First Take: An Honest Review of the Vokey SM10 Black Vapor Wedges

Real golfers. Real reviews. MyGolfSpy “First Take” reviews are just that. Real golfers’ experience with the latest and greatest gear in the world. This review isn’t meant to be an ultra in-depth guide; that’s reserved for our world-class Most Wanted testing. We created “First Take” reviews as a way for the everyday golfer to share their first impressions, thoughts and experiences with a new club.

This review was written by MyGolfSpy Forum user TheBirdieMasterLOL

I recently picked up a set of the limited-edition Vokey SM10 Black Vapor wedges in 50°, 54°, and 58°, and I’ve got to say—they’re some of the best-looking wedges I’ve ever seen. If you’re into the blacked-out aesthetic, these are next-level.

Looks & Finish

What worked for me

The Black Vapor finish is darker than the standard Jet Black SM10s. It’s not really matte black, it has a subtle sheen that makes the wedges pop without being flashy. The black Vokey shafts are what really seal the deal for me. They match the heads perfectly and give the whole setup a clean, unified look.  

Even the grips (black-and-silver limited edition BV Golf Pride Z-Grip Cords) are slick. The silver paintfill accents on the back of the Black Vapor SM10 wedges tie in perfectly with the black-and-silver grips. I normally regrip everything to Golf Pride Tour wraps but these go with the overall wedge look so well that I’m actually considering leaving them on. The whole package feels very premium.

Durability

What worked for me

I’ve only had a few rounds with them, but durability seems solid so far. The finish is holding up well, though I’ve noticed some light scratching from bunker shots (which is pretty normal). According to Titleist, the Black Vapor finish uses a Titanium Carbide Vapor coating, which is supposed to be more durable and smudge-resistant than traditional black finishes. So far, that claim seems to hold up.

Performance

What worked for me

These are still SM10s underneath the finish, which means you’re getting all the tech and design that makes them one of the most played wedges on Tour.

Price

What worked for me

Now here’s the catch: the Black Vapor wedges retail for $225 per club, while the standard SM10s typically go for $190. That’s a $35 premium per wedge, and you’re not getting any performance upgrade; just the finish, shaft, grip, and label.

So let’s be honest: the only reason to buy the Black Vapor version is if you really love the blacked-out look. If you’re just chasing performance, the standard SM10s will give you the same results for less money. But if you’re like me and care about aesthetics, feel, and having cool-looking golf clubs, then the Black Vapor is worth considering. 

Conclusion

I’m loving these wedges so far. The finish is holding up very well, and the black-on-black setup looks incredible. Yes, they’re more expensive, but if you’re into gear that looks as good as it performs, they’re hard to beat.

That being said, I would only recommend them if you really care about how your wedges look. Otherwise, save the cash and grab the standard SM10s. Either way, you’re getting one of the best wedge designs in the game.