Vokey has released a new Black Vapor option for its SM10 wedges. The new finish is technically Titanium Carbide Vapor which is PVD with an FPP coating. Finer points aside, the new finish is durable and fingerprint-resistant because apparently that’s a thing people worry about now.
Actually, if I’m being honest,I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to half-ass my way through Photoshopping fingerprints off clubs for product shots, so maybe that fingerprint part probably matters to somebody.
Some of you might remember that Titanium Carbide Vapor was also used in Vokey’s SM9 Jet Black Premium option, although there was no mention of FPP with that one. At an absolute minimum, Black Vapor is very similar to Jet Black Premium, which is to say it’s not nearly similar enough to Slate Blue (The Best Finish™). Frankly, the increasing abundance of Vokey Not-Slate-Blue options is starting to feel spiteful at this point.
The full-package treatment
As with many other limited-edition offerings, Vokey Black Vapor wedges are much a full-package situation. The Titanium Carbide Vapor head comes paired with a Dynamic Gold Onyx shaft (black, naturally) and a black-and-silver Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord grip sporting those slick BV Wings.
It’s a cohesive look that screams “I take my short game seriously” or “I wish these were Slate Blue,” depending on your perspective.
Somewhat limited, maybe
While technically a limited-edition offering, Vokey Black Vapor wedges can be ordered across all 27 loft, bounce and grind combinations in the Vokey retail lineup for both right- and left-handed golfers.
For reference, that includes: 46.10F, 48.10F, 50.08F, 50.12F, 52.08F, 52.12F, 54.08M, 54.10S, 54.12D, 54.14F, 56.08M, 56.10S, 56.12D, 58.04T, 58.06K, 58.08M, 58.10S, 58.12D, 58.14K, 60.04T, 60.06K, 60.08M, 60.10S, 60.12D, 60.14K and 62.08M.
It’s extensive but not so extensive as to include a V Grind. Again, this feels spiteful.
For those seeking instant gratification, a selection of stock options will be available in right-hand only configurations: 48.10F, 50.08F, 52.08F, 54.10S, 54.12D, 56.08M, 56.10S, 56.12D, 58.08M, 58.10S, 58.12D, 60.08M, 60.10S and 60.12D.
Same performance, new look
Let’s be clear about one thing: these Black Vapor wedges offer the same performance as current SM10 wedges. We’re talking about a finish change, not a fundamental redesign. So you’re still getting those optimized progressive CG positions, TX9 grooves cut based on loft specifications and everything else SM10 has to offer.
Simply, the performance remains unchanged; it’s just wrapped in a package that’s somehow still not Slate Blue.
Make it yours (within reason)
Like most Vokey wedges, WedgeWorks Black Vapor wedges come with extensive personalization options.
- Eight unique toe engravings
- Multiple stamping options including 10-character straight/freestyle stamping, 15 characters around the toe and two lines of 10 characters each
- Custom paint fill for loft and grind markings plus the BV Wings logo
- A selection of shafts, grips, shaft bands and ferrules
The bottom line
Vokey Design SM10 Black Vapor wedges are available for pre-sale now and will hit golf shops beginning Thursday, July 24, while supplies last. Retail price is $225 per wedge, which is more than most, but is also the established going rate for any Vokey wedge outside the mainstream lineup.
It is what it is.
Ian
1 year ago
It also is what it isn’t…namely, Slate blue.