Hi Troy,

I added three SM5 wedges to my bag last year ... all in Chrome finish for the durability.  My understanding is that the chrome finish is the hardest and therefore most durable in terms of standing up to repeated use. 

However, with that being said, I do notice that the website (I believe that it is the Vokey website) indicates that the wedges should be considered for replacement every 60 - 70 rounds of golf (including practice).

One of my local club makers and now a Titleist Retailer is able to sharpen the grooves, but not to actually regroove the wedges.

Given all of this, and because I really like my wedges, I am thinking of updating my wedges again, same lofts, lie angles, and grinds (all SM5) but with the RAW BLACK Finish.  It is my understanding that the Raw Black will indeed "wear" off and rust more easily whereas the Chrome and Nickel finishes are rust resistant.   Personally, I like the look of the black wedges and am contemplating either new SM5 wedges or perhaps the TVD - M Grind wedges in my selected lofts, etc.

Regardless...I have played different club maker's irons over the years past, but I have always tried to have Vokey wedges in my bag! 

All the best in your deliberations and with your purchase Troy!

The Gold nickel is really snazzy. The grooves last a long time and work when there is a little wear on the face. Hopefully the wear mark is small, rather than all over the face!

Hi Troy, I've had 2 of the Raw Black SM5 wedges for a few months now (54* M grind bent to 53*, and a 58* L grind). I primarily use the 53* M grind for full approach shots, and greenside chipping/pitching. I play in Florida in soft conditions with a sandy base under the turf. Over time with regular play and practice, the 53* wedge has started to show wear on the sole and face, but no rust has developed on any portion of the head. However, I do make sure to clean the grooves and clubhead after each shot, or at least at the end of each round, and keep it dry. I use the 58* L grind for full approach shots, bunker shots, and open faced chip/lob shots. Using this wedge for bunker play has increased/accelerated the wear on the sole and face. As the black finish wears away over time, the worn areas will appear brighter and almost look like a shiny/raw finish, but have remained rust resistant for me (again probably due to consistent cleaning and care). I highly recommend the Raw Black finish for someone who has used raw/rusty, black PVD, or other dark finished wedges in the past. Let me know if you'd like any more info. -Tyler

Thanks for  your replies.  I still can't decide. :)   I currently have 3 of the original Spin Milled wedges ... for about 6 years now.  There is a little bit of minor rust now showing on the faces.  But I know some people actually prefer that, believing that the rust helps to 'grab' the ball, creating more spin.  

But I'm also still wondering ... I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the Tour Chrome and Gold Nickel, being true 'finishes' will protect the face and grooves more than the Raw Black ... thus keeping the grooves sharper and less worn, over time ... and thus being more durable.

I hit the Raw Black at a fitting though .... and kinda liked the look of them .. and also liked the look when actually hitting them ... the stark contrast of the black with the white ball at address. 

 

 

 

Hey Troy , I liked them all ... It was a hard decision. Ended up getting the black and I think if you take proper care of them, they won't rust too much. The sole of my 62 and 56 have no coating left and there is very little surface rust. When the sm6 comes out I'm going gold just to switch it up. Good luck!