from a mat, which is particularly useful if the weather is poor. The system will ask you to hit full, pitch, and open-face shots and make recommendations of loft/sole grind combinations based on how golfers deliver the club in each situation.

At launch, the app will only be available through retail stockists. If you’re looking at buying new wedges in 2024 I’d seriously recommend seeking out a fitter who has access to the system though. Having used the app you will undoubtedly walk away with wedges better matched to your personal performance. You’ll also have a better understanding of how the shots you play in the short game dictate which equipment will work best for you and why.     

Everything you need to know about the Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedges

Confidence inspiring profiles

The SM10 profiles are a fraction larger than their predecessor, the SM9, with progressive modern shaping, which will help generate additional confidence for many players. I like how all the different grinds within each loft now come with the same blade length and look, which hasn’t been the case before. It means you can confidently switch between sole grind options and maintain the same look at address.  

In terms of profile, the toe area is slightly rounder and more symmetrical. Titleist say that to ensure maximum performance golfers should aim to impact shots between the 2nd and 5th face grooves. Do this and you get a lower, more consistent flight, with additional spin. Shots hit above this zone are prone to flying higher with less stopping power.     

Refining the best wedges available

When you already make the best-selling wedges it can be tough to know where to start on improving on what you already have. But Titleist are constantly listening to their tour staff to make small refinements over previous models like the Vokey Design SM9.

New TX9 grooves are all individually cut (with the cutting tool changed after 10 wedge heads are produced) and 100% inspected during the QC process. A heat treatment helps preserve groove integrity, but research shows after 75 rounds grooves can begin to show signs of wear and tear.

Expect grooves to be narrower and deeper on stronger lofts and shallower and wider on higher lofts, a move which lowers launch by 0.5deg and increases spin by 300 RPM. In response to the trending up of High-Toe wedges like the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3, Cleveland RTX6 Full Face, and Callaway Jaws Full Toe, Titleist say their players just aren’t asking for the tech or full-face grooves these models typically come with.    

Due to being the least popular set-up over the last two years, the L-Grind has been retired for this generation. The SM10s, like most recent generations, are also cast from 8620 carbon steel and not forged (apart from in the Japanese market). This material gives the feel and feedback players want and is significantly easier to work with than fully forged products.

Expect a progressive center of gravity

Vokey introduced golfers to the idea of progressive CGs with the SM7 back in 2018. The idea positioned additional weight higher in the blade to lower shot trajectory, improve spin, and maximize shot-to-shot consistency. It also helped control the shots most prone to ballooning uncontrollably into the air.

Today, Titleist have moved more towards a progressive CG story. So, more weight is located higher in the blade of the most lofted wedges and lower for the less lofted. The idea improves on-course consistency no matter what the turf or weather conditions. Thanks also to a more up and forward CG position it’s easier to square the blade at impact, which can be a drawback of very high toe wedge models. 

Thanks to slightly smaller profiles and shorter hosels, the center of gravity has shifted (by 0.4 – 0.75mm) on every new SM10 loft to a more centred location. A move that will eliminate draw spin, increase stability, and give a more solid feel.

Three finishes  

Just like with putters, it’s really important to like everything about your wedges if you’re to be in a position to maximize on-course scoring. To ensure everyone’s eye is catered to the SM10s come in three finishes.

Tour Chrome is classic, and will be the most popular, accounting for well over 50% of SM10 sales. A Jet Black option is great for golfers who like to frame the ball at address with their wedges, it’s also great for concealing shape and size too. And for 2024 there’s a brand new Nickel option that ups finish durability and replaces the previous Brushed Steel.

Details: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges

RRP: $189 / £169

Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200

Sole Grind/Lofts/Bounce:

F-Grind: 46.10 / 48.10 / 50.08 / 50.12 / 52.08 / 52.12 / 54.14 / 56.14 

D-Grind: 54.12 / 56.12 / 58.12 / 60.12

M-Grind: 54.08 / 56.08 / 58.08 / 60.08 / 62.08

S-Grind: 54.10 / 56.10 / 58.10 / 60.10

T-Grind: 58.04 / 60.04

K-Grind: 58.14 / 60.14

Video: How does the Titleist Vokey Design SM10 compare to other leading 2024 wedges?

Verdict: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedge

I’ve been testing Vokey wedges for decades and as much as tour pro usage has zero sway in how a product performs it’s really hard to ignore how so many of the very best players in the world chose Vokey even when they’re not paid to play them. From what I’ve seen over the years of testing Vokey wedges, the SM series are rarely the very highest spinning models we hit, they are though always great feeling and very solid across the board, hence why so many top players choose them.

It’s really hard to say the SM10 is massively better than the previous SM9, I don’t believe they are but if I were spending my own money on new tour-level wedges in 2024 I would absolutely have the SM10’s on my radar.

I love the head shapes, they’re so simple and unfussy, with the leading edges being quite straight in the lower lofts and slightly more sculpted in the higher lofts which gives the impression of playability and versatility right where you need it most. I also like the idea that Titleist is comfortable and content with just making really good wedges. Unlike most of the competition, the SM10’s don’t come with fancy full-face grooves, modern high-toe shaping, or the promise of a lightweight heel pad removing inefficient mass.

In a world where almost every other brand is trying to sell tech-laden wedges Vokey are happy just doing what they’ve done for years, which is making a really good standard of wedge with mass market appeal.  

Our test data doesn’t highlight the SM10’s as outstanding spreadsheet performers, in fact, a lot of the numbers we created were right on or hovering around our test averages. But I wouldn’t let that get in the way of me buying into Vokey wedges, as in my eyes the SM10’s are some of the best feeling, most desirable, and versatile wedges out there.

If you’re spending this sort of money make sure you go and get fitted, and utilise the new Titleist wedge app to determine your ultimate set-up. And if you’re looking for a finish recommendation the new matt Nickel is out of this world good.  

Data comparison: How do the Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges compare to leading competitor models in 2024?

Model	Loft	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Backspin	Backspin Drop Off	Height	Descent Angle	Carry Distance	Carry Distance Drop Off	Shot Area
Vega VWX	52°	78.8 MPH	24.6°	8974 RPM (1)	1212 RPM	18 YDS	43.4°	94 YDS	11 YDS	62.7 SQ YDS
Ram Tour Grind	52°	78.4 MPH	24.2°	8402 RPM (2)	1746 RPM	17 YDS	42.3°	94 YDS	15 YDS	64.5 SQ YDS
TaylorMade MG4	52°	78.3 MPH	25.8°	8003 RPM (3)	1092 RPM	19 YDS	43.9°	94 YDS	8 YDS	60.8 SQ YDS
Mizuno S23	52°	81 MPH	26.1°	7987 RPM	1289 RPM	20 YDS	45.2°	99 YDS	6 YDS (T1)	23.4 SQ YDS (1)
Tour Edge Wingman	52°	80.5 MPH	25.1°	7982 RPM	1382 RPM	19 YDS	43.9°	98 YDS	12 YDS	100.8 SQ YDS
Ping S159	52°	77.5 MPH	24.9°	7974 RPM	791 (1)	18 YDS	42.5°	93 YDS	12 YDS	68.4 SQ YDS
Cleveland RTX 6	52°	77.4 MPH	26°	7911 RPM	1791 RPM	18 YDS	43.7°	93 YDS	9 YDS	44.1 SQ YDS
Sub 70 286 Forged Raw	52°	77.9 MPH	25.5°	7820 RPM	2339 RPM	18 YDS	43.3°	94 YDS	7 YDS	58.8 SQ YDS
Cleveland CBX 4	52°	78.4 MPH	26.5°	7800 RPM	949 RPM (3)	19 YDS	44.6°	95 YDS	9 YDS	53.1 SQ YDS
Bettinardi HLX 5.0	52°	78.5 MPH	24.3°	7797 RPM	2109 RPM	17 YDS	42.1°	95 YDS	10 YDS	45 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II	52°	79.2 MPH	25.7°	7741 RPM	2240 RPM	19 YDS	44°	96 YDS	10 YDS	44 SQ YDS
Titleist Vokey Design SM10	52°	78.2 MPH	26°	7653 RPM	1926 RPM	19 YDS	43.9°	95 YDS	15 YDS	139.5 SQ YDS
Vega Alcor	52°	79.9 MPH	25.7°	7633 RPM	2006 RPM	19 YDS	44.1°	97 YDS	9 YDS	64.8 SQ YDS
More MOD 1	52°	79.2 MPH	25.4°	7512 RPM	894 RPM (2)	19 YDS	43.4°	96 YDS	6 YDS (T1)	28.8 SQ YDS (2)
Callaway Jaws Raw	52°	78.9 MPH	26.3°	7408 RPM	2805 RPM	19 YDS	44.3°	96 YDS	7 YDS	30.1 SQ YDS (3)
Ping Glide Forged Pro	52°	78.8 MPH	26.2°	7165 RPM	2246 RPM	19 YDS	44°	96 YDS	11 YDS	119.9 SQ YDS
Mizuno T24	52°	76.3 MPH	26.2°	7059 RPM	2131 RPM	18 YDS	43.1°	92 YDS	6 YDS (T1)	44.4 SQ YDS
Wilson Staff Model ZM	52°	77.8 MPH	26.4°	7003 RPM	1963 RPM	19 YDS	43.8°	95 YDS	13 YDS	81.9 SQ YDS
Callaway CB	52°	78.9 MPH	26.1°	6856 RPM	1672 RPM	19 YDS	43.7°	96 YDS	11 YDS	90.2 SQ YDS
Inesis 900	52°	78.8 MPH	27.6°	6685 RPM	2168 RPM	20 YDS	45.2°	97 YDS	16 YDS	172.8 SQ YDS
Average		78.6 MPH	25.7°	7668 RPM	1738 RPM	18.7 YDS	43.7°	95.3 YDS	10.2 YDS	69.9 SQ YDS

Titleist on the SM10 wedges

Bob Vokey – Master Craftsman

“I always tell players that the most important club in the bag is confidence. Getting fit for each of your wedges, and learning how to use them in different situations, is one of the fastest ways to gain confidence around the green.”

Corey Gerrad – Director of Marketing Vokey Wedges

“Player feedback drives our development process. Whether we’re talking with tour professionals or dedicated amateurs, every bit of player insight matters. All the advances we made to SM10, from looks and feel to grind options and desired flight windows, reflect that player input.”

Aaron Dill – Director of Vokey Player Relations

“The best players in the world know exactly what they want from their wedges. The smallest details matter to them and they are very specific when it comes to describing the improvements they want to see. Their feedback is invaluable. We are constantly learning from them and it’s that constant collaboration which allows us to get even better with each new generation.”

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About the author

Simon Daddow – Today’s Golfer Equipment Editor

Simon Daddow is the Equipment Editor for Today’s Golfer. Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what he doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.

He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has worked for both Today’s Golfer and Golf World. Working alongside our test pro Neil Wain, Simon has made todays-golfer.com the most reliable source for golf club testing.

Despite his youthful looks, Simon has played golf for more than 40 years and plays to a handicap of 10. A lack of club speed means he’s short off the tee, but very handy from 125 yards and in.

Simon’s job means he plays regularly around the world, and rates Kingsbarns as his favorite course. He uses a PXG 0311 GEN6 XF driver, TaylorMade Stealth 2 HL (15º), Ping G400 (20.5º), PXG 0317 X Gen2 hybrid, PXG 0311 GEN6 P irons (6–PW), Cleveland CBX2 wedges (52°, 58°), Ping 21 Fetch putter and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.

You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.

Titleist Vokey Design SM10 Wedge

RRP: $189 / £169

Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200

Sole Grind/Lofts/Bounce:

F-Grind: 46.10 / 48.10 / 50.08 / 50.12 / 52.08 / 52.12 / 54.14 / 56.14 

D-Grind: 54.12 / 56.12 / 58.12 / 60.12

M-Grind: 54.08 / 56.08 / 58.08 / 60.08 / 62.08

S-Grind: 54.10 / 56.10 / 58.10 / 60.10

T-Grind: 58.04 / 60.04

K-Grind: 58.14 / 60.14

Visit the Titleist website here