Equipment
Photos of Titleist’s new Vokey SM5 wedges
The seeding process of Titleist’s Vokey SM5 wedges began this week at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, where PGA Tour players such as Charley Hoffman and Matt Jones were testing the fifth version of the company’s Spin Milled wedges.
The design of the SM5 wedges is similar to Vokey’s recently released Hand Ground wedges (click here to read our review of Hand Ground wedges), with fewer stampings on the back of the wedge. The changes include:
- A move of the phrase “Vokey Design,” which was featured on the flange of the SM4 wedges, to the hosel. In its place is now a description of the wedge grind, such as “F Grind,” “S Grind,” etc., adding emphasis to Vokey’s substantial stock grind options.
- The loft and bounce stampings have been moved from the back of the wedge to the sole. That allowed the “Titleist” and the “Bob Vokey wings” logos to be displayed in larger font on the back of the wedge, just as they were on the Hand Ground wedges.
Above: Matt Jones was testing a 54-degree SM5 wedge with an S Grind (10 degrees of bounce) and a “Tour Chrome” finish at the Shriners Hospital for Children Open.
Titleist is still mum on details of the SM5, but our insiders in the forums (thanks shootstill!) have shared these spy shots of the soon-to-be-released SM5 stock finishes.
Bob Vokey has repeatedly told the golf world that “bounce is your friend” when it comes to wedges, and he put his models where his mouth is with the SM5 line, turning a few low-bounce options into new mid-bounce options.
Editor’s note: When this story was first published, it included a spec sheet on the available lofts, bounces and finishes for the SM5 wedges. We were contacted by a Titleist official who said that the spec sheet was not a finalized document, and that several of the models listed were incorrect and/or not a true representation of what will be available when the wedges are released at the 2014 PGA Merchandise show.
The SM5 line will continue to offer Vokey’s popular “Tour Chrome” finish, but the “Oil Can” and “Black Nickel” finishes have been removed in favor of “Gold Nickel” and “Raw Black” models. According to several insiders in the forum, the SM5 will be sold for the same price as the SM4 wedges, $129.99.
Click here to see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the SM5 wedges in the forums.
Cameron Young’s WITB from his win at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Cameron is a Titleist staff player but his bag is definitely filled with some unique clubs. Here are the clubs he used to secure his first PGA Tour win!
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ 10 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F @57), WedgeWorks (60-K* @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Prototype
- Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (10 degrees, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
7-wood: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T150 (4, 5), Titleist T100 (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper AMT Tour White X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F, 56-08M @57, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback 1.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Yellow
We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2025! 2nd Swing has more than 150,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.
What is the best driver in 2025? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. When it comes to the best driver of 2025, we want to know what our forum faithful think.
Since our founding in 2005, the bedrock of GolfWRX.com has been the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.
Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2025 best driver, along with the vote percentage for each club.
Best driver of 2025: The top 5
5. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: 6.02%
Callaway’s pitch: “For golfers looking for a fast, forgiving, yet workable driver, the Elyte Triple Diamond features a tour-inspired shape and is the preferred model by most Callaway tour players.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond here.
4. Ping G440 Max: 6.86%
Ping’s pitch: “The most forgiving G440 model, MAX has a hotter face to generate speed and distance, and a lighter overall system weight with a longer shaft (46″) for faster clubhead speed, higher launch and longer carries. The Free Hosel and Carbonfly Wrap crown save weight to create our lowest CG ever and increase forgiveness while contributing to a more muted, pleasing sound.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 Max here.
3. Ping G440 LST: 9.53%
Ping’s pitch: “LST is an especially good fit for faster swings, offering less spin and more control with a penetrating trajectory. A hotter face, lighter overall system weight and longer shaft (46″) deliver more speed and distance while maintaining tight dispersion.”
@phizzy30: “Not a fan of Ping drivers in general, but 440 LST takes the cake. It’s super forgiving across the face for a low spin head, looks and sounds good and the ability to make it play neutral or slightly fade biased through the hosel settings is very appealing.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 LST here.
2. Titleist GT3: 16.55%
Titleist’s pitch: “The GT3 Driver offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization through adjustable performance. Dial in the CG Track to your frequent contact location to make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.”
@mrmikeac: “I’ve been Anti-Titleist for years and years and years (outside of Vokey, of course). With that being said, HOLY BEGEEZUS the GT3 driver is an absolute NUCLEAR MONSTER! This thing blew my G430 10K Max out of the water in every single category. Forgiveness is the biggest thing that stands out of me, the 3 model has always been one of the less forgiving models in the past but this GT3 can take bad shot after bad shot and still end up in the fairway, I think a ton of that has to do with the adjustability, it’s actually effective. Feel and sound is perfect, that solid crack is so addicting to hear and when you hit it out the screws this thing can absolutely bomb it. Titleist, I’m sorry for doubting you. You have converted me.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT3 here.
1. Titleist GT2: 22.91%
Titleist’s pitch: “Delivering impressive distance from any impact point, the Titleist GT2 Driver extracts maximum performance through a forgiving design. Get the stability and added confidence of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing speed.”
@DTorres: “The Titleist GT2 has proven to be the best driver of the year. Packaged in a classic profile, GT2 perfectly balances performance and forgiveness while consistently being a high performer across all categories.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT2 here.
Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote
| Driver | Vote percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobra DS Adapt Max K | 4.85% |
| Ping G430 Max 10K | 3.85% |
| Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond | 3.68% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 | 3.51% |
| Callaway Elyte | 3.18% |
| Cobra DS Adapt X | 2.34% |
| Cobra DS Adapt LS | 2.17% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 LS | 2.17% |
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Peter Malnati WITB 2025 (August)
Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...
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Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting) Buy here. Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX 3-wood: Titleist...
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fx mutation database
Aug 9, 2014 at 6:50 am
Next, we count how many pips away the top of the highest last 2 candles are, including the wick,
and add 5 pips. If we all had the answer to that, we could all make a living in the Forex market.
In the 1930s, an insane person wrote in a book called Mein
Kampf, “My Struggle,” and that was Adolf Hitler.
Gary Lewis
Mar 22, 2014 at 3:01 pm
Nice looking wedges, with a more rounded shape now. Sounds like some improvement in spin and there are quite a few shaft options. Will probably get a Gold 60.07 with an XP 95 shaft, no upcharge on that one.
Chuck
Feb 20, 2014 at 1:39 pm
I’m still using all of the pre-2011 Vokeys that I stockplied for use until 2024. It wasn’t just the groove rule; I preferred the old 200 series sand/lob wedges, and the 400 series gap wedges. Still do.
Now, is it just me (I’ve only seen pictures) or do the SM5’s look closer in shape to the 200 series? When Vokey went away from the 200 series, it seemed that his wedges started to look more like Clevelands. A more compact, upright shape. Less eloganted and teardrop shaped. I know that lots and lots of tour players insisted on the older model shapes. A number of devotess of the 400 series (Voke’s own favorite); and more 200 series than I could ever count. Is Vokey’s “world’s best R&D facility” telling him to go back to the 200 series shapes?
Pingback: Sticks & Greens | The Monday Match – Titleist Vokey SM4 Tour Chrome Wedge
rob
Oct 30, 2013 at 4:44 pm
well I hope to god they will start offering premium shafts like c taper the shaft in the sm4 was so bad I only used it for 18 holes before giving it away. Totally one of the worst clubs I ever used and all down to the cheap cheap shaft.
People need to demand more for Titleist and they should offer premium shafts if they claim to sell premium clubs.
Daniel
Nov 10, 2013 at 3:27 pm
they offer over 21 premium/upgrade shafts for sm4 including c-taper
and the “cheap cheap” shaft they have standard is a dynamic gold s200 which is the most played shaft on every tour around the world (maybe not that flex)
BC
Jan 10, 2014 at 4:27 pm
http://media.titleist.com/images/titleist/files/AU/pdf/2013_Australia_NZ_Custom_Club_Options.pdf
Rob
Jan 12, 2014 at 9:53 pm
Um, thanks for your opinion?? First of all, Titleist offered a Dynamic Gold wedge shaft in the SM4. I don’t know what kind of wedges you are using but almost every OEM retailer uses a very similar shaft as a stock option (with the exception of TaylorMade and a few Mizuno offerings). Also, you can order pretty much any shaft you want in a Vokey wedge. Educate yourself.
N
Mar 29, 2014 at 3:33 am
Who is this guy? I have a SM4 wedge that I got with a DG Spinner, which was one of many custom options available at the time. Please make sure you know the facts before posting your opinions.
Sam
Oct 22, 2013 at 1:46 pm
if i was to get the sm5’s could i get the raw black to rust and how? what is the date they get released
Deaus7
Oct 20, 2013 at 3:26 pm
I wonder what the James Patrick Titleist wedges will be like when they come out, I hope James keeps in tune with his original design and does not keep the Vokey style heads. The SM5 look great though. For those who complain about them not being forged dont know Metallurgy very well, 8620 is incredibly soft, and infact can be softer than 90% of the forgings out there. Look at a Rockwell Hardness scale.
Rob
Jan 12, 2014 at 9:54 pm
From what I have heard the JP wedges will be Japan only for the time being.. maybe a few boutique type offerings on wedge works in 2014 though?
Mike
Oct 18, 2013 at 4:12 am
I’m a Vokey fan and cosmetically I’m a little unimpressed.
I will probably take advantage of the cheaper SM4’s now.
My point is; I prefer the SM4 having bounce on the back 58.09 and looking a little more classic like the tradition of the old 252.12 200 series style and the biggie as mentioned… No oil can or raw? The gold may be the solution but to all intents I’m a little downbeat by these on first impressions.
Zachary yaz
Oct 18, 2013 at 10:55 am
completely agree. its almost just a cosmetic change nothing extreme. maybe more details will be revealed in due time.
Brian
Oct 18, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Technically the black is raw I think
KCCO
Oct 16, 2013 at 7:00 pm
Love simple graphics, new finishes are cool, and I’m sure they perform as well if not better than their predecessor sm4…
Chiver
Oct 29, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Chive on pal…. and yes I believe you are correct in that the performance standard has more than likely stayed the same or improved. My issue is paying for the latest and greatest and not being impressed by what (if any) changes they have made. We will see though. I have been kind of a gear flopper for the last two years and will be getting my hands on some new AP2s in a couple of weeks. Trying to make my golf bag look like something i can be proud of, and not want to upgrade for a while. Trying my best to stop buying so much. Hit em well my fellow chiver.
Fred
Oct 31, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Chiver – I think you’ve echoed the thoughts of a lot of us out there; I just purchased my MP-54s and, believe me, that’s it! No more equipment. lately, I’ve spent more time buying new equipment than I have in trying to become a better player. Think I’ll stick with sm4s – after all, in the end, it’s the indian, not the arrow. Right? Good post.
Paul
Oct 16, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Ehhh nice wedges but I’ll stick with my Nike V Forged.
Indexor
Oct 16, 2013 at 4:24 pm
I agree with Billy. While it is obviously personal preference I can also tell the difference between forged wedges and cast wedges. It is not just the feel but distance continuity, spin and ball flight. I switched from Vokeys to Mizunos and am very happy with the results for my game.
Paul
Oct 16, 2013 at 7:30 pm
If you the think the Mizuno wedges feel good just wait until you try the Miura wedges !
I had the Mizunos & kicked them to the curb for the Miura wedges .
I did have a set of SM4s before that and they felt to clicky for me .
chris
Oct 17, 2013 at 12:40 am
i love the mizuno mp 10’s.. feel like butter but they wear quick
David W
Oct 16, 2013 at 4:16 pm
Sweet, now I can start looking for price drops on the AWESOME SM4’s!
Zachary Yaz
Oct 16, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Remove the cosmetics and I really think it still looks like the sm4. Hope it still feels the same as my sm4’s cos I might as well just get a new set of sm4’s wedges for (hopefully) a lower price than a new set of sm5’s. Will
Have to hit a few when they are out. Hmmm. Not convinced.
Forged ier
Oct 17, 2013 at 7:51 pm
Man dont you know that vokey aren’t forged so they must feel like sh*t?
Zachary yaz
Oct 18, 2013 at 10:54 am
I actually know that they are not forged. but thats not always what makes the “feel factor”. if you prefer forged clubs then good for you. You must know more than me.
foreright!
Oct 16, 2013 at 2:24 pm
New finish and new bounce options, but still the same old technology. You’d think the biggest name in golf and the biggest name is wedges would actually do something better. Oh well, I’ll stick with my SCORs.
reets
Oct 16, 2013 at 3:40 pm
Maybe some slots in the sole or make them really colorful? That should give you about 300+ yards carry with a 60*. People have to realize that when you have something thats perfect you don’t need to change it.
SN
Oct 21, 2013 at 3:30 am
lol so true.
Maybe he just want 10+14+18 yards longer + adjustable hosel from his wedges.
Billy
Oct 16, 2013 at 2:20 pm
i’ll stick to FORGED wedges.
bull feathers
Oct 16, 2013 at 3:37 pm
HAHAHA can you really tell the difference? I bet if “FORGED” was engraved somewhere on there you would think its the best “feeling” wedge ever.
Billy
Oct 16, 2013 at 3:49 pm
yes
The "Voke" himself
Oct 17, 2013 at 7:41 pm
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about cast vs. forged out there. Casting and forging are just processes. The feel of the wedge is determined by the metal used, not by the process. We cast the softest metal available, 8620 mild carbon steel. People think we cast our wedges because it’s cheaper. That’s not the case. It’s because of the number of grinds, lofts, bounces that we have available. We start with the Tour and when we find a shape or grind we really like, we’re able to make a tool for it quickly. The casting process is able to replicate the grind much closer than if we forged it. Think about this: 80 percent of the wedges on Tour are cast. I’ve never had a player come up to me and say, “Voke, this wedge doesn’t feel good. I really wish it was forged.” These are the best players in the world. And that’s my R&D department.
Joe
Oct 19, 2013 at 2:00 am
But they (vokey’s) still don’t feel good no matter what percentage of the tour uses.
Glenn dezan
Oct 26, 2013 at 5:42 am
And thats the end of that conversation!
DM
Jan 20, 2014 at 1:54 am
Joe just wont be quiet, jeeze. Come on.
neil
Oct 17, 2013 at 3:56 am
I have some beautiful forged Chakara wedges.
better than cast any day
Wang
Oct 17, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Do you mean Chikara?
JB
Oct 16, 2013 at 2:06 pm
52.12 F Grind, 58.07 S Grind. All in Black Raw!! Sign me up please!!! God those are gorgeous! The Gold Nickels are sweet too!! Any news on when they’ll be released to stores?
Brand Me Silly
Oct 16, 2013 at 2:02 pm
pass
Nick
Oct 16, 2013 at 1:59 pm
Wow. All 3 of my wedges they’ve eliminated for the lefties…46, 52.08 and 58.04…
Thats a shame.
Zak Kozuchowski
Oct 16, 2013 at 3:57 pm
That might not be true. We were contacted by a Titleist official that said those models could still potentially be available. The article has been updated to reflect those changes.
– Zak
John
Oct 16, 2013 at 1:39 pm
Looks good, like the new finished and like that they got rid of black nickel…I do wish they offered a raw finish (the absence of finish lol) but looks good
bl21
Oct 17, 2013 at 5:10 pm
Just get a maroon colored 3M Metal finishing pad at the store, it will take the black right off and make it raw.
George P.
Oct 16, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Wow! Love the raw black! Nice job!
Sky
Oct 16, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Man, those look sweet!