It’s that time again in the wedge release cycle, and Titleist has unveiled the latest generation of Bob Vokey’s iconic Spin Milled wedges. I must admit, when we moved beyond the initial SM lineup, I anticipated Titleist might shift to a different naming convention – perhaps SMX or something similar. However, they’ve stayed the course with numerical progression, bringing us the SM11.
I recently travelled to the Titleist Performance Centre at Woburn for a comprehensive fitting session. After countless wedge fittings over the years, I’ve developed strong preferences for my setup. Previously, I favoured the S grind in my 60-degree, the full 14-bounce F grind in the 56-degree, a 50-degree bridging wedge, and the 46-degree Vokey pitching wedge for enhanced manoeuvrability around the greens.
My New SM11 Setup:
This fitting session prompted me to reconsider my gapping strategy. Modern irons feature progressively stronger lofts, which creates interesting challenges for wedge spacing. The SM11 lineup introduces a 44-degree option – essentially the equivalent of a traditional 9-iron – which addresses this perfectly.
My new configuration features five-degree gaps throughout:
- 60-degree lob wedge with 12-degree D grind
- 54-degree bent to 55 degrees with 14-bounce F grind
- 50-degree with 12-degree bounce, F grind
- 44-degree bent to 45 degrees with 10-degree bounce, F grind
This uniform spacing provides consistent distance control throughout my wedge range, eliminating those awkward in-between yardages.
The Technology Behind SM11
Progressive Centre of Gravity:
The most significant innovation in the SM11 represents a fundamental shift in wedge engineering. For the first time, Titleist has unified the centre of gravity placement across all grinds within a given loft. Previously, CG positions varied slightly depending on sole geometry and grind configuration. Now, regardless of which grind suits your swing, the CG sits at precisely the same location within each loft.
This breakthrough came from tour player feedback requesting lower, more controlled ball flights into greens. Kevin Tassistro, Titleist R&D’s Director of Wedge Development, explains: “With SM11, all the CGs within a loft are now at the same exact point. So when golfers get fit into the right grind – whichever grind that is – and they’re finding grooves two through five with their strike, the ball will meet the CG in the correct spot.”
The progressive CG positioning works as follows:
- Lower lofts (44-52 degrees): CG positioned lower and closer to face centre for smooth transition from irons and to eliminate excessive draw movement on full shots
- Mid lofts (54-56 degrees): Centralised CG placement
- Higher lofts (58-60 degrees): CG positioned higher and slightly heel-ward to produce flatter, more controlled trajectories on scoring shots
Advanced Groove Technology:
The SM11 features three distinct groove configurations optimised for different shot types:
Gap and Pitching Wedges (44-52 degrees): Narrower, deeper grooves engineered for full-swing performance. The design channels debris away from the impact area, maximising ball-to-face contact and spin generation on fuller shots.
Sand Wedges (54-56 degrees): A bridge design sitting between the other two configurations, offering versatility for both full shots and partial swings.
Lob Wedges (58-60 degrees): Wider, shallower grooves designed specifically for debris management around the greens. Since these wedges primarily handle partial shots and delicate touch shots, the groove geometry prioritises clearing grass, moisture, and sand from the impact zone.
The groove volume has increased by 5% compared to SM10, thanks to tighter manufacturing tolerances that allow Titleist to push closer to conforming limits. While this improvement might not be immediately noticeable during play, it contributes to more consistent spin performance across varying conditions.
Directional Face Texture:
A new directional face texture, angled towards the leading edge, increases friction and prolongs ball contact time. This innovation enhances spin on green-side shots whilst simultaneously protecting the score lines and maintaining groove edge consistency over time.
Heat-Treated Durability:
All SM11 wedges undergo high-frequency heat treatment applied directly to the impact area. This process doubles groove edge durability compared to untreated grooves, maintaining consistent spin performance for significantly more rounds. The treatment preserves the sharp groove edges that generate maximum spin without affecting the soft feel Vokey wedges are known for.
Sole Options and Versatility:
Where Vokey truly distinguishes itself is in sole design. Whilst grooves matter, I’ve always believed the sole of a wedge defines its versatility and playability far more than any other feature. The SM11 offers 27 distinct configurations across six proven grinds: F, S, M, D, K, and T.
My Grind Selections:
60-degree with 12-degree D grind: This represents a change from my previous 10-bounce S grind. The D grind provides additional bounce whilst offering enhanced versatility through heel and trailing edge relief. I’m still evaluating whether this suits my game better than the S grind, but the early signs are promising for shot variety around the greens.
54-degree (bent to 55) with 14-bounce F grind: The full sole remains my preferred option here. I play this wedge fairly straight-faced without excessive manipulation, and the full sole provides consistent turf interaction.
50-degree with 12-degree bounce, F grind: Again, full sole and straight-faced play. This wedge handles fuller shots where I want predictable contact without creative shot-making.
44-degree (bent to 45) with 10-degree bounce, F grind: The full sole continues through my gap wedge, maintaining consistency in how these three wedges interact with the turf on fuller swings.
Many accomplished players gravitate towards low-bounce options with extensive heel and toe relief in their lob wedges, seeking maximum versatility for creative short game shots. My approach tends towards simplicity, though the D grind in my 60-degree represents a slight departure from that philosophy.
Available Configurations:
The SM11 lineup includes several notable additions and refinements:
- New 44.10F pitching wedge option for stronger gapping needs
- .06K low-bounce lob wedge for players who prefer minimal ground interaction
- Refined K Grind bounce profiles (now 12 degrees instead of 14) for better alignment with player delivery patterns
- Complete matrix of 27 configurations spanning lofts from 44 to 60 degrees
Grind Options:
- F Grind: Full sole, traditional feel, suits square-to-closed face players
- S Grind: Versatile crescent-shaped sole with moderate heel and toe relief
- M Grind: High bounce with full sole width, excellent for softer conditions
- D Grind: Wide, full sole with heel relief for versatility
- K Grind: Wide sole with enhanced heel, toe and trailing edge relief
- T Grind: Narrower sole with maximum versatility for open-face players
Finish Options:
The SM11 comes in three finish options, with a fourth available through custom order:
- Tour Chrome: Classic polished finish that transitions seamlessly from most iron sets
- Jet Black: New for SM11, reduces glare whilst providing a distinctive appearance
- Nickel: Satin finish offering reduced glare with a softer look than chrome
- Raw: Available through custom order, develops unique patina over time
I’ve selected the Jet Black finish across all my wedges. I prefer visual differentiation between my irons and wedges, and the black finish accomplishes this beautifully whilst eliminating sun glare – particularly valuable on those rare sunny days we experience in England. The black finish also makes the club head appear slightly more compact at address, which I find confidence-inspiring.
On-Course Performance:
The SM11 maintains the classic Vokey profile that’s remained largely unchanged through recent generations. Shape-wise, these wedges are virtually identical to their predecessors, which shouldn’t surprise anyone – when something works this well, dramatic changes aren’t necessary.
The progressive CG positioning delivers on its promise of flatter, more controlled ball flights. This aligns perfectly with tour player preferences for penetrating trajectories that hold their line in wind whilst generating ample spin for stopping power.
Contact between grooves two and five produces the crisp feel and consistent results that define proper wedge play. The unified CG placement means my 55-degree performs predictably regardless of how I sole the club, and the same applies throughout the set.
The Upgrade Question:
Should you rush out to replace your SM9, SM10, or even SM8 wedges? The honest answer is probably not, unless your current wedges show significant groove wear. The improvements in SM11 are meaningful but evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Titleist has refined an already excellent design rather than reimagining what a wedge should be.
However, if your grooves are showing their age and spin performance has diminished, the SM11 represents an ideal opportunity to refresh your short game arsenal. The new groove technology, heat treatment for extended durability, and refined CG positioning make these wedges measurably better than previous generations – just not dramatically different in day-to-day play.
Final Verdict:
The Titleist Vokey SM11 wedges exemplify intelligent product development. Rather than chasing headlines with radical changes, Titleist identified specific areas for improvement based on tour player feedback and refined their proven formula accordingly.
The unified CG placement addresses a legitimate performance variable that previously existed between grinds. The progressive CG positioning delivers the flatter, more controlled ball flights better players prefer. Enhanced groove durability means these wedges maintain peak performance longer. Three distinct groove configurations optimise performance for different shot types.
Bob Vokey’s philosophy centres on three keys to great wedge play: contact, flight, and spin. The SM11 advances each of these fundamentals through thoughtful engineering rather than gimmickry.
For golfers seeking the most played wedges on professional tours worldwide, backed by the industry’s most comprehensive fitting system and proven performance across every condition, the Vokey SM11 delivers everything you’d expect. They’re not revolutionary – they’re simply the continued refinement of wedge design done right.
Article by Dan Hendriksen | Locker Room Gol