SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Michael B — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 12:58:18 GMT

Can't thank everyone enough for all the content in this thread that has helped me immensely!!! (Especially Joseph!!)

I currently play a 56° Tommy Armour 845 SW and have been looking to add 2 Vokey wedges to my bag. (Will remove 4i, I carry a Titleist 910D3 9.5°, 3W 15°TM Burner, 7H Razor 24°, 2i+5i-9i, 48° TA 845 PW, 56° TA 845 SW, 60° TA 845 LW.)

I can't hit my own 60° so this thread has helped me decide to add an SM7 Tour Chrome 60° 12* D-Grind. I'm a bit of a sweeper but have been working to really get down and through softer lies from just off the green. I'm very confident and consistent with my 56° SW so I'm keeping that but I'm also waiting for an SM5 52° 8* F-Grind to arrive after just ordering it a couple days ago.

My home course is short but has challenging greens with lots of variation and also a pretty equal mix of rock-hard tight lies and super soft and fluffy lies right around the greens.

I plan to use the SM5 52/8 F off tight lies, my 56/SW from medium distance and lies (and to continue as my go-to safety valve) and the SM7 60/12 D from close range and off soft lies. I usually keep the face closed 100% of the time but I have successfully gotten my 56/SW wide open to execute multiple quality towering flop shots so far this year.

I'm really looking forward to adding the Vokey Tour Chrome SM5 52/8 F and SM7 60/12 D to round out my wedge set. I've always wanted nice wedges but this is the first year I can finally justify putting the energy and money into getting the set of Vokeys that I've always dreamed of!! I'll post updates after I've had them for a little bit!

Thanks again to everyone on TT for all the help and feedback on this!! What an amazing resource!!

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Mike M — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 10:15:50 GMT

I also, have the same issue. I've replaced an old 56 degreeTM wedge with a Vokey 58.08 M.I use it for chipping, pitching and green side bunker play as well as full shots.I'm replacing a png Gorge 52 with a 54 degree Vokey. I've decided on the 54.10s for a few reasons. First, I'm looking for a wedge I can hit full from 100-105, and I can't hit a 56 that far anymore. Secondly, although I know the M is more versatile, since I already have an M grind, I think it's a little redundant. I don't think I'm going to have an overwhelming need to open the face from longer distances. Lastly, I play on really firm conditions, and on a full shot, I think the S is better suited to that.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Joseph P — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:51:28 GMT

probably should update this thread. :)

I ended up getting the M grind and really loved it, but also fell in love with the D grind on my 60 degree too - both we're perfect for what I was needing.

So much so that I've ordered a 54 with the D grind off the Wedgeworks site for my new SM8 coming, can't wait.

thnx so much everyone - absolutely love the community here at Titleist for answers and help, you folks are great!

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Lou G — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 00:08:05 GMT

M grind all the way. Actually look closely. The big advantage of M grind is doing open face shots. I took a 56-08M and 56-14F to the practice area today. If you eyeball an S Grind you'll notice the leading edge bounce is way more than 10*. Ditto with M grind. Both my wedges were bent 2* strong. They were equal off tight lies, deep grass and general pitching but the M grind won out on flop shots. I've been partial to M grind for a sand wedge and L grind for a lob wedge since 2014.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

dennis n — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 04:34:09 GMT

M you can open it up and hit little spinners around the greens that check and predictably roll out. I loved my SM6's but the tendency to come up short with bite was always there.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Alex — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 21:07:17 GMT

I have F in both my 48 and 54 but went with D in my 60 I think it's so versatile.www.titleist.com/.../jlcorgcw8do8ltdvzkbf

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Chuck Zirkle — Sat, 11 May 2019 21:29:25 GMT

If you want the right one for your game and cannot make the decision, go get fitted. Was not sure and did the Vokey experience at Pinehurst. After talking to my fitter down here in Charleston and my instructor I had pretty much decided on a 58.12* D but the thing that drives the head was the shaft. After seeing Jeremy and Mr Vokey at Pinehurst, they agreed on the 58.12D and it was the shaft that took it over the hill. They moved me from a stiff shaft to a regular with a softer tip adding more weight to the head of the club. All this professional help made the difference. Expect it to be here next week. Oh by the way, was hitting it dead center, in the sand and from the fairway. Think the answer is in the performance of the club. Cheers, Chuck.........

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

JScott77 — Sat, 11 May 2019 21:24:14 GMT

Great to hear. The right equipment makes a huge difference

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Joseph P — Wed, 08 May 2019 17:54:48 GMT

So just wanted to give an update on my SM-7's since I've now got about 7-8 rounds on them along with 3-4 serious practice sessions using my 60D and the 56M.

All I can say is WOW!!!! What a HUGE difference on my 60D. Absolutely love the new bounce and grind. Have been able to hit multiple style shots around the greens with accuracy and growing confidence, but the big one is that low flighted pitch with a short check up - what a weapon! Love the way my Pro-V1 grabs the green and allows me to attack pins with confidence. Out of the sand is simply EASY now with a great measure of confidence and it just seems the ball pops out naturally without digging too deep. The occasional semi-flop shot is also very comfortable simply by opening the club face a bit and trusting the stroke to carry it up. What used to be a typical closest to the pin scenario of 4-8ft is now 2-4ft and opportunities of a One putt. :)

I'm also very please with my new 56M in terms of flighted shots into the green - great hookup to the grass and an amazing check up so attacking the pin from 50-60 out with 1/2 to 3/4 swings are fantastic. On full shots around the 95-105 range is a little different as the bounce difference from my previous 56S requires a bit more "intentional" squaring of the face since the sole is a little different, but I'm starting to dial it in more as I practice. The biggest change however was being able to open the club face for the higher flighted shot and feeling I'm getting greater accuracy and it just drives through the ball without hitting it fat, which I had a tendency to do with my previous.

All in all, incredibly pleased and would highly recommend the SM7's. The fresh grooves certainly help, but getting the right grind made a huge different and can say it's already saved me 4-6 shots per round because of shorter 1 putt opportunities.

Thanks again TT community - you guys are fantastic!

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Craig P — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 16:17:13 GMT

I started with the SM7 54M/08 and the 58M/08. Coming down to Florida from Wisconsin with a little softer sand and heavy burmuda rough I picked up a 58S/10, which is working geeat. I can open it up a bit for short bunker or rough shots and square chipping and pitching. The SM7 54M/08 works good with any kind of shot. Good luck and still best to get fitted, the Titleist fitters are very knowledgeable.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Frank P — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:51:05 GMT

I used M grinds when they had 10 degrees of bounce. When they changed to 8 degrees I went to S grind. I play on Bermuda grass and you have to be careful manipulating the face with the tight lies and tough roughs here in FL. I got fit for mine and couldn't be happier. 54 and 58 S grinds.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Chuck Zirkle — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 22:12:44 GMT

A 56.10* S grind is a excellent all purpose wedge.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Joseph P — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 21:09:39 GMT

Thnx all for your excellent thoughts and responses, so helpful!

I’ll try and cover some multiple areas many of you asked or commented on......

I’m changing grinds mainly because I’d simply didn’t have as much consistency with my 56/60 and felt I tended to hit less square shots around the greens. Full shots were ok, touchy feely, not so much. Because I’m a feel player I realized I’d open the face when needed for flighting the ball down and using spin to check up, but got less consistency from what seemed to be a change on my leading edge, resulting in some less than desirable results, either 20% mores chunks or blades. Same on some of my bunker shots with my current 60/S grind, dug too deep maybe 30% of the time. Realize some of that is technic, but my short game has always been a weapon for me and so I’m looking for some help from my clubs, including confidence. Vokey fitting videos also contributed heavily to hear the man himself speak on letting the club do the work based on your game.

I’m also looking to see if the improved COG on the SM7 will help with better pure shots when struck well, again for better flighting choices. Roll outs vs check-ups get decided depending on the course I’m on.

Anyway, I’ve ordered the 56/M and the 60/D and their on there way so can’t wait to tested. I’m keeping my SM6’s in case I’m not liking the new. Can’t wait for some decent weather, we just experienced the epic Bomb Cyclone snow storm here in Colorado Springs and it dumped 4-5 ft drifts everywhere.

Thanks again for the response from the community, so grateful

I’ll give an update when I get them!

Joseph

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Darin L — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 17:17:41 GMT

Let me start out with a question. Why do you want to change from the 56/12 F? The answer to that question could help us give you more advice.
I personally have the following SM7 wedges: 50/08F, 54/08M(bent to 55), 60/12D. I like to open the club face on a lot of shots so that's why I went with the M & D grinds. I really like the setup I have but what works for me might not work for you.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Lou G — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 15:48:47 GMT

I have liked M grind for ages. I do open face shots. I had a 54-10S and its limitation was bunker shots; good for pitching and chipping. 58-08M or 56-08M have worked and you can hit them in hard sand or soft sand.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

CrazyGolfNut — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 12:22:41 GMT

I like the M grind the best. I use it in everything type of lie and sand. I have problems trying to open the face with a S grind.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Joseph P — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 05:02:58 GMT

Not sure why Don, I posted a lengthy response that same day to you, but it never posted!

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Mark F — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 19:21:59 GMT

Joseph,

I currently use the SM6 56*/10* bounce with the S grind. I like to use a regular, square swing with my wedges as opposed to getting too cute with opening the face since I don't have a place to practice these type of shots. According to the web-site, the S grind is for players that like square faced shots. Fairways and greens.

Mark F

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Rich T — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 19:13:11 GMT

I have the F, S and M grind wedges and love them all for my game and what I specifically try to do with each wedge.

My 52.08 F grind is generally used for full shots from the fairway. For me, the F grind is a great transition from my AP2s -- it sets up nice and square for those full shots with the bounce needed so you aren't afraid to take a divot. I will also use it for longer pitch and runs green side from short grass areas.

I went with the 56.10 S grind because I use the wedge a LOT from the fairway from 100 yards and in with both full and partial shots. At the same time, the S grind still allows me to open it and play green side shots with confidence. The versatility of the S is fantastic.

I prefer the M grind in the 60* because I play that wedge open more often than not and love the way it sets down tight to the ground. I rarely hit more than 3/4 shots from the fairway with the 60*. Short sided bunker shots are great.

How do YOU plan to use them? What types of shots will you rely on each wedge for (mostly)?

Vokey 52.08 F grind - KBS 610 Wedge 120
Vokey 56.10 S grind - KBS 610 Wedge 120
Vokey 60.08 M grind - KBS Hi Rev

-Rich T

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Steve M — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 17:22:28 GMT

Suggest you look to your own experience. How well have you been playing with the present SM6-56/12 F? What improvement do you expect from S or M grind? You might be best off with what you are used to, especially if you're trying a new grind for your 60 degree. Usually it is better to change one thing at a time. Wedges are your feel & scoring clubs so best solution would be to go somewhere that you can try each of them off the turf - tape over the markings, then pick the one that feels best in your hand.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Ricky F — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 10:22:31 GMT

So, I have SM7's in the following grinds

52 F
56 S
60 M

The S grind allows enough opening of the face to play bunkers well, but still allows full shots from turf well. It's all personal preference at the end of the day but I'd go S.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

BMaddigan — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 04:19:46 GMT

I think you answered your own question. Get fitted. That being said, I would put more importance on bounce rather than grind.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

BMaddigan — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 04:19:15 GMT

I think you answered your own question. Get fitted. That being said, I would put more importance on bounce rather than grind.

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Bax — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 03:34:25 GMT

I went through the same thing. I decided on the S with my 54, because I hit full shots from around 85 yards with a square face. I do pitch with it quite a bit with a slight open face once in a while. I can also open the face out of the bunker with its 10 degree bounce and make it work really well.

I use my 58 L for my chipping and around the green, I love it, open, close, name it, it fits my shallow swing.

I did a lot of experimenting with these grinds, I wanted to like the M, but just didn’t work for me. I look at them this way, S for square, M for manipulate and L for love. Ha

RE: SM-7 56 degree but can’t decide on Grind- S or M

Todd T — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 02:18:33 GMT

Like Don said.. S-tricker plays mostly with a square face on his wedges... The M-ost used is like the jack of all trades, from closed to square to open! But go to a fitter and try them all.. Are you a digger or sweeper, what turf conditions do you play in!