Looking for help with SM5 recommendations

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By Q

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  1. Q

    Q
    Atlanta, GA

    I currently have TM rac Black wedges in a 54.10 and 60.07, both with trailing edge grinds. I always thought the grind reduced bounce when you open the face, but apparently it just reduces bounce on full shots. I use my 54* for full/standard bunker shots and my 60* for everything else. I play in a variety of conditions, and I'm fairly steep with on my full shots but flexible around the green.

    For my 54*, I'd like to have more bounce for the fairway and bunkers. That makes it seem like I should go with the 54.14F since the TVD is out of my price range.

    For my 60*, I'd like more bounce for square face chips/pitches, but it's fantastic when I open it up which is 95% of the time. I'm not sure if the 60.08M would give me enough square face bounce, and the 60.11K seems like it won't be as good when opened up. Alternatively, I believe the 60.07S has less camber than my TM, so that might be sufficient, or I could just get used to shallowing out AoA on square face chips/pitches.

    Here's the thing. If I'm going with SM5 54.14F and 60.07S/60.08M, I might as well get just get the SM4. The 54.14F and 60.07S are identical, while I'm pretty sure the SM4 60.10M is the same as the SM5 60.08M; it's just that the SM5 lists the effective bounce. And I can get them in Black Nickel in very good condition for $60 each compared to $120 for the SM5s. The caveat is that I'll have to deal with wedge flex shafts instead of S400, but that doesn't really matter.

  2. Cameron D

    Cameron D
    Newport, RI

    One thing to keep in mind when comparing the SM4 vs SM5 are the newer TX3 grooves in the SM5.  These grooves allow for more spin out of the rough and are designed for better distance and trajectory control (fewer flyers).  One thing to consider in the 60.08M would be the fact that it has more toe and heel relief.  This makes it a little more versatile and plays well for players looking to open it up and play a variety of shots. The 60.08M will still have moderate forward bounce but, as you noted, less camber than the 60.11K.  Also note that the Black Nickel finish in the SM4 was a plated finish and the SM5 Raw Black is a stained finish.  The Raw Black will tend to wear off exposing some of the rawness of the wedge and can be susceptible to rust.

    Cameron

    1-888-TITLEIST

  3. Q

    Q
    Atlanta, GA

    Just as a follow-up, I decided to go with new wedges over used. I realized that $60 per wedge isn't a big deal over the life of the wedge and that I should get something I'm happy with instead of half-assing it. I'm actually going for a TVD to get the 54.12K, and I'll be getting the 60.08M TVD to match, both in Black Ion.

    For those of you trying to decide between grinds, I cannot emphasize how important it is to actually hit them. I'm a good golfer with a great short game, but all the internet research in the world couldn't do what 5 minutes in the short game area at my local golf store did in helping me decide on grinds. Of course, I ended up hitting balls for more than 5 minutes, as should you guys, but if there's any part of you that is uncertain, just go and hit the wedges. There simply is no substitute.

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